Luke 19

I passed. “Was passing.”

2 chief among the publicans. This narrative is peculiar to Luke. On the office of Zacchaeus, see note on Matt. v. 46. He either farmed the taxes of a large district, which he sub-let again to the ordinary collectors; or was receiver-general of the taxes of the district from the inferior collectors.

4 a sycomore tree. The Egyptian fig; a tree which resembles the mulberry in appearance and foliage, and grows to a great size and height.

5 at thy house. Jericho was a city of the priests. To select the house of a tax-gatherer for His lodging was in such a place especially significant.

7 they all murmured (were all murmuring). Not only a complaint from the Pharisees, but a general dissatisfaction.

8 stood. Indicating resolution and decision. The French version renders: “se présentant devant le Seigneur” (presenting himself before the Lord).

I give to the poor, etc. Not, as some understand the passage, I am in the habit of giving, as a self-vindication: but rather, a vow: I will do so henceforth.

If I have taken any thing, etc. Rather, “Whatever I have exacted from any one by unfair charges.” True penitence shows itself in the confession of the particular sin, combined with an effort, as far as possible, to undo its evil consequences.

fearful. This was much beyond the demands of the law, which in general only required double (Exod. xxii. 4, 9), or sometimes only the addition of a fifth part (Numb. v. 6, 7), upon proof and conviction of the offence.

9 he also is a son of Abraham. Your bigotry denies him the privileges of your nation; my grace confers upon him those of the kingdom of heaven. Abraham was the father of all them that believe.

10 the Son of man. Cp. Matt. xviii. 11. There, love for childhood speaks; here, compassion for the transgressor.

11 because He was nigh to Jerusalem, etc. As our Lord was now within fifteen miles of Jerusalem, and had recently wrought many wonderful miracles, His numerous followers imagined that, on reaching the royal city, He would “immediately” establish His kingdom as Messiah (see 37). He therefore delivers a parable to correct their views, to repress their impatience, and to teach the duty of patiently waiting and actively working for Him.

12-27. Parable of THE POUNDS. This parable, though very similar in some points to that of the Talents, in Matt. xxv. 14-30 (on which see notes), was evidently delivered upon an earlier occasion, and differs from it in some important particulars. In Matthew, the sums of money first mentioned vary according to the ability of the servants. In Luke, a prince commits to each of ten servants the same small sum; he obtains from those who are faithful very different returns, and confers rewards bearing in each case the same proportion to the servants’ diligence and success. This parable also, besides the servants, refers to rebellious citizens, evidently representing those who, like the greater part of the Jews, rejected altogether the Saviour’s authority.

12 to receive for himself a kingdom. This illustration would be understood by hearers who would remember the journey of Archelaus to Rome, to obtain from the emperor confirmation in the throne of Judæa.

13 his ten servants. Or, “ten of his servants.”

ten pounds. The “pound” (or mina), equalling 100 denarii (a little more than £3 of our money), was therefore but a fraction of the “talent” in Matt. xxv.

Occupy. “Trade with it.” Vulgate: “negotiamini”; Luther: “handelt” (both words indicating to trade with). See note on Matt. xxv. 14.

15 how much every man had gained. Or, “what business each had done.”

17 authority over ten cities. This alludes to the ancient Oriental custom of assigning the government and revenues of a certain number of cities to a meritorious public officer, as the reward of his services.

25 they said unto him. That is, the servants said to the king.

26 even that he hath, etc. See note on Matt. xiii. 12.

28. He went before, ascending. Advancing determinately to meet His sufferings and accomplish His work. The road from Jericho to Jerusalem is an ascent all the way.

29-46. These verses are parallel with Matt. xxi. 1-22; see note on Matt. xxi. 1. On vers. 29-38, see notes on Matt. xxi. 1-9; Mark xi. 1-10. Luke, as a foreigner, speaks of “the mount called the Mount of Olives,” or “Olivet.”

33 the owners. A detail peculiar to Luke. Mark has, “certain of them that stood there.”

36 clothes. Better, “garments,” as R.V., the word being the same as in ver. 35.

37 began to rejoice and praise God, etc. A graphic detail peculiar to Luke. In ver. 38 the “peace in heaven” may be compared with the angels’ “peace on earth” (ii. 14, where see note).

39-44. Peculiar to Luke. Some of the Pharisees were offended that such lofty epithets and such great prophecies should be applied to one whom they regarded only as a “teacher.”

41 wept over it. As at the grave of Lazarus His friend (John xi. 35).

42 in this thy day. “The time of thy visitation” (ver. 44), when I am come, willing to save thee.

43 a trench. Rather, “a bank” with palisades. In besieging Jerusalem, Titus first surrounded it with a wooden fence (Joseph. Wars. v. 6. § 2); and, when the Jews destroyed this, he blockaded the city with a fortified wall. Cp. Isa. xxix. 2-4.

44 the time of thy visitation. That is, of my presence to bring salvation: see i. 68, 78; vii. 16.

45,46. See notes on Matt. xxi. 12, 13, and Mark xi. 17.

47,48. These verses, like xxi. 37, 38, contain a general description of the manner in which our Lord spent the last few days before He suffered. Some of the particulars are found in chs. ix.-xxii.

47 the chief of the people. “The principal men of the people,” R.V.: cp. Mark xi. 18.

48 were very attentive. Or, “hung upon Him” (R.V.); implying deep interest and admiration.