Matthew 21

Matthew 21:1

BEthphage] A Castle neere to Ierusalem Of Olives] a little hill on the East side of Ierusalem planted with Olive Trees. See Zechariah 14:4.

Matthew 21:2

Straight way] at the first comming into the Castle without going or seeking farre.

Matthew 21:3

The Lord] namely I the Soveraigne Lord of all things, whereof I will imprint the knowledge in the master of the Asse. Now he foretelleth these things which were so farre off, to come, for to confirme his God-Head to his Disciples And straigts way]some referre these words to Christ himselfe, is much as to say that he would send them backe again presently.

Matthew 21:7

They set him] which was a signe of honour, and acknowledgement of a new King, 2 King. 9. 13.

Matthew 21:8

Strewed them] in signe of a publicke rejoycing and honour, as it is yet used in these dayes.

Matthew 21:9

Hosanna] an Hebrew word which signifieth save, I pray thee, and is taken out of Psal. 11. 25. Now because the Iewes in the Feast of the Tabernacles, bearing branches according to the Law, Leviticus 23:40. used this word for a joyfull acclamation and prayer to God for the peoples safety and prosperity: they did at the last cal the branches themselves Hosanna. And as it was the custome to carry greene boughs, at feastings and publick rejoycing, and 2Ma 10:7. So they likewise cried Hosanna also out of the said feasts of Tabernacles. And that which is added to the sonne of David, signifieth thi they did all this for the honour of Christs wishing him all manner of happinesse Is he] this is also taken out of Psalme 118. 26. Now in these acclamations, Christ was by some acknowledged for to bee the true Messias sent by God, and accompanied by his power. And by other some for a great Prophet onely In the highest] the Italian addeth places] that is to say, may this happinesse light upon thee from Heaven, and from God, Ephesians 1:3. or enjoy it one day perfectly in Heaven.

Matthew 21:12

That sold] things necessary for offerings and sacrifices: as beasts incene, fair, flower, oyle, wine, &c. for to have them there ready for Gods service. There were also money changers that exchanged current Roman money, Matth. 22. 19. into Iewish Shekells, and halfe Shekels, appointed by God for amercements, Lēv. 5. 15. for the triute of each head, Exodus 30:12. for the redeeming of vows Leviticus 27:3. Now all this was done in the first Court of the Gentiles and at the first it seemeth it was but onely for commodiousnesse: but afterwards it grew to prophane merchandizing and avarice. See Zechariah 14:21 Doves]for offerings, most commonly for poore people. See Levit. 5. 7, 11. and 14. 22. Luke 2:24.

Matthew 21:16

Perfected] the Italian Established] against all the oppositions and contradictions of the wise and great ones of the world, thou hast appointed an assured praise for thy selfe, out of the mouth of those that beleeve in thee, who are like unto little children. Others perfected, that is to say the praise of these little ones is sufficient for thee, thou desirest no other praise. Or out of the mouth of little one,thou hast made up a whole harmony and consort of praise.

Matthew 21:17

Bethany] A Castle neere to Ierusalem Eastward neere the Mount of Olives. See Iohn 11. 18.

Matthew 21:19

When he saw] Christ knew well enough that there could be no fruit seeing it was not yet the season, Mark 11:13. but all this was done to instruct men, to whom many things concerning this representation may be applyed rather then to the Fig-tree. As to have fruits of the Spirit ready at all times, not to be contented with being, and having receaved the gift of God, but to operate, and yeeld fruit. Not only to abstaine from doing evill, but also to endeavour to do all manner of good: to avoyd Gods last curse, by which all power of wel doing is taken away from man: and the false seemingnesse is discovered and vanished away, as Christ cursed the Fig-tree as well the leaves as the fruit Said unto it] not thorow any extraordinary anger, but only to give his Disciples istruction.

Matthew 21:21

I say unto you] the Lord seeing his Disciples too much fixed upon the miracle of the Figge-trees withering, is likewise content to instruct them concerning the strength of faith in doing of miracles, without going on any further to the other instructions, that ought to be drawen out of that action If ye shall say] See upon Mat. 17 20.

Matthew 21:23

The Elders] namely the Magistrates, and Senators.

Matthew 21:25

The Baptisme] that is to say his whole ministery in generall. Now the meaning of this opposite question is. Doe you beleeve that Iohn was a true Prophet sent by God? If you doe beleeve it, why do you not beleeve the witnesse he bore concerning me? Iohn 1. 15. 27. and 5. 33. if not: declare your selves openly as you desire I should do. But seeing that either through base reare, or being convinced in vour owne consciences, you dare not to doe it, you are not worthy to receive any further instruction From Heaven] that is to say from God, according to the Iews manner of speaking. See Daniel 4:26. Luke 15:18 Of men] that is to say of meere humane invention, without any calling or power from God. See 2 Peter 1:21.

Matthew 21:31

The Publican.] of which many after an evill life, and an open rebellion against God, have bin converted at Iohns preaching, whereas you that professe perfect obedience, are but hypocrites, and have withstood Iohns words, who called you to repentance, Luke 7:29-30 Goe into] that is to say in the spirituall state of the Church restored by me, they have an advantage above you, by vertue of true humility, saith and repentance, in the participation of Gods grace; and in holy praise and esteeme with the Church.

Matthew 21:32

In the way] with a manner of living, and a doctrine, so holy and so irreprehensible, that you have had nothing to say against him, as you maliciously doe against me, accusing me for favouring men of an evill life. See Matthew 11:18-19.

Matthew 21:33

Parable] the housholder is God, the vine the Church of Israel, the Husbandmen the Priests, and Governours of that Church: the servants the Prophets, the Sonne Iesus Christ. The meaning is, that God having given the Priests His Church to keepe, governe, and edifie by wholesome doctrine and lawfull administration to reape from thence the fruits of service, honour, and obedience, they had taken all to themselves: making themselves Lords of mens Consciences, and drawing every thing to their owne profit and glory, acknowledging God no longer, nor thinking upon giving him any account troubling and slaying his Prophets, and at last Christ himselfe, who came to recall them to their ds Digged] in the rocke, or walled and plastered it well, according to the manner of the ancients, And went.] See Matthew 25:14.

Matthew 21:41

He will] Luke 20:16. their answer seemeth to be contrary to this. But it is likely that they first answered as St. Matthew saith here, and that afterwards when they saw the parable aymed at them, they altered their opinion.

Matthew 21:43

The Kingdome] that is to say the title of being his people and Church over which he particularly raigneth by his word and spirit, shall bee taken away from you and transferred upon the Gentiles, who shall voluntarily obey him, as sincere and loyall subjects and children.

Matthew 21:44

Shall foll] as I shall be the sound foundation of my Church. so will I likewise be an occasion of ruine to all mine adversaries, 1 Peter 2:7. whom I will destroy, if they assault mee, or undertake to withstand me. Now if the ver. 43. did immediately follow the verse 41. and the 42. after the 43. it seemes that the sequell of the discourse would stand in better order.