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Luke 19:41
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And wept over it - See Mat 23:37.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when beheld . . . wept--Compare Lam 3:51, "Mine eye affecteth mine heart"; the heart again affecting the eye. Under this sympathetic law of the relation of mind and body, Jesus, in His beautiful, tender humanity, was constituted even as we. What a contrast to the immediately preceding profound joy! He yielded Himself alike freely to both. (See on Mat 23:37.)
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the days shall come upon thee,.... Suddenly, and very quickly, as they did within forty years after this: that thine enemies; the Romans, and such the Jews took them to be, and might easily understand who our Lord meant: shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side: which was not only verified in the Roman armies closely besieging them; but particularly in this, as Josephus relates (t) that Titus built a wall about the city, of thirty nine furlongs long, and thirteen forts in it which reached ten furlongs, and all done in three days time; by which means they were pent up, starved, and famished, and reduced to inexpressible distress. (t) De Bello Jud. l. 6. c. 8.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The great Ambassador from heaven is here making his public entry into Jerusalem, not to be respected there, but to be rejected; he knew what a nest of vipers he was throwing himself into, and yet see here two instances of his love to that place and his concern for it. I. The tears he shed for the approaching ruin of the city (Luk 19:41): When he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it. Probably, it was when he was coming down the descent of the hill from the mount of Olives, where he had a full view of the city, the large extent of it, and the many stately structures in it, and his eye affected his heart, and his heart his eye again. See here, 1. What a tender spirit Christ was of; we never read that he laughed, but we often find him in tears. In this very place his father David wept, and those that were with him, though he and they were men of war. There are cases in which it is no disparagement to the stoutest of men to melt into tears. 2. That Jesus Christ wept in the midst of his triumphs, wept when all about him were rejoicing, to show how little he was elevated with the applause and acclamation of the people. Thus he would teach us to rejoice with trembling, and as though we rejoiced not. If Providence do not stain the beauty of our triumphs, we may ourselves see cause to sully it with our sorrows. 3. That he wept over Jerusalem. Note, There are cities to be wept over, and none to be more lamented than Jerusalem, that had been the holy city, and the joy of the whole earth, if it be degenerated. But why did Christ weep at the sight of Jerusalem? Was it because "Yonder is the city in which I must be betrayed and bound, scourged and spit upon, condemned and crucified?" No, he himself gives us the reason of his tears. (1.) Jerusalem has not improved the day of her opportunities. He wept, and said, If thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, if thou wouldst but yet know, while the gospel is preached to thee, and salvation offered thee by it; if thou wouldest at length bethink thyself, and understand the things that belong to thy peace, the making of thy peace with God, and the securing of thine own spiritual and eternal welfare - but thou dost not know the day of thy visitation, Luk 19:44. The manner of speaking is abrupt: If thou hadst known! O that thou hadst, so some take it; like that O that my people had hearkened unto me, Psa 81:13; Isa 48:18. Or, If thou hadst known, well; like that of the fig-tree, Luk 13:9. How happy had it been for thee! Or, "If thou hadst known, thou wouldest have wept for thyself, and I should have no occasion to weep for thee, but should have rejoiced rather." What he says lays all the blame of Jerusalem's impending ruin upon herself. Note, [1.] There are things which belong to our peace, which we are all concerned to know and understand; the way how peace is made, the offers made of peace, the terms on which we may have the benefit of peace. The things that belong to our peace are those things that relate to our present and future welfare; these we must know with application. [2.] There is a time of visitation when those things which belong to our peace may be known by us, and known to good purpose. When we enjoy the means of grace in great plenty, and have the word of God powerfully preached to us - when the Spirit strives with us, and our own consciences are startled and awakened - then is the time of visitation, which we are concerned to improve. [3.] With those that have long neglected the time of their visitation, if at length, if at last, in this their day, their eyes be opened, and they bethink themselves, all will be well yet. Those shall not be refused that come into the vineyard at the eleventh hour. [4.] It is the amazing folly of multitudes that enjoy the means of grace, and it will be of fatal consequence to them, that they do not improve the day of their opportunities. The things of their peace are revealed to them, but are not minded or regarded by them; they hide their eyes from them, as if they were not worth taking notice of. They are not aware of the accepted time and the day of salvation, and to let it slip and perish through mere carelessness. None are so blind as those that will not see; nor have any the things of their peace more certainly hidden from their eyes than those that turn their back upon them. [5.] The sin and folly of those that persist in a contempt of gospel grace are a great grief to the Lord Jesus, and should be so to us. He looks with weeping eyes upon lost souls, that continue impenitent, and run headlong upon their own ruin; he had rather that they would turn and live than go on and die, for he is not willing that any should perish. (2.) Jerusalem cannot escape the day of her desolation. The things of her peace are now in a manner hidden from her eyes; they will be shortly. Not but that after this the gospel was preached to them by the apostles; all the house of Israel were called to know assuredly that Christ was their peace (Act 2:36), and multitudes were convinced and converted. But as to the body of the nation, and the leading part of it, they were sealed up under unbelief; God had given them the spirit of slumber, Rom 11:8. They were so prejudiced and enraged against the gospel, and those few that did embrace it then, that nothing less than a miracle of divine grace (like that which converted Paul) would work upon them; and it could not be expected that such a miracle should be wrought, and so they were justly given up to judicial blindness and hardness. The peaceful things are not hidden from the eyes of particular persons; but it is too late to think now of the nation of the Jews, as such, becoming a Christian nation, by embracing Christ. And therefore they are marked for ruin, which Christ here foresees and foretels, as the certain consequence of their rejecting Christ. Note, Neglecting the great salvation often brings temporal judgments upon a people; it did so upon Jerusalem in less than forty years after this, when all that Christ here foretold was exactly fulfilled. [1.] The Romans besieged the city, cast a trench about it, compassed it round, and kept their inhabitants in on every side. Josephus relates that Titus ran up a wall in a very short time, which surrounded the city, and cut off all hopes of escaping. [2.] They laid it even with the ground. Titus commanded his soldiers to dig up the city, and the whole compass of it was levelled, except three towers; see Josephus's history of the wars of the Jews, 5.356-360; 7.1. Not only the city, but the citizens were laid even with the ground (thy children within thee), by the cruel slaughters that were made of them: and there was scarcely one stone left upon another. This was for their crucifying Christ; this was because they knew not the day of their visitation. Let other cities and nations take warning. II. The zeal he showed for the present purification of the temple. Though it must be destroyed ere long, it does not therefore follow that no care must be taken of it in the mean time. 1. Christ cleared it of those who profaned it. He went straight to the temple, and began to cast out the buyers and sellers, Luk 19:45. Hereby (though he was represented as an enemy to the temple, and that was the crime laid to his charge before the high priest) he made it to appear that he had a truer love for the temple than they had who had such a veneration for its corban, its treasury, as a sacred thing; for its purity was more its glory than its wealth was. Christ gave reason for his dislodging the temple-merchants, Luk 19:46. The temple is a house of prayer, set apart for communion with God: the buyers and sellers made it a den of thieves by the fraudulent bargains they made there, which was by no means to be suffered, for it would be a distraction to those who came there to pray. 2. He put it to the best use that ever it was put to, for he taught daily in the temple, Luk 19:47. Note, It is not enough that the corruptions of a church be purged out, but the preaching of the gospel must be encouraged. Now, when Christ preached in the temple, observe here, (1.) How spiteful the church-rulers were against him; how industrious to seek an opportunity, or pretence rather, to do him a mischief (Luk 19:47): The chief priests and scribes, and the chief of the people, the great sanhedrim, that should have attended him, and summoned the people too to attend him, sought to destroy him, and put him to death. (2.) How respectful the common people were to him. They were very attentive to hear him. He spent most of his time in the country, and did not then preach in the temple, but, when he did, the people paid him great respect, attended on his preaching with diligence, and let no opportunity slip of hearing him, attended to it with care, and would not lose a word. Some read it, All the people as they heard him, took his part; and so it comes in very properly as a reason why his enemies could not find what they might do against him; they saw the people ready to fly in their faces if they offered him any violence. Till his hour was come his interest in the common people protected him; but, when his hour was come, the chief priests' influence upon the common people delivered him up.
Luke 19:41
Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem
40“I tell you,” He answered, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out.”41As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it42and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.
- Scripture
- Sermons
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The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 2 (Compilation)
By Leonard Ravenhill13K10:23CompilationJER 6:14MAT 5:4MAT 23:37LUK 4:18LUK 6:45LUK 19:41PHP 3:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being anointed by God to preach the word. He highlights the brokenness and suffering in the world and the need for God's healing. The preacher calls for servants of God who are willing to weep and be brokenhearted for the brokenness they see. He also emphasizes the need for prophets in this generation, drawing examples from the Bible. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the power of God working through believers, using the apostle Paul as an example of someone who was filled with God's presence and endured persecution.
Oh, America, America!
By Leonard Ravenhill12K49:17RevivalMAT 6:33LUK 3:10LUK 19:41The sermon transcript discusses the importance of the Holy Ghost in preaching the word of God. It mentions a preacher named Bob Phillips who had a powerful impact on the audience during a meeting, leading to repentance. The transcript also criticizes the lack of focus on the Word of God in modern evangelism and emphasizes the need for true revival. It shares a story about two girls from the Salvation Army who labored diligently in a poor city, eventually witnessing a breakthrough in spiritual barrenness. Overall, the transcript highlights the importance of relying on the power of the Holy Ghost and the Word of God in preaching and revival.
Jesus - Lamb of God
By David Wilkerson3.1K25:39Lamb Of GodLUK 19:41In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem. He emphasizes that Jesus came to offer peace and salvation to the people, but they rejected him. The preacher urges the congregation not to harden their hearts to this merciful call and emphasizes that salvation cannot be earned through works, but only through faith. He concludes by reminding the congregation that Jesus is the Lamb of God and the resurrected Lord, ruling in glory and power.
The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell (Reading)
By Edward Payson2.3K37:01Audio BooksJER 17:9MAL 3:8MAT 23:33LUK 15:7LUK 19:41ROM 8:7ROM 9:3In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are focused on accumulating wealth and worldly possessions. He questions whether this is the right place to store their treasures and urges them to consider the importance of their eternal souls. The preacher emphasizes that if they still have any regard for God's word, they cannot be indifferent to the fact that they are likely to face final condemnation. He urges them to cherish their serious thoughts, avoid anything that may distract them, and diligently seek ways to strengthen their faith. The preacher also highlights the urgency of the situation, reminding the audience that many people around them are heading towards perdition without even realizing it, and that unless they turn to God for help, they too may face eternal torment.
Call for the Wailing Women - Part 3
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss2.2K09:07PSA 51:17JER 9:1HOS 7:14JOL 2:12LUK 19:41This sermon emphasizes the connection between sinful choices and the inevitable consequences we face, urging listeners to recognize the judgment of God that is both present in the form of remedial judgment and forthcoming as a final cataclysmic judgment. The urgency to repent and awaken to the impending judgment is highlighted, along with the call to deeply mourn and wail over the sin and rebellion in our lives, families, churches, and society, acknowledging our need for genuine repentance and surrender to God's mercy and authority.
(Basics) 42. Jesus Love Is Seen in His Dying
By Zac Poonen2.1K13:10MAT 5:45MAT 12:20LUK 19:41LUK 19:45ACT 20:35In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God blesses us with material possessions so that we can use them to bless others. Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and his love compelled him to use his possessions to benefit others. The speaker also highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to be inconvenienced for the sake of others. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and used a whip to drive out those who were misusing the temple, but his actions were motivated by love. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to demonstrate this same love by doing good and delivering people from the oppression of Satan, just as Jesus did.
Be Clean Inside
By Joshua Daniel1.7K28:19PSA 51:10PRO 16:5JER 17:9MAT 5:13MAT 23:24LUK 19:41LUK 19:452TI 2:21JAS 4:8This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of inner purity and genuine transformation rather than external appearances or religious rituals. He highlights the need for a sincere heart, free from pride and selfishness, that prioritizes true prayer and righteousness. Drawing from biblical teachings, he warns against hypocrisy and the danger of turning sacred places into dens of thieves, urging believers to seek inner cleansing and a deeper relationship with God.
God Is Good
By Ralph Sexton1.6K26:26GEN 2:242CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 14:34PRO 29:1JER 1:12MAT 5:13LUK 19:411TI 5:8JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's blessings and mercy in our lives, warning about the consequences of neglecting Him and the potential for His anger. It calls for a return to faith, moral values, and integrity, highlighting the significance of repentance and spiritual revival in the face of societal challenges and materialism.
He That Goeth
By Leonard Ravenhill1.3K44:11Christian LifePSA 126:1PSA 126:5JER 4:3LUK 7:30LUK 19:41In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of release and how it can manifest in different ways, whether natural, psychic, demonic, or through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The speaker mentions the story of Paganini, a talented violinist who played on only one string after breaking the others. The sermon then focuses on Psalm 126, which speaks about the Lord turning the captivity of Zion and bringing joy and laughter. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision from God, even though it may disrupt the status quo and bring weeping, as seen in Jeremiah 9:15. The sermon concludes by highlighting the power and paradoxical nature of the Bible, which can both comfort and challenge individuals.
(February 1987) 09 - Woe to Jerusalem
By Ray Lowe1.3K1:10:32JerusalemISA 54:14MAT 23:33MAT 23:37LUK 19:41In this sermon, the preacher shares his experiences of delivering a message to a church that rejected him. Despite the lack of reception, he continued to deliver the message. On the fourth night, he had a vision of an explosion related to gas and death, which he believed was connected to the church. He stayed for two more nights and then received a message from God to go to Jerusalem. The preacher also talks about his obedience to God and the promises of protection and provision that he has received.
Christ Rejection
By Harold Erickson1.1K45:21MAT 6:33MAT 24:1LUK 19:41HEB 13:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the characteristics of a judgment situation. He mentions that in America, people often request shorter church services, while in Russia, they have longer services with multiple sermons and choir performances. However, the speaker suggests that there may come a time when people will be grateful for longer services. The fourth characteristic of a judgment situation is the relaxing of moral standards. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the ultimate authority and the consequences of a generation deciding to be its own god.
Somebody Prayed - Part 2 (Compilation)
By Compilations1.1K09:05CompilationPSA 126:6MAT 6:33LUK 19:41JHN 11:35ROM 9:22CO 2:4JAS 4:9In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a preacher named Michael weeping and begging for people to repent and get right with God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart for the salvation of others. He mentions that only a small percentage of people share their faith and expresses a desire to see more tears shed for the lost. The speaker references biblical passages that highlight the significance of weeping and bearing precious seeds for the sake of bringing souls to God.
(The Royal Psalms) Part 1
By Ed Miller94956:06PSA 92:1PSA 93:1PSA 93:3PSA 94:1PSA 95:1PSA 96:1LUK 19:41In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the kingship of Christ as the foundation for our faith. He emphasizes that every person must begin with the basic truth that the Lord reigns and has absolute authority. Despite the troubles and opposition we may face, God's throne cannot be contradicted. The speaker encourages listeners to trust in God's sovereignty and to sing songs of rest, victory, and service as they grasp the three glories revealed in the Psalms.
Somebody Prayed - Part 2 (Classic Audio Sermon Compilations)
By Compilations83109:06PSA 126:6PRO 11:30MAT 5:4LUK 19:41JHN 11:35ROM 12:152CO 2:4GAL 6:9JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine tears and heartfelt prayers in seeking God's intervention and salvation for others. It calls for a return to a deep, emotional connection with God, highlighting the power of weeping over lost souls and the need for a broken heart that truly cares for the salvation of others. The speaker shares personal experiences and examples of individuals deeply moved by the love of God, urging listeners to be sincere in their faith and to weep for those who are lost.
Honest People Will Not Go to Hell
By Rolfe Barnard77648:25HonestyMAT 6:33LUK 2:2LUK 14:24LUK 19:412TH 2:72TH 2:9The sermon transcript discusses a man in Detroit, Michigan who had a near-death experience but was saved by God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of not deceiving oneself and the need for God's mercy. He urges the congregation to turn to the light of truth before it's too late. The sermon also references a verse from the book of Luke, where Jesus speaks about those who make excuses and will not taste of his supper. The transcript also mentions the consequences of not seeking truth and the revelation of the mystery of iniquity.
Studies in Zechariah 10 Zechariah 11:
By John W. Bramhall75053:34ZEC 11:1ZEC 11:15LUK 19:41LUK 22:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the judgment of God upon Israel due to their disobedience. The speaker emphasizes that God protected his people and directed his favor towards them, but eventually dealt with them to break them apart. The ministry of the good shepherd, represented by Jesus, is mentioned, highlighting his care for his people. The speaker also mentions the complete desolation and judgment that swept through the land of Palestine, leading to the destruction and scattering of the people. The distinction between the "flock of slaughter" and the "poor of the flock" is also explained.
7 Traits of a Pharisee - Part 1
By Shane Idleman72852:33PRO 3:5EZK 22:30MAT 23:5MAT 23:13LUK 19:41ROM 9:2This sermon delves into the traits of Pharisees as outlined in Matthew 23, emphasizing the dangers of hypocrisy, seeking recognition, and leading others astray. It highlights the importance of staying grounded in the truth of God's Word, praying for direction, and obeying His principles to avoid being led astray by blind guides. The urgency of interceding for those on the broad road to destruction is emphasized, urging listeners to weep for the lost as Jesus and Paul did.
Audio Sermon: Oh, America, America
By Leonard Ravenhill72748:58LUK 19:41ACT 17:16This sermon emphasizes the need for deep repentance, fervent prayer, and a hunger for God's presence. It calls for a revival of true spiritual passion, highlighting the importance of weeping in prayer, seeking God's glory above all else, and allowing God to cleanse and transform our hearts and churches. The speaker challenges listeners to live in constant awareness of God's presence, to prioritize seeking Him above all else, and to be willing to be broken and humbled before Him.
Hell #04: How It Should Affect Us
By Edward Donnelly6141:14:36HellLUK 19:41In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the main effect of the preaching of the word of God, which is to reach the unconverted and those without hope. He pleads with non-Christians to consider their eternal destiny and choose to enter the family of God rather than face eternal damnation. The speaker expresses deep concern and sorrow for those who have not accepted Christ. He also expresses gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the conference and for the lessons learned from fellow believers. The sermon concludes with a challenge to the audience to take action and share the message of salvation with others.
Where Are the Weepers? - Rev. 5:4
By Shane Idleman1942:28RevivalWeeping2CH 7:14PSA 30:5JER 9:1JOL 2:17MAT 5:4LUK 19:41ROM 12:15GAL 5:221PE 5:6REV 5:4Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for weeping and brokenness in the church and society, drawing from Revelation 5:4 where John weeps because no one is found worthy to open the scroll. He reflects on the importance of compassion and humility, arguing that a lack of weeping reveals a lack of the Spirit's operation in our lives. Idleman calls for a revival that begins with deep sorrow for sin and a desperate plea for God's mercy, highlighting that true worship arises from a heart that has wept. He challenges the complacency of the church and urges believers to intercede for the nation, reminding them that revival is birthed in brokenness. Ultimately, he reassures that while weeping may endure for a night, joy comes in the morning through Christ, who is worthy.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 126:5JER 8:18JER 50:4MAT 5:4LUK 7:11LUK 19:41Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of genuine repentance and the need to move beyond emotional responses to true heart transformation. He emphasizes the significance of weeping in a way that breaks pride, prepares for spiritual renewal, and moves God's heart. Drawing from Psalms 126:5-6, Matthew 5:4, and Luke 7:11-16, he illustrates how weeping can lead to revival, new life, and comfort. The sermon highlights the value of weeping for true repentance, vision, and intercession, showing how such tears can bring about transformation and revival in individuals and communities.
City-Wide Repentance
By Harry Ironside0RepentanceCivic ResponsibilityMAT 12:41LUK 11:32LUK 19:41Harry Ironside emphasizes the necessity of city-wide repentance, illustrating that while repentance is an individual act, cities are also accountable to God. He references biblical examples, such as Nineveh's repentance and Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, to highlight the importance of preachers addressing civic sins and calling communities to turn back to God. Ironside argues that true change in society comes from the faithful preaching of the Gospel, which leads to individual transformation and, consequently, communal revival. He calls for ministers to boldly confront societal evils and to return to the foundational truths of Scripture and prayer, urging a collective return to God for the sake of cities lost in sin.
Matthew 5:4
By Chuck Smith0Comfort in ChristMourningPSA 34:18ISA 53:3MAT 5:4MAT 11:28LUK 19:41JHN 11:35ROM 3:232CO 7:101JN 1:9REV 21:4Chuck Smith explores the beatitude 'Blessed are they that mourn' from Matthew 5:4, emphasizing the contrast between worldly happiness and the Christian pursuit of righteousness. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding mourning, noting that true mourning leads to a deeper understanding of one's sinfulness and the need for repentance. Smith highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of a man of sorrow, who wept for the blindness of others and the state of the world. He concludes that those who mourn over their sins and the world's conditions will find true comfort in Christ, who offers hope and cleansing.
Compassion for the Lost
By Charles Bridges0DEU 9:181SA 15:11EZR 9:3EZK 9:4LUK 19:41ROM 9:1JAS 5:202PE 2:7Charles Bridges preaches on the compassion of Jesus towards those who do not keep God's law, emphasizing the need for Christians to have a tender concern for the honor of God and a pitying concern for sinners. He highlights biblical examples like Lot, Moses, Samuel, Ezra, and David, who were deeply grieved by the sins of others. Bridges urges ministers to weep and intercede for the rebellious, following the examples of prophets and apostles who expressed great heaviness and sorrow for the lost. He stresses the importance of having a spirit of weeping tenderness and compassion towards those perishing in sin, calling for action and prayer for their conversion.
Knowing the Time
By Richard E. Bieber0ECC 3:1MAT 16:21MAT 17:1LUK 12:49LUK 19:41JHN 9:1JHN 12:20JHN 15:20ROM 13:11Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of understanding God's timing in our lives, using examples from Jesus' life to illustrate different seasons and purposes under heaven. He emphasizes the need for believers to be aware of the present time, to discern God's calling for them, and to align themselves with God's kingdom agenda. Bieber warns against impatience, vanity ambitions, and missing divine visitations due to distractions or sleepiness. He urges believers to wake up, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and be prepared for the signs of the times, including increased confusion, people seeking God, the blind searching for answers, and the likelihood of persecution.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And wept over it - See Mat 23:37.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
when beheld . . . wept--Compare Lam 3:51, "Mine eye affecteth mine heart"; the heart again affecting the eye. Under this sympathetic law of the relation of mind and body, Jesus, in His beautiful, tender humanity, was constituted even as we. What a contrast to the immediately preceding profound joy! He yielded Himself alike freely to both. (See on Mat 23:37.)
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the days shall come upon thee,.... Suddenly, and very quickly, as they did within forty years after this: that thine enemies; the Romans, and such the Jews took them to be, and might easily understand who our Lord meant: shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side: which was not only verified in the Roman armies closely besieging them; but particularly in this, as Josephus relates (t) that Titus built a wall about the city, of thirty nine furlongs long, and thirteen forts in it which reached ten furlongs, and all done in three days time; by which means they were pent up, starved, and famished, and reduced to inexpressible distress. (t) De Bello Jud. l. 6. c. 8.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The great Ambassador from heaven is here making his public entry into Jerusalem, not to be respected there, but to be rejected; he knew what a nest of vipers he was throwing himself into, and yet see here two instances of his love to that place and his concern for it. I. The tears he shed for the approaching ruin of the city (Luk 19:41): When he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it. Probably, it was when he was coming down the descent of the hill from the mount of Olives, where he had a full view of the city, the large extent of it, and the many stately structures in it, and his eye affected his heart, and his heart his eye again. See here, 1. What a tender spirit Christ was of; we never read that he laughed, but we often find him in tears. In this very place his father David wept, and those that were with him, though he and they were men of war. There are cases in which it is no disparagement to the stoutest of men to melt into tears. 2. That Jesus Christ wept in the midst of his triumphs, wept when all about him were rejoicing, to show how little he was elevated with the applause and acclamation of the people. Thus he would teach us to rejoice with trembling, and as though we rejoiced not. If Providence do not stain the beauty of our triumphs, we may ourselves see cause to sully it with our sorrows. 3. That he wept over Jerusalem. Note, There are cities to be wept over, and none to be more lamented than Jerusalem, that had been the holy city, and the joy of the whole earth, if it be degenerated. But why did Christ weep at the sight of Jerusalem? Was it because "Yonder is the city in which I must be betrayed and bound, scourged and spit upon, condemned and crucified?" No, he himself gives us the reason of his tears. (1.) Jerusalem has not improved the day of her opportunities. He wept, and said, If thou hadst known, even thou at least in this thy day, if thou wouldst but yet know, while the gospel is preached to thee, and salvation offered thee by it; if thou wouldest at length bethink thyself, and understand the things that belong to thy peace, the making of thy peace with God, and the securing of thine own spiritual and eternal welfare - but thou dost not know the day of thy visitation, Luk 19:44. The manner of speaking is abrupt: If thou hadst known! O that thou hadst, so some take it; like that O that my people had hearkened unto me, Psa 81:13; Isa 48:18. Or, If thou hadst known, well; like that of the fig-tree, Luk 13:9. How happy had it been for thee! Or, "If thou hadst known, thou wouldest have wept for thyself, and I should have no occasion to weep for thee, but should have rejoiced rather." What he says lays all the blame of Jerusalem's impending ruin upon herself. Note, [1.] There are things which belong to our peace, which we are all concerned to know and understand; the way how peace is made, the offers made of peace, the terms on which we may have the benefit of peace. The things that belong to our peace are those things that relate to our present and future welfare; these we must know with application. [2.] There is a time of visitation when those things which belong to our peace may be known by us, and known to good purpose. When we enjoy the means of grace in great plenty, and have the word of God powerfully preached to us - when the Spirit strives with us, and our own consciences are startled and awakened - then is the time of visitation, which we are concerned to improve. [3.] With those that have long neglected the time of their visitation, if at length, if at last, in this their day, their eyes be opened, and they bethink themselves, all will be well yet. Those shall not be refused that come into the vineyard at the eleventh hour. [4.] It is the amazing folly of multitudes that enjoy the means of grace, and it will be of fatal consequence to them, that they do not improve the day of their opportunities. The things of their peace are revealed to them, but are not minded or regarded by them; they hide their eyes from them, as if they were not worth taking notice of. They are not aware of the accepted time and the day of salvation, and to let it slip and perish through mere carelessness. None are so blind as those that will not see; nor have any the things of their peace more certainly hidden from their eyes than those that turn their back upon them. [5.] The sin and folly of those that persist in a contempt of gospel grace are a great grief to the Lord Jesus, and should be so to us. He looks with weeping eyes upon lost souls, that continue impenitent, and run headlong upon their own ruin; he had rather that they would turn and live than go on and die, for he is not willing that any should perish. (2.) Jerusalem cannot escape the day of her desolation. The things of her peace are now in a manner hidden from her eyes; they will be shortly. Not but that after this the gospel was preached to them by the apostles; all the house of Israel were called to know assuredly that Christ was their peace (Act 2:36), and multitudes were convinced and converted. But as to the body of the nation, and the leading part of it, they were sealed up under unbelief; God had given them the spirit of slumber, Rom 11:8. They were so prejudiced and enraged against the gospel, and those few that did embrace it then, that nothing less than a miracle of divine grace (like that which converted Paul) would work upon them; and it could not be expected that such a miracle should be wrought, and so they were justly given up to judicial blindness and hardness. The peaceful things are not hidden from the eyes of particular persons; but it is too late to think now of the nation of the Jews, as such, becoming a Christian nation, by embracing Christ. And therefore they are marked for ruin, which Christ here foresees and foretels, as the certain consequence of their rejecting Christ. Note, Neglecting the great salvation often brings temporal judgments upon a people; it did so upon Jerusalem in less than forty years after this, when all that Christ here foretold was exactly fulfilled. [1.] The Romans besieged the city, cast a trench about it, compassed it round, and kept their inhabitants in on every side. Josephus relates that Titus ran up a wall in a very short time, which surrounded the city, and cut off all hopes of escaping. [2.] They laid it even with the ground. Titus commanded his soldiers to dig up the city, and the whole compass of it was levelled, except three towers; see Josephus's history of the wars of the Jews, 5.356-360; 7.1. Not only the city, but the citizens were laid even with the ground (thy children within thee), by the cruel slaughters that were made of them: and there was scarcely one stone left upon another. This was for their crucifying Christ; this was because they knew not the day of their visitation. Let other cities and nations take warning. II. The zeal he showed for the present purification of the temple. Though it must be destroyed ere long, it does not therefore follow that no care must be taken of it in the mean time. 1. Christ cleared it of those who profaned it. He went straight to the temple, and began to cast out the buyers and sellers, Luk 19:45. Hereby (though he was represented as an enemy to the temple, and that was the crime laid to his charge before the high priest) he made it to appear that he had a truer love for the temple than they had who had such a veneration for its corban, its treasury, as a sacred thing; for its purity was more its glory than its wealth was. Christ gave reason for his dislodging the temple-merchants, Luk 19:46. The temple is a house of prayer, set apart for communion with God: the buyers and sellers made it a den of thieves by the fraudulent bargains they made there, which was by no means to be suffered, for it would be a distraction to those who came there to pray. 2. He put it to the best use that ever it was put to, for he taught daily in the temple, Luk 19:47. Note, It is not enough that the corruptions of a church be purged out, but the preaching of the gospel must be encouraged. Now, when Christ preached in the temple, observe here, (1.) How spiteful the church-rulers were against him; how industrious to seek an opportunity, or pretence rather, to do him a mischief (Luk 19:47): The chief priests and scribes, and the chief of the people, the great sanhedrim, that should have attended him, and summoned the people too to attend him, sought to destroy him, and put him to death. (2.) How respectful the common people were to him. They were very attentive to hear him. He spent most of his time in the country, and did not then preach in the temple, but, when he did, the people paid him great respect, attended on his preaching with diligence, and let no opportunity slip of hearing him, attended to it with care, and would not lose a word. Some read it, All the people as they heard him, took his part; and so it comes in very properly as a reason why his enemies could not find what they might do against him; they saw the people ready to fly in their faces if they offered him any violence. Till his hour was come his interest in the common people protected him; but, when his hour was come, the chief priests' influence upon the common people delivered him up.