Mark 5:12
And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Ancient understanding recognized demons sought embodiment. Jewish tradition held that disembodied demons wandered seeking rest (Matthew 12:43-45). Pigs, being unclean animals in Jewish thought, might be 'appropriate' demonic habitation from demons' perspective. Jesus' permission demonstrates sovereign control—He determines evil's boundaries. The visible, public exorcism provided undeniable evidence of liberation. Ancient worldviews—Jewish and pagan—would understand this transaction. Early church recognized Jesus' absolute authority over demons, including permitting temporary activity for greater redemptive purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' permission demonstrate that even evil serves God's ultimate purposes within sovereign boundaries?
- What does demons' need to request permission teach about God's control over evil's limits?
- How can you trust God's sovereignty even when He permits evil's temporary expression?
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Analysis & Commentary
All the demons 'besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.' The demons couldn't act without permission—showing their subjection to Christ. They preferred pig possession to disembodiment, revealing spiritual desperation. The request 'Send us' (Πέμψον ἡμᾶς) shows they needed authorization. Why did Jesus grant this?
Jesus permitted evil's temporary expression to accomplish greater good—the man's liberation and public testimony.