“Et factum est iterum cum Dominus sabbatis ambularet per sata, et discipuli ejus cœperunt progredi, et vellere spicas.”
“And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went , to pluck the ears of corn.”
“One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along.”
“He was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain.”
“And it came to pass, that he was going on the sabbath day through the grainfields; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears.”
Observe, 1. What a poor breakfast Christ's disciples had on a sabbath-day morning, when they were going to church (v. 23); they plucked the ears of corn, and that was the best they had. They were so intent upon spiritual dainties, that they forgot even their necessary food; and the word of Christ was to them instead of that; and their zeal for it even ate them up. The Jews made it a piece of religion, to eat dainty food on sabbath days, but the disciples were content with any thing.
Verses 23-28 The sabbath is a sacred and Divine institution; a privilege and benefit, not a task and drudgery. God never designed it to be a burden to us, therefore we must not make it so to ourselves. The sabbath was instituted for the good of mankind, as living in society, having many wants and troubles, preparing for a state of happiness or misery. Man was not made for the sabbath, as if his keeping it could be of service to God, nor was he commanded to keep it outward observances to his real hurt. Every observance respecting it, is to be interpreted by the rule of mercy.