Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:44
The 44th verse should certainly come before Matthew 21:43 , otherwise the narration is not consecutive. Matthew 21:42 . The stone which the builders rejected, is become the head of the corner, etc. Matthew 21:44 . Whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, etc. This is an allusion to the punishment of stoning among the Jews. The place of stoning was twice as high as a man; while standing on this, one of the witnesses struck the culprit on the loins, so that he fell over... read more
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Matthew 21:43
Therefore say I - Thus showing them, that to them alone the parable belonged. The kingdom of God shall be taken from you - the Gospel shall be taken from you, and given to the Gentiles, who will receive it, and bring forth fruit to the glory of God. Bringing forth the fruits - As in Matthew 21:34 ; an allusion is made to paying the landlord in kind, so here the Gentiles are represented as paying God thus. The returns which He expects for his grace are the fruits of grace; nothing can... read more