Albert Barnes Commentary Mark 3:7-8

"And Jesus with his disciples withdrew to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and from Judaea, and from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and beyond the Jordan, and about Tyre and Sidon, a great multitude, hearing what great things he did, came unto him." — Mark 3:7-8 (ASV)

To the sea. The Sea of Galilee. Or, it refers to the desert and lonely regions that surrounded the sea, where he might be in obscurity and avoid their designs against his life. His time had not yet come, and he prudently took care of his life, thus showing that we should not needlessly throw ourselves into danger.

Galilee. See Matthew 2:22.

Judea. See Matthew 2:1.

Jerusalem. Jerusalem was in Judaea. It is mentioned particularly to show that not only the people of the surrounding country came, but also many from the capital, the place of wealth, and honour, and power.

Idumaea. This was the country formerly inhabited by the Edomites; in the time of the Saviour, it was the most southern part of the land of Canaan. The word Idumaea is a Greek word, derived from the Hebrew Edom. It signifies the land of Edom, a name given to Esau, one of the sons of Isaac (Genesis 25:30).

The name Edom signifies red and was given to Esau because he asked Jacob for red pottage as the price of his birthright. He settled in Mount Seir (Deuteronomy 2:6), on the south of the land of Canaan, and the country of Idumaea was bounded by Palestine on the north.

During the Babylonian captivity, the Edomites spread into the country of Judaea and occupied a considerable part of the south of Palestine. They had, however, submitted to the rite of circumcision and were incorporated with the Jews. From them sprang Herod the Great.

From beyond Jordan. This refers to the east coast of the river Jordan. The sacred writers lived on the west side of Jordan; and by the country beyond Jordan, they meant the country on the east side.

Tyre and Sidon. See the notes on Matthew 11:21.