And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham - that is, not after the flesh, or a Jewess, which would be a poor view of His meaning; but in spirit (compare Luke 19:9, and 1 Peter 3:6).
Whom Satan hath bound. Probably there is nothing more intended by this expression than a strong contrast between the exalted character of the woman, and the suffering of which the dark author of all evil had so long made her the victim.
Lo, these eighteen years. The "behold" here calling attention to the long duration of her malady is not to be overlooked; attesting, as it does, the lively sensibility to human suffering of our great High Priest.
Be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? How gloriously the Lord vindicates the superior claims of this woman, in consideration of the sadness and long duration of her suffering, and of her dignity notwithstanding, as an heir of the promise!