Matthew 8:28 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And when he was come to the other side, &c. This history is related by Mark 5:1-4, &c.; and by Luke 8:26-27, more at large than here by Matthew: and they report it to be done in the country of the Gadarenes, who, it is evident, were the same people with those called here Gergesenes; Gadara and Gergesa being towns near each other, and the country between them taking its name indifferently from either place. There met him two possessed with devils St. Mark and St. Luke mention only one, who was probably the fiercer of the two, and the person who spoke to our Lord first. But this is no way inconsistent with the account which St. Matthew gives. The tombs Doubtless those malevolent spirits love such tokens of death and destruction. Tombs were usually in those days in desert places, at a distance from towns, and were often made in the sides of caves, in the rocks and mountains. No one could pass Safely. And behold, they cried out Namely, the devils, using the man's tongue, What have we to do with thee Why dost thou concern thyself about us? It is a Hebrew phrase, made use of when men wish not to be troubled with the company or importunity of others. Jesus, thou Son of God The devils knew him to be the Son of God, though the Jews would not believe that he was. Art thou come to torment us before the time Before the great day of judgment?