Matthew 12:11

“And he said unto them, etc.] Well knowing their intentions, and also their usages and customs, which he was able to produce and object to them; in which, through covetousness, they showed more regard to their beasts, than they did humanity to their fellow creatures: what man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? Christ appeals to them in a case which was usually done among them, and which, without delay, no man would scruple to do; though their present rule of direction, in such a case, is this f731: “if a beast fall into a ditch, or a pool of water, if food can be given it, where it is,…”

“And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?”

“The account contained in these verses is recorded also in Mark 3:1-5, and Luke 6:6-10. Matthew 12:10 A man which had his hand withered - This was probably one form of the palsy. See Barnes Mt 4:24. Mark and Luke have mentioned some circumstances omitted by Matthew. They say that Jesus addressed the man, and told him to stand forth in the midst. He then addressed the people. He asked them if it was lawful to do good on the Sabbath day? This was admitted by all their teachers, and it could not be denied. They were therefore silent. He then appealed to them, and drew an argument from their own conduct. A man that had a sheep that should fall into a pit on the Sabbath day would exercise the…”

“12:11-12 Their practice of rescuing animals but neglecting fellow humans was inconsistent.”

“what: This was an argumentum ad homineṁ The Jews held that such things were lawful on the sabbath day, and our Saviour very properly appealed to their canons in vindication of his intention to heal the distressed man. Luk 13:15-17, Luk 14:5 and if: Exo 23:4, Exo 23:5; Deu 22:4 Matthew 12:12”