Bible Commentaries
Matthew 21

Verse 1

nigh unto Jerusalem

Matthew 21:1-9; Zechariah 9:9; Zechariah 14:4-9. The two advents are in striking contrast.

Verse 4

fulfilled

The king's final and official offer of Himself according to Zechariah 9:9. Acclaimed by an unthinking multitude whose real belief is expressed in Matthew 21:11; Matthew 21:11 but with no welcome from the official representatives of the nation, He was soon to hear the multitude shout: "Crucify him."

Verse 12

cast

See, Luke 19:45; Mark 11:15-18. Cf. John 2:13-25 which introduced, as this cleansing closed, the offer of Christ to Israel as King.

Verse 17

Bethany

See, John 11:1; John 11:2; Luke 10:39-42. Cf. ; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-35; John 12:1-8. With no other place is the human Christ so tenderly associated, while it also was the place of manifestation of His divine power. John 11:43; John 11:44.

Verse 19

fig tree

Lit. a solitary fig tree. Luke 13:6-9. The withered fig tree is a parabolic miracle concerning Israel. Luke 13:6-9. Cf., Matthew 24:32; Matthew 24:33 a prophecy that Israel shall again bud.

Verse 28

vineyard

See "vineyard," margin ref., Matthew 20:1 (See Scofield "Matthew 20:1- :")

Verse 29

repented

Cf., Luke 15:20; Luke 15:20 the other perfect illustration of repentance. (See Scofield "Luke 15:20- :") .

Verse 32

righteousness

(See Scofield " :-") .

Verse 42

Lord's

Jehovah. Psalms 118:23.

Verse 43

kingdom of God

Note that Matthew here as in Matthew 21:31 uses the larger word, kingdom of God: (Cf) (See Scofield "Matthew 21:31- :") .

The kingdom of heaven; (See Scofield "Matthew 21:31- :") . See Scofield "Matthew 21:31- :" will yet be set up. Meantime the kingdom of God and his righteousness is taken from Israel nationally and given to the Gentiles. Romans 9:30-33.

you

i.e. national Israel, the barren vine. Matthew 21:33-41 Isaiah 5:1-7.

Verse 44

stone shall be broken

Christ as the "Stone" is revealed in a threefold way:

(1) To Israel Christ, coming not as a splendid monarch but in the form of a servant, is a stumbling stone and rock of offence. Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 8:15; Romans 9:32; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 1:23; 1 Peter 2:8

(2) to the church, Christ is the foundation stone and the head of the corner 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:4; 1 Peter 2:5

(3) to the Gentile world-powers (see "Gentiles," Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:19 He is to be the smiting-stone of destruction Daniel 2:34. Israel stumbled over Christ; the church is built upon Christ; Gentile world- dominion will be broken by Christ.

See "Armageddon" Revelation 16:14; Revelation 19:19.

And whosoever

Or, Whosoever falls on this stone shall be crushed together i.e. the Jews Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:32; Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 1:23] but on whomsoever it may fall, he will be scattered as dust ( (Greek - ἀπόλλυμι ," i).e. the Gentile nations, Daniel 2:34; Daniel 2:35; Daniel 2:45 (See Scofield "Daniel 2:45- :") .