Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 6
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Luke 6
Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary
Luke 6
"Now it came to pass on a sabbath, that he was going through the grainfields; and his disciples plucked the ears, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands." — Luke 6:1 (ASV)
Luke centers attention on the disciples (v.1), though in accordance with custom their teacher was held responsible. To glean by hand in someone’s field was permitted by law . But to do this and to rub the heads of grain was considered to be threshing. Jewish tradition forbad threshing on the Sabbath.
"But certain of the Pharisees said, Why do ye that which it is not lawful to do on the sabbath day?" — Luke 6:2 (ASV)
Luke centers attention on the disciples (v.1), though in accordance with custom their teacher was held responsible. To glean by hand in someone’s field was permitted by law . But to do this and to rub the heads of grain was considered to be threshing. Jewish tradition forbad threshing on the Sabbath.
"And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read even this, what David did, when he was hungry, he, and they that were with him;" — Luke 6:3 (ASV)
Jesus’ response (v.3) centers in an analogy from Scripture (1 Samuel 21:1–6). He calls to mind an instance in which the infringement of a rule to meet human need received no condemnation. Note too that the Scriptural analogy and the present incident involve a Davidic figure and his companions. The point is that ceremonial rites must give way to a higher moral law.
"how he entered into the house of God, and took and ate the showbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat save for the priests alone?" — Luke 6:4 (ASV)
Jesus’ response (v.3) centers in an analogy from Scripture (1 Samuel 21:1–6). He calls to mind an instance in which the infringement of a rule to meet human need received no condemnation. Note too that the Scriptural analogy and the present incident involve a Davidic figure and his companions. The point is that ceremonial rites must give way to a higher moral law.
"And he said unto them, The Son of man is lord of the sabbath." — Luke 6:5 (ASV)
Following this analogy, on which the Pharisees offer no comment, Jesus lays claim to unique authority and takes the argument of vv.3–4 a step further (see comment on Mk 2:27–28).
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