The miracle and its effect: V. 6. And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. V. 7. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. V. 8. And He saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. V. 9. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was, (but the servants which drew the water knew,) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom.
The number of the water-pots would be immaterial but for the fact that the evangelist wants to bring out the greatness of the miracle and the largess of Christ in providing such a rich present for the bridal couple.
The water-pots held twenty or thirty gallons each, for upon this occasion there was a great deal of water needed; each measure being equivalent to nine gallons, the combined capacity of the water-pots may well have been 120 gallons or more. The pots were standing there, they had their accustomed place near the door, after Oriental and Jewish custom, the guests either washing their feet themselves, or, if servants were present, having their feet washed upon entering, after their sandals were removed.
Jesus now went over to the entrance-hall and told the servants to fill the pots with water. Either the water had all been used for the guests, or Jesus wanted clean, fresh water, the water being specified in view of what was to follow.
Note: Jesus makes use of natural tools and vessels, does not command angels to bring wine from heaven. Christ wants to help and bless, but men should use the means which God has given them.
The servants were careful to obey the order of Jesus literally. They filled the jars to the very brim; no room was left for adding anything to the water.
Jesus then had the servants draw out some of the liquid contained in the jars, as a sample for the chief steward, caterer, or inn-keeper, the man that had charge of the physical needs of the guests in the line of eating and drinking. And here came the surprise. For when the chief steward tasted the wine in the vessel submitted for his approval, he supposed that the groom had sent him this sample of a fine wine which he had kept back as a surprise, for it was exceptionally good wine, Jer. 2, 21. Only the servants were in the secret, and they did not tell.