Bible Commentary

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. Joy is but the natural consequence of desire satisfied: they had in their own country seen an extraordinary star, which, according to the rules of their own art, they might guess to be an indication of a great Prince born, or, by a Divine … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:10”

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. The star … went before them – From this it appears that the star was a luminous meteor, perhaps at no great distance … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:9”

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found [him,] bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. 8. he sent them to Bethlehem ] Up to this point the Magi are not said to have been guided by … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:8”

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 7. inquired of them diligently ] Rather, having accurately ascertained; the word is used of scientific exactness. The reason of this inquiry appears in Mat 2:16. what time the star appeared ] Literally, the time of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:7”

And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. 6. And thou Bethlehem, &c. ] Mic 5:2. The quotation nearly corresponds with the Hebrew text, the literal translation of which is: But thou … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:6”

And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 5. by the prophet ] Lit. by means of, through the prophet is regarded as the instrument. In Mat 2:17 and Mat 3:3, some MSS. have the preposition signifying personal agency ( ), instead of the instrumental preposition … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:5”

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 4. gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together ] i. e. summoned a meeting of the Sanhedrin, a body often indicated in this way. Others contend that … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:4”

When Herod the king had heard [these things,] he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 3. all Jerusalem with him ] Fearing some fresh outbreak of cruelty. Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Had heard these things – Had heard of their coming, and of the star, and of the design of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:3”

saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. 2. King of the Jews ] A title unknown to the earlier history of Israel and applied to no one except the Messiah. It reappears in the inscription over … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 2:2”

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. 25. knew her not till ] This expression cannot be considered as in any way decisive of the question, whether the Virgin Mary had or had not children besides our blessed Lord. her firstborn son ] The … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Matthew 1:25”