Matthew 12:45

“Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits, etc.] This is said in allusion to, and in imitation of the seven spirits before the throne; or may denote a large number of devils, seven being a number of perfection; or else the various corruptions of a man’s heart, the swarms of internal lusts which are there stirred up by Satan; more wicked than himself, as these are more pernicious to man, than the devil himself: and they enter in and dwell there; that is, though they were there before, now they exert and show themselves, and such men appear to be under the power and government of them; when leaving their seeming religion and holiness, they return like the dog to the vomit, and…”

“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…”

“Seven other spirits - That is, a great many; a certain number being put for an uncertain: More wicked than himself - Whence it appears, that there are degrees of wickedness among the devils themselves: They enter in and dwell - For ever in him who is forsaken of God. So shall it be to this wicked generation - Yea, and to apostates in all ages. Matthew 12:46”

“seven: Mat 12:24; Mar 5:9, Mar 16:9; Eph 6:12 more: Mat 23:15 and the: Luk 11:26; Heb 6:4-8, Heb 10:26-31, Heb 10:39; Pe2 2:14-22; Jo1 5:16, Jo1 5:17; Jde 1:10-13 Even: And so it was; for they became worse and worse, as if totally abandoned to diabolical influence, till the besom of destruction swept them away. Mat 21:38-44, Mat 23:32-39, Mat 23:24, Mat 23:34; Luk 11:49-51, Luk 19:41-44; Joh 15:22-24; Rom 11:8-10; Th1 2:15, Th1 2:16 Matthew 12:46”