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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - John 12:12-19

This story of Christ's riding in triumph to Jerusalem is recorded by all the evangelists, as worthy of special remark; and in it we may observe, I. The respect that was paid to our Lord Jesus by the common people, John 12:12, 13, where we are told, 1. Who they were that paid him this respect: much people, ochlos polys?a great crowd of those that came up to the feast; not the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but the country people that came from remote parts to worship at the feast; the nearer the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 12:12-19

12:12-19 On the next day the great crowd that was coming to the Feast heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. They took the branches of palm trees and went out to meet him. They kept up a shout: "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, he who is the King of Israel!" Jesus found a young ass and sat on it, as it stands written: "Fear not, daughter of Zion. Look! Your King is coming sitting upon an ass' colt." At first the disciples did not realize the significance of... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - John 12:12-19

(iii) In such a situation it was obviously impossible for Jesus to speak to the crowd. His voice could not have reached that vast assembly of people. So he did something that all could see; he came riding upon an ass' colt. Now that was two things. First, it was a deliberate claim to be the Messiah. It was a dramatic enactment of the words of Zechariah the prophet ( Zechariah 9:9 ). John does not quote accurately because obviously he is quoting from memory. Zechariah had said: "Rejoice... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 12:16

These things understood not his disciples at the first ,.... Or "at that time", as the Syriac and Persic versions render it; or "on that day", as the Ethiopic version; they did not then know the sense of that prophecy, nor that the things which were now doing were a fulfilling of it: but when Jesus was glorified ; was raised front the dead, and ascended to heaven, and was set down at the right hand of God, crowned with glory and honour; and when having received the promise of the Father,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - John 12:17

The people therefore that was with him ,.... The Jews, that came from Jerusalem to Bethany, to comfort the two sisters of Lazarus upon his death, who believed in Christ; and others of the town of Bethany, who with them were along with Christ: when he called Lazarus out of his grave ; saying, Lazarus, come forth: and raised him from the dead ; to life: bare record : to the Jews at Jerusalem, and to the people that came out of the several countries, of the truth of that fact;... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:16

Then remembered they, etc. - After the ascension of Christ, the disciples saw the meaning of many prophecies which referred to Christ, and applied them to him, which they had not fully comprehended before. Indeed it is only in the light of the new covenant, that the old is to be fully understood. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:17

When he called - It appears that these people, who had seen him raise Lazarus from the dead, were publishing abroad the miracle, which increased the popularity of Christ, and the envy of the Pharisees. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:16

Verse 16 16.These things his disciples did not understand at first. As the seed does not spring up as soon as it is thrown into the earth, so the result of the works of God is not immediately seen. The Apostles are the servants of God to fulfill the prophecy, but they do not understand what they are doing. They hear the shout of the multitude, which was no confused noise, but a distinct salutation of Christ as King; but they do not perceive what is the object of it, or what it means. To them,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - John 12:17

Verse 17 17.The multitude gave their testimony. He again repeats what he had said, that many persons, aroused by the report of so great a miracle, came to meet Christ. The reason why they go out in crowds is, that the rumor, respecting Lazarus who had been restored to life, was widely spread. They had good reason, therefore, for ascribing to the son of Mary the honor of the Messiah, since he was known to possess such extraordinary power. read more

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