_CRITICAL NOTES_ The general heading of the chapter may be given as: JESUS JUDGING HIS CONTEMPORARIES AND HIMSELF (_A. B. Bruce, D.D_.). Hitherto almost everything has been hopeful and encouraging in our Evangelist’s record of the Saviour’s ministry. But the path of the King is not to be a triumpha... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 11:7. AND AS THEY DEPARTED, etc.—Dr. Plumptre holding that the Baptist himself was really in doubt, and sent his disciples to Christ for his own satisfaction, remarks on this verse: “There was an obvious risk that those who heard the question of the Baptist, and our Lord’s... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 11:19. WISDOM.—God regarded as the All-Wise. JUSTIFIED.—Acquitted of folly. CHILDREN.—The Divinely wise. The spiritual recognise the wisdom of God both in the austerity of John and in the loving mercy of Jesus (_Carr_). But see R.V. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Matt... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 11:21. SACKCLOTH AND ASHES.—In the East, it was common for mourners to put on a black garment which resembled a sack, with holes for the arms, and to strew ashes upon the head. The symbol of mourning and of repentance (_Lange_). Matthew 11:23. HELL.—_Hades_ (R.V.), denotes... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Matthew 11:25. ANSWERED AND SAID.—A Hebraism for “spake and said” (_Carr_). But Dr. Monro Gibson observes: “As we read, first of the doubts of John, then of the thoughtlessness of the multitudes, and then of the impenitence of the favoured cities by the lake, is there not a questio... [ Continue Reading ]