MARK 8:1-9

MARK 8:1-9

MARK 8:1-9 - The Kinds of Baskets. It has been often pointed out that in the original Greek text two different kinds of baskets are indicated in these two accounts. In chapter six, after feeding the five thousand, there were twelve hand-basketsful left over—such as folk carried with them when traveling on foot. In the second instance, there were seven hampersful left over. These were large baskets such as were often used for carrying fish or transporting other goods. 

  Scripture Numbers. The number twelve is generally used in Scripture for administrative completeness, whereas seven is the number of mystical or spiritual perfection. The twelve baskets signified the abundant provision that will be enjoyed under Messiah’s reign. The seven hampers tell us of the perfection of spiritual blessing when we learn that not by bread only do we live, “but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). 

One of Jehovah’s names of old was El Shaddai—the God All-sufficient. Our Lord was manifesting Himself as the incarnate God, abundantly able to meet every need when He fed the multitudes who, on these two occasions, flocked to hear Him preach the gospel of the kingdom. His supplies are unlimited. What we need is faith to count upon the riches of His mercy and to draw from His abundant store. The bread He gave pictured Himself as the Bread of God come down from heaven, which if a man eat thereof he shall live forever (John 6:33).