30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. (Matthew 8:30-31 KJV)
William Burkitt’s Commentary
Observe here, 1. A notable evidence of Satan’s limited power, that a whole legion of devils had not power to destroy one man, nor were able to hurt the meanest creatures without permission.
Observe, 2. The devil’s acknowledgement of their own impotency, and Christ’s power; their asking leave of Christ to go into the swine shews that they could not go of themselves.
Learn hence, 1. The restlessness of Satan’s malice; he will hurt the swine rather than not hurt at all.
2. That though Satan’s malice be infinite, yet his power is limited and bounded; as he cannot do all the mischief he would, so he shall not do all he can.