Matthew 12:43

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, etc.] By “the unclean” spirit, is meant Satan, the old serpent, the devil; who by the Jews, is wont to be called as here, abasm jwr, “the unclean spirit” f771; and that, because he is by sin become so, though he was not so originally; is the cause of uncleanness in men, and delights in unclean persons, places, and things: his “going out of a man”, is not to be understood of his being dispossessed of the bodies of men; nor of the ejection of him, and his going by force, through the power of divine grace, out of the souls of men; but either of his leaving the Jews for a while, in some sort, whilst Christ and the Gospel continued among them; and of…”

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, &c.--On this important parable, in connection with the corresponding one (Mat 12:29) see on Luk 11:21-26. A charming little incident, given only in Luk 11:27-28, seems to have its proper place here. Luk 11:27 : And it came to pass, as He spake these things, a certain woman of the company--out of the crowd. lifted up her voice and said unto Him, Blessed is the womb that bare Thee, and the paps which Thou hast sucked--With true womanly feeling she envies the mother of such a wonderful Teacher. And a higher and better than she had said as much before her (see on Luk 1:28). How does our Lord, then, treat it? He is far from condemning it. He only…”

“When the unclean spirit ... - The “general sentiment” which our Saviour here teaches is much more easily understood than the illustration which he uses. The Jews had asked a sign from heaven that should decisively prove that he was the Messiah, and satisfy their unbelief. He replies that, though he should give them such a sign a proof conclusive and satisfactory, and though for a time they should profess to believe and apparently reform, yet such was the obstinacy of their unbelief and wickedness, that they would soon return to their former course. and become worse and worse. Infidelity and wickedness, like an evil spirit in a possessed man, were appropriately at “home” in them. If driven…”

“But how dreadful will be the consequence of their rejecting me? When the unclean spirit goeth out - Not willingly, but being compelled by one that is stronger than he. He walketh - Wanders up and down; through dry places - Barren, dreary, desolate; or places not yet watered with the Gospel: Seeking rest, and findeth none - How can he, while he carries with him his own hell? And is it not the case of his children too? Reader, is it thy case? Luk 11:24. Matthew 12:44”

“12:43-45 The Messiah came in victory over demonic powers, but instead of repenting, the nation as a whole rejected the Messiah. Just as an exorcised demon will return if the house is not properly prepared against it, so judgment would come to this evil generation for rejecting the Messiah. 12:43 Demons were thought to prefer the arid desert (see Rev 18:2; cp. Isa 13:21; 34:14).”

“when: Had there been no reality in demoniacal possessions, as some have supposed, our Lord would scarcely have appealed to a case of this kind here, to point out the real state of the Jewish people, and their approaching desolation. Had this been only a vulgar error, of the nonsense of which the learned scribes and wise Pharisees must have been convinced, the case, not being in point, because not true, must have been treated with contempt by the very people for whose conviction it was designed. the unclean: Luk 11:24; Act 8:13 he: Job 1:7, Job 2:2; Pe1 5:8 dry: Psa 63:1; Isa 35:6, Isa 35:7, Isa 41:18; Eze 47:8-12; Amo 8:11-13 seeking: Mat 8:29; Mar 5:7-13; Luk 8:28-32 Matthew 12:44”