Matthew 7:10

“Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?] Which is somewhat like a fish, especially an eel. Fish and bread are mentioned, because these were common food; (see <410641>Mark 6:41 8:6,7) (<432113>John 21:13) and particularly in Galilee, a fish country, where Christ now was, and from whence he had called his disciples, who were fishermen. In (<421112>Luke 11:12) it is added, “or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?” which is used, as the rest, to show the absurdity and inhumanity of such conduct; and that indeed nothing of this kind is to be found among men, unless it be among monsters in nature.”

“Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?--like it, indeed, but only to sting him.”

“Ask, and it shall be given you ... - There are here three different forms presented of seeking the things which we need from God - asking, ‘seeking, and knocking. The latter is taken from the act of knocking at a door for admittance. See Luke 13:25; Revelation 3:20. The phrases signify to seek with earnestness, diligence, and perseverance. The promise is, that what we seek shall be given us. It is of course implied that we seek with a proper spirit, with humility, sincerity, and perseverance. It is implied, also, that we ask the things which it may be consistent for God to give - that is, things which he has promised to give, and which would be best for us, and most for his own honor, 1 John…”