Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 8:30-31

"Now there was afar off from them a herd of many swine feeding. And the demons besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, send us away into the herd of swine." — Matthew 8:30-31 (ASV)

Jews had no right to be feeding herds of swine, for they were unclean to them. The devils began to tremble before Jesus had said a word, “saying, If you cast us out.” They cannot bear to go to their own place and so beg to go into pigs. Devils would sooner dwell inside swine than be in the presence of Jesus. If they cannot do mischief to men, they would sooner destroy pigs than be without doing mischief.

Devils cannot, however, even afflict hogs without permission from Christ. Think of these devils in their pride beseeching Jesus and beseeching Him for so small a favor as to be allowed to enter into a herd of swine. Truly the Son of God is King! The whines of a legion of devils acknowledge His sovereignty.