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Library > Commentaries > Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition) > 21 > Matthew 21
  Matthew 21  
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Chapter 21

21:1  And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

nigh unto Jerusalem

Matthew 21:1-9 ; Zechariah 9:9 ; 14:4-9 . The two advents are in striking contrast.

21:4  All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,

fulfilled

The king's final and official offer of Himself according to Zechariah 9:9 . Acclaimed by an unthinking multitude whose real belief is expressed in Matthew 21:11, but with no welcome from the official representatives of the nation, He was soon to hear the multitude shout: "Crucify him."

21:12  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

cast

See, Luke 19:45 ; Mark 11:15-18 . Cf. John 2:13-25 which introduced, as this cleansing closed, the offer of Christ to Israel as King.

21:17  And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

Bethany

See, John 11:1 John 11:2 ; Luke 10:39-42 . Cf. ; Mark 11:1-11 ; Luke 19:29-35 ; John 12:1-8 . With no other place is the human Christ so tenderly associated, while it also was the place of manifestation of His divine power. John 11:43 John 11:44 .

21:19  And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

fig tree

Lit. a solitary fig tree. Luke 13:6-9 . The withered fig tree is a parabolic miracle concerning Israel. Luke 13:6-9 . Cf., Matthew 24:32 Matthew 24:33 a prophecy that Israel shall again bud.

21:28  But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

vineyard

See "vineyard," margin ref., Matthew 20:1 (See Scofield "Matthew 20:1")

21:29  He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

repented

Cf., Luke 15:20, the other perfect illustration of repentance. (See Scofield "Acts 17:30") .

21:32  For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.

righteousness

(See Scofield "Romans 10:10") .

21:42  Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

Lord's

Jehovah. Psalms 118:23 .

21:43  Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

kingdom of God

Note that Matthew here as in Matthew 21:31 uses the larger word, kingdom of God: (Cf) (See Scofield "Matthew 6:33") .

The kingdom of heaven; (See Scofield "Matthew 3:2") . See Scofield " 1 Corinthians 15:24 " will yet be set up. Meantime the kingdom of God and his righteousness is taken from Israel nationally and given to the Gentiles. Romans 9:30-33 .

you

i.e. national Israel, the barren vine. Mt 21: 33-41 Isaiah 5:1-7 .

21:44  And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

stone shall be broken

Christ as the "Stone" is revealed in a threefold way:

(1) To Israel Christ, coming not as a splendid monarch but in the form of a servant, is a stumbling stone and rock of offence. Isaiah 8:14 Isaiah 8:15 ; Romans 9:32 Romans 9:33 ; 1 Corinthians 1:23 ; 1 Peter 2:8

(2) to the church, Christ is the foundation stone and the head of the corner 1 Corinthians 3:11 ; Ephesians 2:20-22 ; 1 Peter 2:4 1 Peter 2:5

(3) to the Gentile world-powers (see "Gentiles," Luke 21:24 ; Revelation 16:19 He is to be the smiting-stone of destruction Daniel 2:34 . Israel stumbled over Christ; the church is built upon Christ; Gentile world- dominion will be broken by Christ.

See "Armageddon" Revelation 16:14 ; 19:19 .

And whosoever

Or, Whosoever falls on this stone shall be crushed together i.e. the Jews Isaiah 8:14 ; Romans 9:32 Romans 9:33 ; 1 Corinthians 1:23 ] but on whomsoever it may fall, he will be scattered as dust ( (Greek - ajpovllumi ," i).e. the Gentile nations, Daniel 2:34 Daniel 2:35 Daniel 2:45 (See Scofield "Daniel 2:35") .