Matthew 2

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:2

Matthew 2:2. Saying, &c.— Saying, Where is this new-born king of the Jews? Campbell. There does not seem to be any need of supposing, with some of the fathers, that the wise men knew the signification of this star which they saw while they were in the east, by comparing it with Balaam's prophesy, Num 24:17 or Daniel's, Daniel 2:44; Daniel 9:25. Nor can we think, as Grotius seems to intimate, that they discovered it by the rules of their art. It is much more probable that they learned it by... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:3

Matthew 2:3. He was troubled— Alarmed. Our translation suits well to Herod, jealous for his crown, but not to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who were oppressed by him; and (according to their notions of a Messiah) would conceive hopes of their deliverance from the news of his death. The original word ταρασσω signifies only a great emotion, whatever the cause be, whether of joy, or fear, or admiration, Jdt 14:7. See Heylin and Mintert on the word. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:4

Matthew 2:4. And when he had gathered &c.— And having assembled. Campbell. All the chief priests, must comprehend here not only the high-priest for the time being, and his deputy, with those who formerly had borne that office; but also the heads of the twenty-four courses, as well as any other persons of peculiar eminence in the priesthood. See 1 Chronicles 24:6. 2 Chronicles 36:14. The scribes of the people, mean the rabbies or doctors, who explained the law to the people. See Michaelis's... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:5

Matthew 2:5. In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus, &c.— For a full explanation of this passage we refer to the notes on Micah 5:2; Micah 5:15.; just observing, with Dr. Doddridge, that when this and several other quotations from the Old Testament, which we find in the New, come to be compared with the original, and even with the Septuagint, it will plainly appear that the apostles did nor think it necessary always to transcribe exactlythe passages they quoted, but sometimes contented themselves... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:8

Matthew 2:8. Search diligently for, &c.— Make exact inquiry about, &c. It is an amazing thing that so suspicious and artful a prince as Herod should put such an important affair on so precarious a footing; when, if he had notgone himself, it would have been so easy, under pretence of doing honour to these learned strangers, to have sent a guard of soldiers with them, who might, humanly speaking, without any difficulty, have slaughtered the child and his parents on the spot. Perhaps he... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:10

Matthew 2:10. When they saw the star— Dr. Doddridge reads a star or meteor; because, says he, no star could point out not only a town, but a particular house. The original, in the conclusion of this verse, is remarkably emphatical, They rejoiced with a joy which was exceeding great. Matthew 2:11. And fell down and worshipped him— Prostrating themselves they adored him. Heylin. The original word for treasures signifies not only a collection of rarities and precious things, but also whatever... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:13

Matthew 2:13. Into Egypt— There were great numbers of Jews in Egypt: some fled thither in the time of Jeremiah; and great numbers were broughtthere afterwards, on account of the temple of Onias. We may just observe, once for all, that the particle ιδου, behold, is a frequent Hebraism in the evangelists, which commonly is but an expletive, though sometimes it is emphatical. The angel, would be rendered more properly an angel. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:15

Matthew 2:15. That it might be fulfilled, &c.— So that what the Lord had spoken by the prophet was verified. Campbell. The reader will remember the general observation which has been made on Mat 1:22 respecting the phrase, that it might be fulfilled, and will refer to Hos 11:1 concerning this text; which Grotius, Heinsius, and many of the best critics, both ancient and modern, understand asa mere allusion. SeeCalmet on the verse. The editors of the Prussian Testament observe, that the words... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:16

Matthew 2:16. Then Herod, when he saw, &c.— Perceiving that he was mocked by the Magi—slew all the children—entering on the second year and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned, &c. Knatchbull. The word ενεπαιχθη , in the original, rendered mocked, signifies properly to be played with, and well expresses the view in which the pride of Herod taught him to regard this action, as if it were intended to expose him to the derision of his subjects, and to treat him as a... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:17-18

Matthew 2:17-18. Then was fulfilled, &c.— Then, &c.—a cry heard, lamentation, and weeping, and bitter complaint. See, for an explanation of this text, the notes on Jeremiah 31:15. Dr. Doddridge understands this also as an allusion. But the notes above referred to will convince the reader, that this passage may, with strict propriety, be understood as a prophesy of that event to which the sacred historian applies it. read more

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:2

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:3

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:4

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:5

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:8

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:10

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:13

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:15

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:16

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Matthew 2:17-18

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