More evil than the Gnostics, "intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind," (Colossians 2:18) And idolaters, "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." (Romans 1:22),
The Lord knew what He was doing just as He did when He asked the downcast bewildered disciples on the road to Damascus, "what things" that they were sad about. (LK. 24:15-19)
The Lord tested her faith and set her as an example to the Jewish disciples present. The Lord fully intended to help as He did to all who came to Him out of poor and contrite heart. And while the term "dog" seemed to be a put down (and perhaps denoted little puppies), the Lord called Jews "evil" (Mt. 7:11) and Jacob himself was called a "worm" by God: "Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 41:14)
Likewise the Lord of the nation of worms would help this women, and it was by no means the Lord who was schooled but the disciples that were present who would have been very insulted by such an insult. The use of "dog" served to remind her and confirm to the Jews that she was one who have no covenantal right to expect God would grant her ahead of His chosen people. She was basically like an immigrant who did not have the rights of a civilian. Yet this women did not even flinch, but exampled the kind of humble yet determined faith that, like the wrestler Jacob, was determined to obtain her favor of the Lord. And which the disciples needed, as well as us.
And it also exampled that those who were outside the Abrahamic covenant by blood, also had access to Christ an could become fellow citizen with Jews in the kingdom of God. Which would be realized under the New Covenant. And like him, the Lord fully intended to help this women, who has not at all offended due to some pride, but
He knew (and knows) all things, and He knew her, just as He knew (and knows) others. In the Gospels Jesus often says and does similar things, such as when he asks the disciples how to feed the multitude, all the while knowing what He was going to do:
“When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.” (John 6:5-6)
+1
interesting observations on the text! thanks.