Then the dog, which had been with them in the way, ran before, and coming as if he had brought the news, shewed his joy by his fawning and wagging his tail.

“The dog, &c. This may seem a very minute circumstance to be recorded in sacred history; but, as we learn from our Saviour, (St. Matthew v. 18) there are iotas and tittles in the word of God, that is to say, things that appear minute, but which have indeed a deep mysterious meaning in them. (Challoner) — (Ven. Bede; St. Jerome in Isaias lvi. 8.; St. Augustine, contra Faust. xxii. 56.; Worthington) — The other versions relate this event, ver. 4.”

“"With fawning." The dog rejoiced while it revisited the dwellings of its masters, long unseen. The teachers rejoice at the effect of their work, when they understand that Judea is to be gathered back again by the Lord. They rejoice at the reward of eternal life, and foretell to all that their hearts are to be gladdened by the same reward, and declare that the grace of the Holy Spirit is straightway to come.”