Luke 11:17-20 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation… How concisely and forcibly does He express His argument! It is impossible to exhibit it in a rare striking manner. But, though it cannot be improved, it may, however, be otherwise stated. Thus, it presupposes absolute impossibilities in the character of Satan: 1. In the motives which influence him. For he is supposed, first, to wish to extend his power, and then to undermine it. 2. In the means which he employs, which are thereby calculated for accomplishing opposite purposes. 3. In the objects which he has in view, which presuppose a desire to do good and to do evil at the same time. These contradictions are happily expressed by our Saviour when He represents Satan casting out Satan, and divided against himself: in other words, as possessing two opposite characters, or forming two persons with contrary qualities. (J. Thomson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. |
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