John Gill's Exposition on Matthew 6:17

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

But thou, when thou fastest, etc.] Christ allows of fasting, but what is of a quite different kind from that of the Jews; which lay not in an outward abstinence from food, and other conveniences of life, and refreshments of nature; but in an abstinence from sin, in acknowledgment and confession of it; and in the exercise of faith and hope in God, as a God pardoning iniquity, transgression and sin; wherefore cheerfulness, and a free use of the creatures, without an abuse of them, best became such persons. Anoint thine head, and wash thy face; directly contrary to the Jewish canons, which forbid these things, with others, on fast days: “On the day of atonement, (say f423 they,) a man is forbidden eating and drinking, hkysbwhxyjrbw “and washing and anointing”, and putting on of shoes, and the use of the bed.” And the same were forbidden on other fasts: in anointings, the head was anointed first, and this rule and reason are given for it: “he that would anoint his whole body, hlyjt wçar Æs, “let him anoint his head first”, because it is king over all its members f424.” Anointing and washing were signs of cheerfulness and joy; (see <080303>Ruth 3:3 <101220>2 Samuel 12:20).

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