_CRITICAL NOTES_ We now enter upon the crowded and peculiarly solemn events of the great week of our Saviour’s career, His last week—the passion week (_Morison_). Matthew 21:1. JERUSALEM.—The Jerusalem of that day, with “its imperial mantle of proud towers,” was regarded as one of the wonders of th... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 21:12. CAST OUT.—Apparently a second cleansing of the temple. See John 2:15. THEM THAT SOLD AND BOUGHT IN THE TEMPLE.—The first person to introduce this sacrilegious custom was, according to the Talmud, one Babha Ben Buta, who brought three thousand sheep of the flocks of K... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 21:18. HE HUNGERED.—His hungering is pretty good evidence that He had not been staying in the house of Martha and Mary. Most likely He had been much with Himself and with His Father, wrapped up in meditation, rapt up in supplication (_Morison_). Matthew 21:19. A FIG TREE.—R... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 21:23. THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE ELDERS.—St. Mark and St. Luke add “the scribes,” thus including representatives of the three constituent elements of the Sanhedrin (_Plumptre_). BY WHAT AUTHORITY, ETC.—Their inquiry was hostile in its design; His opponents would oppress Him... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 21:33. A VINEYARD.—Was regarded as the most valuable plantation, which yielded the largest harvest, but required also the most constant labour and care (_Schaff_). A WINEPRESS.—The winepress was often dug or hewn out of the limestone rock in Palestine. There were two recepta... [ Continue Reading ]