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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:8

Verse 8 8.And a very great multitude. Here the Evangelists relate that Christ was acknowledged as a king by the people. It might, indeed, appear to be a ludicrous exhibition, (718) that a multitude of obscure persons, by cutting down trees, and strawing their garments, bestowed on Christ the empty title of King; but as they did this in good earnest, and as they gave an honest testimony of their reverence, so Christ looked upon them as fit heralds of his kingdom. Nor ought we to wonder at such a... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:9

Verse 9 9.Hosanna to the Son of David. This prayer is taken from Psalms 118:25. Matthew relates expressly the Hebrew words, in order to inform us, that these applauses were not rashly bestowed on Christ, and that the disciples did not utter without consideration the prayers which came to their lips, but that they followed with reverence the form of prayer, which the Holy Spirit had prescribed to the whole Church by the mouth of the Prophet. For, though he speaks there of his own kingdom, yet... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:1-11

Triumphal entry into Jerusalem . ( Mark 11:1-11 ; Luke 19:29-44 ; John 12:12-19 .) read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:1-11

The entry into Jerusalem. I. THE FULFILMENT OF PROPHECY . 1 . Bethphage. The Lord had spent the sabbath in that holy home at Bethany, where he was always a welcome Guest, with that family which was now more than ever devoted to his service, and bound to him by the ties of the very deepest gratitude. On the Sunday morning (Palm Sunday) he made his solemn entry into the holy city. He set out from Bethany on foot; but he intended to enter Jerusalem as the King Messiah. He had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:1-11

The triumph of Christ. In his journey to Jerusalem Jesus rested at Bethany, where, stopping at the house of Simon the leper, Mary anointed his feet (cf. Matthew 26:6 ; John 12:2 ). His progress on the day following is here recorded. Observe— I. THAT JESUS ENTERED THE CAPITAL IN THE ROYALTY OF MEEKNESS . 1 . He came in sacred character. 2 . He came as the " Prince of Peace. " 3 . He came in humble state. II. THAT JESUS ENTERED THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:1-22

Entry into Jerusalem. Our Lord had now entered on the last week of his life upon earth, but, save in his own heart, there is no premonition of his death. Having spent the sabbath in Bethany, he proceeds on Sunday morning to the city. That was the day, four days before the Passover, on which the Jews were commanded to choose the Paschal lamb. Our Lord, conscious of his calling to die for his people, puts himself into their hands. He now feels that his hour has come, and proclaims himself as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:1-46

The vast multitudes who came to his baptism thereby professed faith in his teaching. Hence the general expression, "All hold John as a prophet." The defeat of Herod's army in the war with Aretas, King of Arabia, was esteemed by the Jews a judgment for the death of John (Josephus, 'Ant.,' John 18:7 ). 2 . John ' s testimony therefore should be conclusive. III. AS IT IS EVIDENT IN THE DISCOMFITURE OF HIS ENEMIES . 1 . They set up their authority against... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:5-8

Signs of meekness and sifters of joy. "Thy King cometh unto thee, meek;" "And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way." The word "meek" is used in Scripture for "not self-assertive," "not seeking one's own." It is not to be confounded with "humility." The apostle puts "humbleness of mind" and "meekness" alongside each other in such a way that we cannot fail to observe the distinction between them. Moses was the "meekest of men," but certainly not the most humble. It is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:6-11

The triumphant ride. This was arranged by Christ, and enthusiastically promoted by his disciples. Here was a last glint of sunshine before the storm. The gladness of the scene is in strange contrast with the awful sequel. Palm Sunday ushers in Passion Week. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." While the evil day has not yet come, gladness and the assurance of victory may be the best preparation for it. I. THE KING 'S TRIUMPH . Few spectators would see anything kingly in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Matthew 21:7

Brought the ass. The unbroken foal would be more easily subdued and guided when its mother was with it; such an addition to the ridden animal would usually be employed to carry the rider's luggage. They put on them ( ἐπα ì νω αὐτῶν ) their clothes ( ἱμα ì τια ). The two disciples, stripping off their heavy outer garments, abbas, or burnouses, put them as trappings on the two beasts, not knowing on which their Master meant to ride. They set him thereon ( ἐπα ì ... read more

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