Matthew 3:5

Thursday, 29 August 2024

 

Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him Matthew 3:5

 

“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the surrounding of the Jordan” (CG).

 

The previous verse noted John the Baptist’s attire and his food. Despite what would seem a person who was completely out of touch with reality in today’s world, the people of Israel realized they were dealing with a great man of God. Therefore, it next says, “Then went out to him Jerusalem.”

 

In this case, it is referring to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It is making a point that the people of the capitol city, despite having all of the religious leaders in that area, were spiritually hungry and wanted to know what God was doing through John. It was evident to them that his message carried the weight and authority of the Lord, just as with the Old Testament prophets. Next, the list mentions, “and all Judea.”

 

It is the general area where the Jews lived. Samaria is not included in this list because it was not a place where the Jewish people greatly inhabited, although there was a Jewish presence. In fact, in John 4, this division of the Jews and the Samaritans is particularly highlighted.

 

The words here include another comparative that is not to be taken literally. The word “all” does not literally mean “all.” It refers to the overall scope of the area. People from all over Judea came to hear John the Baptist. This will be evident from other verses in the gospels concerning the thoughts being presented by Matthew now. Along with Jerusalem and Judea, it next says, “and all the surrounding of the Jordan.”

 

The adjective perichóros is used. It is derived from peri which means about, around, or concerning (as in concerning a matter), and chóra, a country, district, region, and so forth. Thus, it signifies that which is around a region. Being an adjective, “surrounding” gives the proper sense.

 

This would be Jewish inhabitants living along the Jordan, such as in the area of Galilee and so forth. It would include people living on both sides of the Jordan as well. A good summary of these words is found later in Matthew 4:25 –

 

“Great multitudes followed Him—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.”

 

Life application: As was stated in Matthew 1:19, there are words that must be considered carefully and in line with other uses of the word in the Bible as well as the greater context of the Bible. Not every “every” means “every” and not all “all’s” mean all.

 

This does not mean, as some might then claim, that the Bible has errors. Rather, it means that the Bible uses the common terminology of the day to make a point. If someone were having a political rally in Washington, DC, depending on the size of the crowd that came, it would be common to hear it said, “It was amazing! All of DC came to hear him speak.”

 

The fact is that not all of DC came to hear him speak. Those opposed to his message would not come. Those at work would not come. Those in the hospital would not come. And so forth. An example of this is that in the next verse (Matthew 3:6), it will be noted that all of these people who came to John were baptized by him. However, in Luke 7, it says –

 

“And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.” Luke 7:29, 30

 

As is evident, not everyone was baptized by John the Baptist. Remember to have care when considering the words of Scripture. Think about what is being conveyed and understand that human terminology, including cultural expressions which may include exaggerations for effect, are employed at times to make a point or to note a superlative.

 

Remembering these things will help you to avoid confusion in what you are reading.

 

Lord God, thank You for Your word which gives us so much information relative to our own lives. We can see that the people recorded in the Bible are like us today. We are all living out our lives in Your presence and we all need to learn the lessons of Scripture to determine how to live properly in Your eyes. May we use this wonderful blueprint to do just that. Thank You for Your precious word that leads us to Jesus, the perfect example of what is right and good. Amen.