Instantly the man received the perfect use of his faculties ; and, though enjoined silence, became an active instrument of spreading his Benefactor's praise.]
Mysterious — [Our Lord was pleased to put his finger into the man's ears, and to touch his tongue with his finger, which he had previously moistened with his own spittle f. What was the precise intention of these means we cannot determine. Cer- tain it is, that they had no necessary connexion with the resto- ration of the man's faculties : but they are not without their use as they respect us. They shew that there are no means, how weak soever in themselves, and inadequate to the end proposed, which he may not make use of for his own glory, and that it becomes us to submit to any means whereby he may be pleased to convey his benefits.]
But, besides more minute considerations, there are others which arise from a more general view of the miracle : II. The improvement we should make of it —
All the miracles were intended to confirm the doctrine delivered by our Lord — We may very properly therefore consider this as,
1. A proof of his mission —
[It had long been foretold that the Messiah should work miracles. The restoring of men to the use of their faculties was among the number of the works which were to be per- formed by himg. Here then the prophecy received a literal accomplishment ; nor could prejudice itself find any just reason for questioning any longer our Lord's Messiahship. We indeed enjoy such abundant light and evidence that we need not the support of any single miracle : but, as all the miracles collec- tively, so should each individually, assure us beyond a doubt, that Jesus is the Christ.]
f The Author here follows the sense given to this passage by com- mentators : but he apprehends there was far more intended than is generally supposed. Our Lord, tfiaXe tovq cjciktvXovc civtov tic ra <ira (a very strong expression ; and a very significant act !) ko.1 Trrvaaq, spitting on the ground, ijxparo. It is not said, that he whet his finger with his spittle, but only that he spat. Now he is very averse to fanciful interpretations : but he would suggest, that possibly our Lord might intend to intimate, that the ears must be opened by the conveyance of instruction, and the tongue be loosened by the casting aivay of the evil that is within us. He. mentions this, however, with great diffidence.
s Isai. xxxv. 5, 0.