And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spoke: and the multitudes marveled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.
the dumb.
Matthew 15:30,31 And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them: …
Exodus 4:11,12 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? …
Isaiah 35:6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
It.
2 Kings 5:8 And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.
Psalm 76:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
Jeremiah 32:20 Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day, and in Israel, and among other men; and hast made thee a name, as at this day;
the man began to speak
The restoration of speech to the mute man signifies a miraculous healing, emphasizing Jesus' compassion and power. In biblical symbolism, speech represents communication and relationship, both with God and others. This miracle not only restores the man's physical ability but also his social and spiritual connections. It serves as a type of spiritual awakening, where Jesus brings clarity and voice to those silenced by sin and oppression.
The crowds were amazed
The reaction of the crowds reflects the impact of Jesus' miracles on the public. Their amazement indicates a recognition of something extraordinary, challenging their understanding of religious and spiritual norms. This response is consistent with other instances in the Gospels where Jesus' works provoke wonder and curiosity, often leading to deeper questions about His identity and mission.
and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”
This statement underscores the unprecedented nature of Jesus' ministry. While Israel had a history of prophets and miracles, the scale and authority of Jesus' works were unparalleled. This phrase can be seen as a fulfillment of the messianic expectations found in scriptures like Isaiah 35:5-6, which speak of the coming age of salvation marked by miraculous healings. It also highlights the growing recognition of Jesus as a figure who transcends traditional expectations, pointing to His divine nature and the inauguration of a new covenant.
Jesus has just confronted evil head-on.
• Earlier miracles in Matthew (8:16; 9:32) show He speaks and demons obey—underscoring His absolute authority (Mark 1:34).
• The expulsion happens instantly; there is no contest of power. Luke 11:20 records Jesus saying, “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” His act here visibly announces that kingdom.
• Every deliverance fulfills prophecies such as Isaiah 61:1, where Messiah is anointed “to proclaim liberty to the captives.”
The physical healing follows the spiritual deliverance.
• Matthew 12:22 shows the same pattern—demon expelled, mute man speaks. Salvation often brings both spiritual and practical change (Psalm 103:2-3).
• Isaiah 35:5 foretold, “Then the eyes of the blind will be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.” Jesus is doing exactly that, proving He is the promised Messiah.
• The man’s first words testify silently that Christ restores what sin and Satan steal (John 10:10).
Wonder is the natural response when God moves.
• Repeated in Matthew 15:31: “The crowd marveled… and they glorified the God of Israel.” Genuine awe turns hearts toward worship, not mere spectacle.
• Acts 3:10 echoes this reaction at another healing: “They were filled with wonder and amazement.” Miracles are signs pointing to the Savior’s identity (John 20:30-31).
• Their amazement highlights that unbelief is no obstacle for God; He still reveals Himself (Psalm 118:23).
The people sense they are witnessing something unprecedented.
• Israel’s history includes mighty works—Red Sea crossing (Exodus 14), manna (Exodus 16), fire on Carmel (1 Kings 18). Yet here God is walking among them, personally overturning demonic tyranny.
• The statement underlines the uniqueness of Jesus’ ministry (John 7:46: “Never has anyone spoken like this man!”).
• It anticipates the greater marvel of Calvary and the empty tomb, events truly never seen before or since (Romans 1:4).
Matthew 9:33 records more than a miracle; it showcases the King’s authority, compassion, and fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus expels the demon, restores speech, awakens astonishment, and leaves Israel confessing His unparalleled power. The verse invites every reader to recognize the Messiah who conquers evil, heals brokenness, and still prompts hearts to marvel today.
(33) The verse is obviously intended to stand in contrast with that which follows. The "multitude" gave free expression to their natural wonder, which, though it did not actually amount to faith, was yet one step towards it. The Pharisees stood aloof, not denying the facts, but having their own solution of them.Verse 33. - And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. In Matthew 12:23 they have advanced a stage further, and suggest that Jesus is Messiah (" the Son of David;" cf. supra, ver. 27).