Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 4:2

"And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he afterward hungered." — Matthew 4:2 (ASV)

The parallels with historic Israel continue. Jesus’ fast of forty days and nights reflected Israel’s forty-year wandering . Both Israel’s and Jesus’ hunger taught a lesson ; both spent time in the desert preparatory to their respective tasks. For both, God intended to prove their obedience and loyalty in preparation for their appointed work. The one “son” failed but pointed to the “Son” who would never fail (cf. comment on 2:15).