Luke 11:5-8 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And he said, &c. “Having, by a short form, taught his disciples that they were not in prayer to use a multiplicity of words, with vain repetitions; he proceeded to caution them, on the other hand, against coldness, indifference, and slackness in their supplications. The evil of this, and the necessity of asking affectionately, with importunity and perseverance, he taught them by a parable; in which he showed them, that importunity, that is, earnestness and frequency in asking, are the proper, natural expressions of strong desires, and, by consequence, that God very properly requires these things in men, before he bestows on them such favours as they stand in need of, just as he requires them to be earnestly desirous of these favours before he blesses them therewith.” Macknight. Which of you shall have a friend, &c. As if he had said, Who is there of you that has not observed the efficacy of importunate requests? If, for instance, he shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight The most unseasonable time imaginable for asking a favour; and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves Do me this favour on account of our mutual friendship; for a friend of mine One to whom I am particularly indebted; in his journey is come to me Having travelled so late and long, my friend is both weary and hungry; and I have nothing to set before him A case certainly very urgent. And he from within Being of a churlish disposition; shall answer and say, Trouble me not Do not disturb me thus at so late an hour; what you ask will put me to a great deal of trouble: the door is now shut And must have its locks and bolts opened, and my children are with me in bed Or as τα παιδια μου μετ ' εμου εις την κοιτην εισιν, may be rendered, my servants, together with me, are in bed. My servants are in bed as well as myself, and probably they are fast asleep, so that there is nobody at hand to give you what you want. I cannot rise and give thee You cannot expect that I will rise and give you the loaves. I say unto you, Though he will not rise, &c. This man, though he would not yield to the calls and influence of friendship, yet will he be prevailed upon by the force of importunity; because it shows both the greatness of the supplicant's distress, and the earnestness of his desire.