Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 15:22

"And behold, a Canaanitish woman came out from those borders, and cried, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a demon." — Matthew 15:22 (ASV)

A woman of Canaan — In the earlier books of the Old Testament, the terms "Canaanite" and "Canaan" were often applied broadly to all the original inhabitants of what later became the land of Israel (Genesis 10:18; Genesis 12:6; Judges 1:10). However, the terms were also used more specifically for Phoenicia and its inhabitants (Exodus 3:8; Exodus 3:17; Ezra 9:1, and elsewhere), and they are used here with that specific meaning. St. Mark describes her more definitely as a Greek (meaning a Gentile, as the name “Greek” had gained a wider meaning, much as “Frank” has in more recent times) and a Syro-Phoenician by nation.

Came out of the same coasts — A better translation is: of those regions, coming forth (that is, from some house or village), she cried out.

O Lord, you Son of David — These words show that the fame of the Prophet of Nazareth had traveled beyond the borders of Galilee, and that He was known to the people of the Tyre and Sidon district by the most popular of Messianic names. This would be natural even if we assume the news had reached her only through popular rumors. However, Luke 6:17 suggests a more direct source of her knowledge. Among the multitude that listened to the Sermon on the Plain were people from the sea-coast of Tyre and Sidon who had brought those who were vexed with unclean spirits. It is likely, then, that the mother of the demon-possessed daughter had cherished for months the hope that one day the great Deliverer would come within her reach. Now, beyond all expectation, He had crossed the border of Israel, and she saw Him in her own country. St. Mark adds, significantly, that Jesus would have no man know of His presence, but He could not be hid (Mark 7:24). The scene, as described by St. Mark, took place in the house where He had retired to avoid notice.