PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS

Tag: Fulfillment of the Old Testament

  • Notes and Useful Applications for 1 Corinthians 9:24–10:5 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading of Septuagesima, 1 Corinthians 9:24–10:5, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    1 Corinthians 9:24–27

    II. Concerning Paul’s lifestyle, that he lives moderately and that he still is of the single estate; but especially, that he preaches the Gospel without pay, etc. (v. 24–27)

    Annotated Text

    24. Do you not know,1 that those who run in the race (Luther: “In or around the competition”) all run, but (only) one obtains the (set forth) prize? (namely, the one who first reaches the goal) Run now thus (carry out your run in Christendom in such a manner), that you may seize it (that you may obtain the promised heavenly reward out of grace, so that you do not run in vain).

    (Galatians 5:7; Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:7; Hebrews 12:1)

    1 † Here follows the conclusion of all the preceding admonitions to right use of freedom, and therein rests the greater part on the little word “abstain” [ἐγκρατεύεται] (v. 25), which here signifies so much as  “to exercise self-control” [abbrechen sich], as that upon which [the right use of freedom] continually depends.

    25. But * everyone who competes restrains himself in all things (that might hinder him in the attainment of the victory); those (those who run or compete in the race) such that they receive a perishable crown (or wreath, for the most part of leaves or herbs), but we (all of us together who as spiritual combatants must always be at war against the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh; if we overcome, we will obtain) an imperishable one (an incorruptible eternal crown, 1 Peter 5:4).

    * Ephesians 6:12 (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7; 1 Peter 1:4)

    26. Now1 I run in this way, not as uncertain (as those who do not know that they will reach and will win without fail, and thus have striven for nothing and in vain); I fight in this way, not as one who strikes in the air (as swordsman at times make many failing strikes in that they do not hit their opponent, but rather, strike the air; rather, I have set before myself a certain victory in my spiritual race and combat, toward which I direct all my doings, namely, God’s honor, the conversion and salvation of men, and my own eternal welfare. Luther: “Just as a combatant  who runs out of bounds must miss the goal and one who strikes and makes failing strikes, swings vainly into the air, in this way it goes with all who indeed do many good works without faith, for they are uncertain how they are with God, therefore, they are mere missed runs, failing strikes, and false works”).

    (2 Timothy 1:8)

    1Greek: “Therefore, I also run (as you previously heard) …” [ἐγὼ τοίνυν οὕτως]

    27. Rather, I * subdue (and overcome) my body and tame it (through moderation and fasting; I also do not indulge in my fleshly lusts and desires that want to hold me back from right course and combat, but rather I subdue them and guard against them so that they do not break out into works), that I not preach to others (and that they would be saved through the preaching of the Gospel, 1 Corinthians 4:16), and disqualify myself (that I do not make myself unfit for good and give an evil example to others).1

    * Romans 8:13, 13:14 (Galatians 5:24)

    1 † Because the apostles has previously spoken about restraining oneself and exercising self-control out of love toward others in the use of middle things [i.e., adiaphora] and also about taking pay, so this also must without doubt be understood as abstaining from various things of the like to avoid offense, even if became hard upon his flesh and blood. For properly speaking, the discourse here is not concerning fasting.

    Useful Applications

    II. COMFORT and CORRECTION: It is a great comfort for Christians that their running finally brings a glorious crown; however, each must see to it that he does not forfeit it with loveless self-will. (v. 24–27)

    1 Corinthians 10:1–5

    I. Paul counters the objection of the converted Corinthians, since they supposed that, by virtue of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, there would be no distress with them in the rest, even if they made use of idol sacrifices; there, Paul holds before them certain types from the Old Testament, with proof, [namely, that] just as the Jews misused those same signs of grace and yet finally were harshly punished, that God also in this way will visit those who eat of idol-sacrifices. (v. 1–14)

    Annotated Text

    1. But I do not want to hold back from you, beloved brothers, that * our fathers (our forefathers, the Israelites in the Old Testament, in whose stead you have been received as the people of God in the New Testament) were (indeed) all under the cloud (under the pillar of cloud in which the Lord went before them by day so that He led them on the right way; the cloud which also stood over them, Numbers 14:14, and which overshadowed them), and † all went through the (Red) Sea (and thus were rescued from the hand of Pharoah who pursued them with a great army).

    * Exodus 13:1

    † Exodus 14:22 (Nehemiah 9:19; Psalm 78:14)

    2. And they were all baptized under Moses1 (who led them through the Red Sea and through the wilderness) with the cloud and with the sea. (This passage through the Red Sea and this covering by the cloud was a type of Holy Baptism, which has been instituted in the New Testament. For in the same way that God the Lord assured the Israelites of His gracious presence and His help against enemies through these wonderful blessings, in the same way Holy Baptism is a powerful seal of the divine promise and a certain testimony of the grace of God. Just as the Israelites were rescued from the bondage of Pharoah by such passage, but Pharoah with all his hosts was drowned in the Red Sea, in this way Holy Baptism is the saving bath of renewal and regeneration [Titus 3:5], by which we are redeemed from the power of the devil and the bondage of sin, that the old man with his evil lusts be drowned, and the new man may arise [Romans 6:4, 6]. Just as the Israelites by this blessing were obliged to believe the doctrine of Moses, in the same we are baptized into Christ and are thereby obliged to believe His Word and follow His commandments.)

    (1 Peter 3:21)

    1 Greek: “into Moses” [εἰς τὸν Μωϋσῆν], that is, into that church polity [German: Kirchenverfassung] that was set by him before the people from Sinai as a covenant.

    3. And * they all ate the same spiritual food (namely, the Manna, which is therefore called a spiritual food, because it fell from heaven in an wonderful unnatural manner, and because it signified the spiritual soul-food, Christ Jesus, John 6:32–33, who feeds us with His flesh in the Holy Supper);

    * Exodus 16:15ff. (Psalm 105:40)

    4. And * they all drank the same spiritual drink (namely, the water that flowed from the rock, which is called a spiritual drink because it sprung forth from the hard rock in a supernatural manner, and because it signified the spiritual soul-drink, Christ Jesus, who quenches us with His blood in the Holy Supper); but they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, which was Christ. (As our fathers altogether, both the wicked as well as the pious, drank from the same water which flowed from the rock, so they also, according to the figure and type, drank from the spiritual rock which led them through the wilderness, which spiritual rock was no one other than the Son of God, Christ Jesus.)

    * Exodus 17:6ff. (Numbers 20:10, 21:16; Psalm 78:15ff.)

    5. But with many of them (among those same Israelites) God had no good pleasure; for * they were struck down (and all those who were over twenty years perished altogether when they were led out of Egypt, only Joshua and Caleb excepted) in the wilderness. (From this, it sufficiently appears that God has no pleasure in them.)

    * John 6:49 (Numbers 26:65; Psalm 106:26; Hebrews 3:17ff.)

    Useful Applications

    I. WARNING: Because Paul warns his own of idolatry, fornication, tempting God, and impatient murmuring on the basis that the end of the world had come upon them, how much more ought we allow ourselves to be warned, we who live seventeen hundred years afterward and who have fallen into the last sludge of the evil world? (v. 1, 11)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Exodus 3:1–14 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for one of the Old Testament Readings assigned for the Transfiguration of our Lord, Exodus 3:1–14, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    Moses is Called to Lead Israel from Egypt, by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld

    I. The appearance of the Son of God in the fiery bush, and how Moses approached. (v. 1–6)

    II. The promise of God concerning help and salvation, and how Moses was called to his office. (v. 7–10)

    III. How Moses refused this call two distinct times, partly on account of his unworthiness, partly on account of the ignorance of the children of Israel, that they may not know the name of God; and how the Lord answered thereafter. (v. 11–14)

    Annotated Text

    1. Now Moses tended (in those days in the fortieth year) the sheep of Jethro, his father-in-law,1 the priest (the captain and magistrate) in Midian, and he drove the sheep out in the wilderness (into the land of Arabia, which is called the wilderness of Sinai), and came to the mountain of God (so named on account of the present and following divine revelation, called) Horeb.

    1 † Perhaps the brother-in-law, for the word from which the Hebrew comes signifies in general a relationship through marriage and can be that the son follows the father in office. Age and names can suggest this. See Exodus 2:18, 23; Numbers 10:29; Judges 1:16, 4:11, etc.

    2. And the Angel of the Lord (the Lord, the eternal self-subsisting Son of God, who afterward in the fullness of time was sent into the flesh by the Father, the Lord) appeared to him * in a fiery flame from the bush.1 And he saw that the bush burned with fire and was nevertheless not consumed (by the flame of fire).

    * Exodus 23:20; Deuteronomy 33:16 (Acts 7:30)

    1 † Thornbush, particularly a bramble-bush; from this Mount Sinai appears to have received its name.

    3. And he said (to himself with wonder), “I will (go) there and see this great sight (I will inspect and research), why the bush does not burn (what the cause might be that the green wood in the midst of which the flame of fire burns is not consumed? By this fiery bush is prefigured the mystery of the incarnation of the Son of God, that namely, in the fullness of time, He would unite true human nature to Himself personally,  and also fill it with the light of His divine majesty and divine attributes, yet so that human nature would not be harmed or consumed by the divine nature in the least, and that in such personal union His assumed human nature would complete the work of redemption of the human race, prefigured by the deliverance from Egyptian slavery.)1

    (Acts 7:31)

    1 † Whether the divine preservation of His Church in the fire and thorns of the (Egyptian) afflictions has no place here is to be considered, and it is likely that it was in view.

    4. But when the Lord saw (the Son of God in the fiery bush) that he went over (wanted to draw near) to see, God (the Son of God) called to him from the bush, and * said, “Moses, Moses!” He answered, “Here I am. (What is your desire? Speak, for Your servant listens, 1 Samuel 3:10.)”

    * Genesis 22:11

    5. He said, “Do not tread here, take off your shoes from1 your feet (as a sign of your impurity); for the place upon which you stand is (on account of My divine presence and revelation through the Word and through sign of the fiery bush) a * holy land.”

    1 Hebrew: “cast them down” (For the Jewish shoes were fasted to the foot only from above with a strap, as they are still worn by the Capuchin friars.)

    * Genesis 28:17 (Joshua 5:15)

    6. And He said further, * “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob (I have established a gracious covenant with your forefathers, the holy patriarchs, and promised them that I would be their God, that I would nourish and protect them, that I would sanctify and renew them, and that I would bestow all good upon them, that I would resurrection them again after their death, and that I would gather them into eternal life; but, in particular, that I would give the land of Canaan to their descendants, and that the Messiah shall be born from their race).” And Moses hid his face, for he (as an impure sinner) was afraid to look upon God (the most-holy Lord).

    * Matthew 22:32 (Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 7:37, 32)

    7. And the Lord said, “I have (indeed) seen (from before time and even now) the misery of My people in Egypt (the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are the people of My special possession), and I have heard their cries over those who drive them (King Pharoah, his counselors, and his officials); I have known their sorrow (and let it come into My heart),

    (Acts 7:34)

    8. And I have come down (I have revealed My special presence in the fiery bush and am determined) that I rescue them from the hand of Egypt (slavery and oppression), and lead them out from this land into * a good and far land, in a land in which flows milk and honey (which is rich and fruitful), namely, to the place (into the land) of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites (whom altogether are accursed and notorious sinners, Leviticus 18:24–25).

    * Exodus 33:3 (Exodus 13:5ff; Genesis 9:25, 11:7, 15:16, 18:21)

    9. Because now the cry of the children of Israel has come before me (because the children of Israel, in their cries and prayers have set My covenant and promise before Me), and I have seen their fear (the external bodily need), how the Egyptians frighten them;

    10. so * go now, I will send you to Pharoah (the King in Egypt), that you1 lead my people, the children of Israel from Egypt (the house of slavery).”

    * Psalm 105:26; Acts 7:34 (Hosea 12:14; Sirach 45:3ff.)

    1 Hebrew: “Come now! Behold, the cry has come, etc.” (v. 9) “Come! (I say) go, for I will send you to Pharoah, and you will lead My people, etc.”

    11. Moses said to God, * “Who am I, that I should go to Pharoah and lead the children of Israel from Egypt?” (My person, reputation, and strength are far too meagre for such a great work.)

    * Exodus 4:10; 1 Samuel 18:18

    12. He said, * “I will be with you (as Immanuel, the strong God). And this shall be the sign for you (a sign of remembrance, to remind you of what I now say to you in the future, and now are assured of this blessing), that I have sent you: When you have led My people from Egypt, you will offer sacrifice to God on1 this mountain (where I have now appeared to you and have given you the call to lead My people).”

    * Genesis 31:3; Judges 6:16

    1 Hebrew: “in” (For sacrifices were never offered upon it, also upon which few were allowed come. See Exodus 24:9ff.)

    13. Moses said to God, “Behold, when I come to the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ they will say to me, ‘How shall we call His name (what is His proper name, by which He will be distinguished from the gods of the Egyptians)?’ What shall I say to them (as an answer)?”

    14. God said to Moses, * “I AM WHO I AM (I am the eternal, unchangeable God, the Creator and Preserver of all creatures, complete in Myself; I will also the fullness of time assume human nature, and in it complete the great work of redemption from spiritual slavery.).” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel (the only true God’s name is this): ‘I AM has sent me to you (Luther: “When you come there, then I will be with you, and show Myself such that you shall know that it is I.”).”

    * Deuteronomy 4:35; Revelation 1:4, 8

    Useful Applications

    I. CORRECTION: That we ought to come to the place where God deals with us through His word with reverence, just as Moses did. (v. 1–6) II. DOCTRINE: That God alone knows how to raise up useful people for the help and comfort of His suffering Church, as He did with Moses. (v. 7–10) III. COMFORT: That those who are orderly called, even to a dangerous office, ought to comfort themselves with the assistance of God. (v. 11–12)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for 2 Peter 1:16–21 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading of the Transfiguration of our Lord, 2 Peter 1:16–21, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    The Transfiguration of Jesus, by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld

    IV. A new admonition to pure apostolic doctrine. (v. 16–21)

    Annotated Text

    16. For we (I and other apostles) have not followed * clever fables (cleverly devised poems), when we had proclaimed † the power and coming1 of our Lord Jesus Christ (how He will one day come for judgment in power and glory); but rather we have seen His glory (and divine majesty) ourselves;

    *1 Corinthians 1:17

    † 1 Corinthians 2:4 (John 1:14)

    1 Greek: present (that He now shines in reality as the Savior of the world)

    17. when1 He (in His transfiguration) received honor and praise from God the Father through a (clear and audible) voice that came2 to Him from the great Glory, “This is My (only-begotten, own, and) beloved Son, in whom I have good pleasure (whom I not only love in a fatherly way, but rather, for His sake, also have good pleasure in all who believe in Him, Ephesians 1:6).”

    * Matthew 3:17, 17:1–5; Luke 9:35 (Matthew 12:18)

    1 Greek: “For when…” [γὰρ]

    2 Greek: “and such a voice came to Him…” [φωνῆς ἐνεχθείσης αὐτῷ τοιᾶσδε]

    18. And we (I and my fellow apostles James and John) have heard this Voice which was came from heaven,1 * when we were with Him on the holy mountain (which, on account of this divine revelation, is called the holy mountain, Exodus 3:5).

    1 Greek: “So we (ourselves) also have heard this voice (clearly), when it resounded from heaven” [καὶ ταύτην τὴν φωνὴν ἡμεῖς ἠκούσαμεν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐνεχθεῖσαν]

    * Matthew 17:5 (Luke 9:35ff.)

    19. We have1 a firm (even more firm than the aforementioned revelation on the mountain and the divine Voice which was heard there, namely, a) prophetic Word (contained in the Scriptures of the Old Testament inspired by God, through which the doctrine of Jesus Christ and His righteousness, which comes through faith, is manifestly attested, Romans 3:21), and you do well that you pay heed to it (and diligently search therein, John 5:39, Acts 17:11) as to * a light, which here (together with the doctrine of the Gospel contained in the New Testament in the apostolic Scriptures, 2 Peter 3:15–16) shines in a dark place (in this poor mortal life, which in comparison to the future eternal life is a true land of darkness and gloom, Job 10:21),2 until the day (of the full radiance and the glorious light of eternal life) dawns and the Morningstar (Christ Jesus, Revelation 22:16) rises in your hearts (when there will be no more night, and one will not need a lamp or the light of the sun because God the Lord Himself will illumine the elect, Revelation 22:5).3

    1 Greek: “We also have” [καὶ ἔχομεν] (namely, beyond the first vision mentioned)

    * Psalm 119:105; 2 Corinthians 4:6

    2 Or, “in your soul,” which without this light is darkness by nature.

    3 This may also be a description of the dawn, that is, the believing knowledge of Christ that appears to us here and always is increased in divine grace, upon which the full day of eternal life follows. See Isaiah 8:20.

    20. And that you should know this first (first of all), that no prophecy in Scripture (thus recorded in Holy Divine Scripture) happened from one’s own interpretation1 (which a man spins and devises from his own mind, but rather, the interpretation of the prophetic prophecy must be taken from Holy Scripture itself);

    (Romans 12:7; 2 Timothy 3:16)

    1 Greek: Alternatively, “As you know above all (as a foundational principle of your faith), that no prophecy contained in (Holy) Scripture comes from one’s own resolution (or the arbitrary will of men).” [τοῦτο πρῶτον γινώσκοντες ὅτι πᾶσα προφητεία γραφῆς ἰδίας ἐπιλύσεως οὐ γίνεται]

    21. For no prophecy ever (contained in Holy Scripture) was ever brought about from the will of men; rather, the * holy men of God (the holy prophets) spoke (of divine mysteries), being driven † by the Holy Spirit. (Therefore, just as Holy Scripture did not flow forth from human reason, but is inspired by God, 2 Timothy 3:16, so also must the correct interpretation of prophetic Scripture not be spun from human reason, but rather must arise from the Holy Spirit, who, just as He is the origin of Holy Scripture, must also be its most certain interpreter.)

    * Wisdom 7:27

    † Acts 28:25 (2 Samuel 23:2; Acts 2:16; 1 Peter 1:11)

    Useful Applications

    IV. CORRECTION: To pay attention to the prophetic Holy Scriptures, to hold them high and of worth, and also to follow them in faith and life as a light bestowed by God. (v. 19) * COMFORT: Because the Holy Scripture is not man’s Word, but rather is God’s Word, so we ourselves can rely upon it in life and death. (v. 20–21)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Isaiah 42:1–9 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament reading of the First Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah 42:1–9, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    Note: This is the appointed reading from the Lutheran Missal Project.

    I. A promise of God the heavenly Father and a prophecy concerning Christ as to what kind of office He will have and how He will carry it out. (v. 1–9)

    Annotated Text

    1. Behold, this is * My Servant (although Christ, according to His divine nature, is equal to God the Father in essence, power, and honor and also according to His human nature has received divine attributes by virtue of the personal union, nevertheless, for our sake, He has become the servant of God the Father through His humiliation, Philippians 2:7), whom I uphold;1 and (this is) My Elect (the one whom I have chosen for the work of redemption from eternity past), in † whom My soul has good pleasure. I have given Him My Spirit (without any measure, so that He should rest fully on Him, Isaiah 11:2, John 3:34), He will bring forth justice (how a man must become righteous before God and be blessed) among the Gentiles (through the preaching of the Gospel).

    * Matthew 12:18

    1 Hebrew: “I grasp Him and support Him” (see Exodus 17:12). Thus, in Matthew 12[:18–21] is the meaning only expressed.

    † Matthew 3:17, 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17 (Isaiah 49:6)

    2. He will not cry out nor call (Christ will not establish a worldly kingdom in which there is much turmoil and unrest, Luke 17:20), and His voice will not be heard in the streets (He will conduct Himself in humility and in the lowly form of a servant, Philippians 2:7).

    (Matthew 12:19)

    3. The * bruised reed He will not break (He will not further trouble contrite and broken hearts, but much more comfort them and bless them), and the smoldering wick (the little light of weak faith in the one who wants to despair on account of his sins) He will not quench (He will show Himself gentle toward those who labor and are burdened, Matthew 11:28–29, and He will bear with their weaknesses with patience). He will teach to keep the justice (which counts before God) truthfullly1 (He will also instruct those who have become righteous through faith in Him as to how henceforth they ought to serve God the Lord in holiness and righteousness, Luke 1:74–75).

    * Matthew 12:20; Psalm 34:19 (Matthew 9:12ff.)

    1 Hebrew: “to bring forth to firm conviction” (that is, “perform.” Therefore, it is also given as “unto victory” or “victorious” [εἰς νῖκος] in Matthew 12[:20].

    4. He will be neither sullen nor dreadful (Luther: “He will not be harsh or irascible and sour, but rather friendly, gentle, and benevolent”), until He establishes justice on earth;1 and the islands will wait (there will also be far remote Gentile peoples called to His kingdom, who dwell on the islands) for His Law (for the doctrine of the Gospel).

    (Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 12:21)

    1 Hebrew: “He will not become distressed (that is, disgruntled, Isaiah 61:3), nor retreat, until He establishes justice in the land (of Israel); thereafter, etc.”

    5. Thus says God, the Lord, who created and spread out heaven, who made the earth and its vegetation, who gives breath to the people who are on it and spirit (life) to those who go on it:

    6. I, the Lord (God the Father) have called (I have ordained You for this, that You shall carry out the work of redemption) You (My beloved Son, Christ) with righteousness (in such manner that You will render a complete payment to My righteousness, and obtain the perfect righteousness that counts before Me for the human race), and I will grasp You by the hand (as You contend against death, sin, devil, and hell), and I will keep you, and I will have You given as a covenant (as Mediator of the New Testament or Covenant) among the people1 (that You establish and confirm them through Your blood), as Light * to the Gentiles (that You bring not only the Jews but also the Gentiles through the light of the Gospel into the light of the saving knowledge of God and their Savior);

    1 The people of Israel (see Romans 9:4, 15:8; Acts 3:25).

    * Isaiah 9:2, 49:6, 60:1 (Daniel 9:24; Luke 2:32; Romans 5:19; Romans 8:2ff.)

    7. that You shall open the eyes of the blind (those stuck in spiritual blindness), and lead the prisoners from the prison (that You redeem them from the curse of the Law, as well as death and eternal condemnation) and those who * sit in darkness (who lack the true knowledge of God in Christ), from the prison (in which no light lightens or shines).

    * Matthew 4:16 (Isaiah 35:5, 61:1; Luke 1:79; Acts 26:18)

    8. * I am the Lord (who alone am the only true self-subsisting God), that is My (proper) name; † and I will give My honor to no other (false god), nor My praise to idols.

    * Exodus 3:15

    † Isaiah 48:11 (Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:19)

    9. Behold what shall come I proclaim to you beforehand,1 and I proclaim new things (of which no one could have surmised); before they come up (spring forth and flourish), I let you hear of them (Here, the promise properly speaking is to be understood of the coming of the Messiah, who in the prophet Zechariah 6:12 is called “Zemah,” that is, a “Branch”).

    (Isaiah 41:26)

    1 Hebrew: “Behold, the first things (which I had previously allowed to be spoken, e.g., the conquest of Canaan, the kings of Israel, etc.) have come, and what is new (that is, what has not yet come), etc.” See Isaiah 43:19.

    Useful Applications

    I. COMFORT: That all repentant, troubled, and broken hearts (who are like a bruised reed and a smoldering wick) ought to be raised up, comforted, and made joyful by their Savior Christ from His holy Word. (v. 3–4)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Galatians 3:23–29 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading of the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus, Galatians 3:23–29, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    III. A report concerning the right use of the Law. (v. 23–29)

    Annotated Translation

    23. But, before faith came, (before the preaching of the Gospel concerning the now sent Messiah, which teaches the faith, and through which the Holy Spirit works faith, was proclaimed and spared in the world, that is, during the time of the Old Testament, before the coming of the Son of God in the flesh), we were under the Law (as those constricted) *, and were sealed (so that we were not allowed to live out our pleasure; that in this way we might bear an even greater longing for the Messiah) for faith, which should then be revealed (until the time when the Gospel should be preached in all he world and we were redeemed from the burden of the Law).

    * Galatians 4:3 (Romans 7:6, 16:25ff.)

    24. In this way the Law was our disciplinarian (and had kept us in school under disciples, and also through its figures and types directed us) unto Christ (just as also a disciplinarian holds a young boy strictly until he comes to his years and can rule himself, in this way, the Law has driven us through the revelation and accusation of our sin and through strict demanding of a perfect obedience, that we yearn after Christ, who would fulfill the Law in our stead and redeem us from the curse of the Law), * so that we be justified through faith (in Him).

    * Romans 10:4 (Galatians 4:19; Matthew 5:17)

    25. But now that faith has come (since now in the New Testament the Gospel concerning the appeared Messiah is preached in all the world), we are no longer under the disciplinarian (we are free from the Levitical ordinances and from the curse of the Law of the Ten Commandments).

    (Galatians 4:2ff.)

    26. For * you (believers) are all (you are according to descent Jews or Gentiles, Galatians 3:28) God’s children (and thereafter also heirs of salvation) through faith in Christ Jesus.

    * Isaiah 56:5; John 1:12; Romans 8:17 (Galatians 4:5)

    27. For as many * of you1 who are baptized (as many among you have received the Sacrament of Holy Baptist, not only according to Christ’s command, but also and chiefly unto His fellowship by faith in Him, which in the New Testament has been instituted in the stead of circumcision, Colossians 2:11), † have put on (and have come into the fellowship of all the goods of) Christ (and His righteousness through faith).

    * Romans 6:3

    1 Greek: “into Christ” [εἰς Χριστὸν]

    † Romans 13:14

    28. Here * there is neither Jew nor Greek, here there is neither slave nor free man, here there is neither man nor woman (here it is not seen nor counted before God whether someone is a Jew or Gentile, a bondservant or a free man, a man or a woman, as indeed was especially strongly considered under the Law of Moses) for you are altogether one in Christ Jesus (each one as the other is pleasing to God for the sake of Christ; also you are altogether members of one spiritual body of which Christ is the Head).

    * Romans 10:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13 (Colossians 3:11; Ephesians 2:14ff.)

    29. But if you are Christ’s (incorporated into Christ through faith and united with Him), so you are indeed * Abraham’s offspring (spiritual children of Abraham, the father of all believers), and heirs (of eternal life) according to the promise (which was made to Abraham).

    * Romans 9:7 (Romans 2:28ff, 4:17)

    Useful Applications

    III. DOCTRINE: Those who are baptized have put on Christ and have come into the fellowship of all His heavenly goods (v. 27). DOCTRINE: Indeed, whoever truly believes is God’s child; whatever he may be according to estate, whoever he may be, he can expect the heavenly inheritance (v. 26–29).

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Luke 2:21 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel of the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus, Luke 2:21, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    II. Concerning the Circumcision of Christ. (v. 21)

    Annotated Text

    21. And when it was about the eighth day (according to the birth of Christ) for the child (Christ, according to the Law, Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3) to be circumcised (because the law of circumcision only pertains to those men who are conceived and born in sin, Christ was therefore not subject to this law according to His person, but had made Himself subject to the Law for our sake in order to redeem us, who were under the Law, and so that we might receive sonship, Galatians 4:4–5; and the holy drops of blood which He shed in His circumcision, as it were, were the down payment for our redemption, since He obliged Himself to render full satisfaction and payment in His time; after this, He had wanted to prove with His circumcision that He was a true man and was born from Abraham’s lineage), then was1 His name called Jesus, * which He was called by the angel (Gabriel), before He was conceived then in His mother’s womb.

    1 Greek: “also” [καὶ] (beyond the fact that He was circumcised)

    * Luke 1:31 (Matthew 1:21)

    Useful Applications

    II. COMFORT: The name of Jesus means so much as Savior or Helper, because through His holy merit help is given to us from the devil and the power of hell, and because eternal salvation has been bestowed to believers. (v. 21)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Deuteronomy 18:15–19 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament Reading of the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Memento Nostri), Deuteronomy 18:15–19, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    III. A prophecy concerning the great prophet (Christ). (v. 15–19)

    Annotated Text

    15. A * Prophet, like me (and even much higher, indeed, the most excellent and highest Prophet)1 will the Lord, your God, raise up (bring forth) for you, from you and your brothers (namely, the promised Messiah, true God and man), † to Him shall you listen (receive Him with true faith and follow Him. Luther: “Here another kind of preaching is clearly promised other than the preaching of Moses, which cannot be the Law which was sufficiently given through Moses; therefore, it must be the Gospel. And this Prophet is no one other than Jesus Christ Himself, who has brought such a new preaching on earth”).

    * John 6:14; Acts 3:22, 7:37

    † Psalm 2:12

    1 † Through whom God, and through whose mediatorial office (indeed, a better reconciliation office), will establish a New Covenant, Jeremiah 31:31ff., as He had established [the Old Covenant] through my mediation (cf. Deuteronomy 18:18, 34:10). But concerning the Law of the Messiah, see Isaiah 2:2, 42:4, and 61:1ff.

    16. Just as you then1 requested * of the Lord your God at Horeb (with the giving of the Law), on the day of (public general) assembly (of the Israelite people around the mountain), and said, ‘I will no longer hear the voice of the Lord, my God,’ and I will see no more the great fire (that burned on the mountain), that I not die (from terror and anxiety, but rather Moses shall recite the Word of the Lord to us).’

    * Exodus 20:19; Hebrews 12:19 (Deuteronomy 9:10)

    1 Hebrew: “indeed,” as you spoke of it previously, v. 17, so will it happen. (I will no longer speak with them such a terrifying manner, but rather in a loving manner.)

    17. And the Lord said to me, “They have * spoken well (for without a Mediator there is no dealing with Me).”

    * Deuteronomy 5:28

    18. I will raise up for them a * Prophet like you (of such nature and such reputation, and of such glorious, indeed, far greater gifts and deeds) from their brothers (the Jewish people), and I will put My words ** in His mouth, and He1 shall speak all things to them which I have commanded to Him (He shall indicate My thinking to the people).

    * John 1:45

    † Hebrews 3:2ff, 12:24

    ** John 7:16, 8:26, 40

    1 * He Himself, who is the Lord your God, v. 14, and not more in the fire, but rather in a friendly manner (see Isaiah 52:6; cf. Zephaniah 3:9; John 1:18; Matthew 17:5; etc.).

    19. And whoever will not * hear My words, which He will speak in My name (but rather wantonly despise them and cast them to the wind), I will demand1 it of Him (I will attend to him with temporal and eternal punishment).”

    * Matthew 17:5 (John 12:48)

    1 † How? See Malachi 4:6. This is what is called the ban, which one still sees with one the eyes placed upon the Jews and the land of Israel on account of this dreadful misdeed (cf. Deuteronomy 32:43).

    Useful Applications

    III. CORRECTION: To receive the Word of the Great Prophet, Christ, willingly and follow Him in faithful obedience. (v. 15–19)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Romans 15:4–13 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications of the Epistle Reading for the Second Sunday of Advent (Populus Zion), Romans 15:4–13, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    I. A proof from the example of Christ. (v. 1–13)

    Annotated Text

    4. Now whatever was written * beforehand (in the Psalms of David and other books of Holy Scripture concerning Christ and other articles of our Christian faith) was written for our instruction, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scripture (through patience which grows out of the comforting sayings of Scripture) would have (no one therefore may think that what is written about Christ does not concern us, but rather that we also are hereby directed to Christian patience with the weak) hope (of the redemption from all crosses and of eternal life).

    * Romans 4:23–24; 1 Corinthians 10:11 (2 Timothy 3:16)

    5. Now may the God of patience and comfort (who imparts patience and comfort to His own in the power of the Holy Spirit through His Word) grant you that * you be of a single mind among one another1 (and do not stir up quarrels among one another on account of differing uses of middle things, but rather bear with one another and yield to one another) according to Jesus Christ (according to Christ’s teaching and example);

    * Philippians 3:16ff. (Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Psalm 133:1)

    Greek: “in the same way, be minded among one another and toward one another” [τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν ἐν ἀλλήλοις]

    6. that you praise and single-mindedly with one mouth (and heart) praise the God and Father (God, the Lord, who is the Father) of our Lord Jesus Christ (to whose praise and honor all your doings ought to be directed).

    (Acts 1:14, 4:24)

    7. Therefore, receive one another among yourselves, just as1 Christ has received you (and us all) to God’s praise (that we, for this our redemption which has happened through Christ, praise God the Lord here temporally and there eternally and thank Him and also show much patience to our neighbor Christians to the same end).

    (Romans 14:1ff.)

    1 Greek: “also” [καὶ]

    8. Now I say (Luther: “This is the summary of summaries of this epistle: Both Jews and Gentiles shall be saved, etc.”), that Jesus Christ became * a servant of the circumcision (Luther: “Servant, that is, apostle, preacher, and messenger, sent personally to the Jews and not to the Gentiles), for the sake of the truth of God, to confirm (to fulfill) † the promises made to the fathers. (Christ has deemed the Jews worthy in a high way, those to whom He was especially promised, that He, in His own person, preached the Gospel to them; therefore, the Gentiles ought not despise them on account of the fact that they still observe some things from the Levitical Law.)

    * Matthew 15:24

    † Acts 3:25

    9. But that the Gentiles praise God for the sake of * His mercy (which they have obtained from God through Christ; therefore, because Christ also received the Gentiles into grace and has had the Gospel preached to them through His apostles, the Jews ought not despise them as strangers of the testaments of the promise; on the other hand, those converts from the Gentiles ought to patiently endure that weakness of the [Jews], when they cannot resign themselves at once to the freedom of Christians from the Mosaic  ordinances), as it stands written: “Therefore, I (Christ) will praise You among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name (I will have the Gospel preached also among the Gentiles and thereby work in their hearts that they may rightly know You, My heavenly Father, and may also praise and extol Your name).”

    * Romans 11:30

    † Psalm 18:50; 2 Samuel 22:50 (Ephesians 2:16)

    10. And once more * He says (Christ through Moses), “Rejoice you Gentiles with His people (as fellow-partakers of His people).”

    * Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 67:5

    11. And once more (through David), * “Praise the Lord, all Gentiles, and praise Him all peoples.”

    * Psalm 117:1

    12. And once more * says Isaiah, “There shall be the † Root of Jesse (Christ, in the time of the New Testament, will spring forth from the root of Jesse, that is, from the lineage of David, the Son of Jesse), and the one who will arise to rule (in His Kingdom of grace through His Word and Spirit) over the Gentiles (who will stand as “a banner for the peoples,” as the words in the prophet read, [Isaiah 11:10]); in Him will the Gentiles hope (and seek Him, as the prophet says).”

    * Isaiah 11:10

     Revelation 5:5 (22:16)

    13. Now the God of hope (the one who works hope and all Christian virtues in believers) fill you with all (spiritual) * joy and peace (the peace which springs forth from peace with God) in faith, that you have1 (receive in your hearts) the full hope (of eternal salvation) through the power of the Holy Spirit.

    * Romans 14:17

    1 Greek: “overflowingly,” that is, “that you do still more than I say to you in the hope, etc.”

    Useful Applications

    I. DOCTRINE: That the Holy Divine Scripture was given to us so that we might have patience, comfort, and the hope of eternal life among the tribulations of this life through its teaching and instruction. (v. 4)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 3:1–6 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications of the Holy Gospel for Wednesday of Ad Te Levavi, Matthew 3:1–6, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    John, the Preacher in the Wilderness, by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld

    I. Concerning the person of John the Baptist, as to what constituted his office, doctrine, food, and clothing. (v. 1–4), and II. Concerning the great influx of the people to John, and how he on such occasion preached against the hypocrisy of the Jews. (v. 5–12)

    Annotated Text

    1. At that time1 (when Christ was almost thirty years old, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, when Pilate was the Roman governor, and Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, Luke 3:1–2, but the Lord Jesus still kept Himself at Nazareth) * came (appeared or emerged) John (a son of the priest Zachariah, who had begotten him with his old housewife Elizabeth, Luke 1:24, 57) the Baptist (who is called thus on account of the baptism which he carried out at God’s command at the beginning of the New Testament) and he preached (called out with a loud voice) in the wilderness of the Judean land (in a place of the land in Judea, located by the Jordan, not far from Jericho, Luke 3:3; a place called “the plain of the wilderness,” 2 Samuel 17:16, 22, because there was much forest and mountains there and thus it was inhabited less than other places, although several cities were located in that same place, in which Zachariah, John the Baptist’s father, dwelt, Luke 1:39–40. Luther: “This ought to be a certain sign that the Messiah was coming when they heard one preaching not in the temple at Jerusalem, nor in the [Pharisaical] schools, but rather in the wilderness, who preached in this manner: ‘The Lord is coming,’ as John had done.”).2

    1 Greek: “Now” [δὲ]

    * Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3

    2 † This wilderness was a region of land in the Jewish mountains, Luke 1:39, 80, where the Word of the Lord first came to John, Luke 3:2. From that same region he went forth until he came to the Jordan.

    2. And he said, * “Repent (turn yourselves from your godless way of life); the Kingdom of Heaven (that is, the time of grace, when God Himself appears in Christ on earth and draws men away from trust in their own righteousness, in Levitical external worship, and fleshly thinking, and, on the other hand will establish a spiritual Kingdom through faith in the hearts of men) has come near (The prophecies of the prophets concerning the Kingdom of the Messiah are now fulfilled; for He has appeared and will soon enter His office with the public preaching of the Gospel, in which He will offer the grace of God, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal salvation to all men and will impart it to the who truly repent and believe, and will also win such treasures and benefits for them through His obedience, suffering, and death).”

    * Matthew 4:17 (Mark 1:15)

    3. And1 he (John the Baptist) is the one of whom the Prophet Isaiah * had spoken, saying: “A voice of a preacher (a voice calling) in the wilderness (saying thus): ‘Prepare for the Lord (the coming Messiah, who is our righteousness, Jeremiah 23:6) the way (clear out of the way the filth of errors and the great logs of misdeeds through true knowledge of sins and heartfelt contrition over them; adorn the way with the fervent longing for the grace of God  with true faith in the promised and now appeared Messiah with the earnest intent of amendment and with all kinds of Christian virtues; just as one clears all hindrances and filth out of the way when a king or a prince intends to make his entrance and adorns the way with tapestries, grass, and trees [cf. Matthew 21:8]), and make His paths straight2 (so that the heart may not be lifted up through spiritual pride nor be made crooked and uneven through hypocrisy, because without true repentance, His gospel cannot be received and grasped and hearts in a fruitful manner).

    1 Greek: “For he” [or, “for in this way,” οὗτος γάρ]

    * Isaiah 40:3 (Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23)

    2 Greek: “footpaths” (where He wants to teach, preach, walk, and be received)

    4. Now John had a * garment of camel’s hair (a meagre, hairy,  rough garment prepared from coarse camel’s hair, in which form the prophet Elijah was also clothed in the Old Testament, 2 Kings 1:8, for “He will go before Him [the Lord] in the spirit and power of Elijah,” Luke 1:17, and was the true Elijah who was to come, Malachi 4:5 and Matthew 11:14; thus [John] also wanted by his clothing to be compared to [Elijah]) and a leather girdle around his loins (the like of which Elijah also wore); his food was locusts (which was a different kind of locust than those we have, and which the common poor people in the eastern lands were accustomed to using for food, both fresh and dried in smoke; the Jews also were allowed to eat them, Leviticus 11:22, yet, it was a humble, disdained food) and wild honey (honey of wild bees, which was not as good and sweet as other honey;1 because John was a preacher of repentance, so he also wanted to lead a hard and strict life, both in his food and also in his clothing).

    * 2 Kings 1:8; Mark 1:6 (Matthew 11:8, 18; 1 Samuel 14:27)

    1 † Some understand here the flowing sap of date and fig trees, which is also called honey among the Hebrews and was found in the region of Jericho as well as near the Jordan. But it is better that one remains with the more common meaning of “wild honey.”

    5. Then went out to him the city (the inhabitants of the city) of Jerusalem and the entire Jewish land all lands (the people from all the cities and villages of the Jewish land and of the surrounding neighboring regions, such as Galilee, Perea, Trachonitis, etc.) at the Jordan.

    (Luke 3:7)

    6. And they allowed themselves to be baptized by him in the Jordan and they confessed their sins (They acknowledged their guilt before God, and confessed publicly that they were poor sinners and then humbly asked God for forgiveness; thereafter, John admonished them that they ought to believe in Christ, the Messiah and Savior of the world, who had now appeared, and afterwards baptized them for the forgiveness of sins by God’s command, Luke 3:3).

    Useful Applications

    I. CORRECTION: That the foremost purpose of all Church teachers in their office ought to be to teach concerning repentance as did John. (v. 2).

    [There are no useful applications listed for verses 5–6.]

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 21:1–11 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications of the Holy Gospel of the First Sunday of Advent (Ad Te Levavi), Matthew 21:1–11, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    I. The advent of Christ to Jerusalem. (v. 1–11)

    Annotated Text

    1. When * they (Christ and His disciples together with the people that followed Him) now drew near to Jerusalem, and came to (opposite of) Bethphage (and Bethany, Luke 19:29) to the Mount of Olives, 1 Jesus sent two disciples,

    * Mark 11:1; John 12:12

    1 Greek: “And when” [Καὶ ὅτε]

    2. and He said to them, “Go into the town which lies before you (into the market which lies opposite you, Luke 19:30) and immediately (when you come into it) you will find a donkey tied up and a colt with it (also bound, on which no man has yet sat, Luke 19:30); loose it and bring it to Me. (For what purpose the Lord Christ intended to use this beast of burden He had not yet indicated to the disciples; but He was intent to hold His royal entry into the city of Jerusalem previously proclaimed by the Prophet.)

    3. And if someone should say something to you (and ask: ‘Why are you doing this?’ Mark 11:3; ‘Why do you loose the donkey and the colt?’ Luke 9:31), then say: ‘The Lord has need of it (for His service); and immediately he will allow it (to follow) you (and send them).”

    4. Now all this happened that it would be fulfilled what had been said through the prophet (Zechariah), when he said:

    5. “Say * to the daughter (the inhabitants) of Zion (of the city of Jerusalem, whose highest part was built upon Mount Zion; however, thereby is understood the Israelite Church): ‘Behold, your (heavenly soul-) † King comes to you (that He might have mercy on you and help you; thus, be for your good before others) meek (humble and lowly), and riding upon a donkey and upon a colt, the load-bearing donkey.” (Christ first rode upon the donkey and afterwards He sat Himself on the colt upon which He rode into the city. By the donkey is signified the Jews, the burden-bearing people; by the untamed colt, the Gentiles.)

    * Zechariah 9:9ff.; John 12:15

    † Psalm 24:8 (Isaiah 62:11)

    6. The disciples went out (from willing obedience, and they found it as He had said; for they found the colt tied at the door, outside at the crossroads, and they loosed it. But as they were loosing the colt, certain ones who were standing there said to them, “What are you doing, that you are loosing the colt?” Mark 11:4–5. And its lords said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” Luke 19:33. But they said to them as Jesus had commanded them, “The Lord has need of it,” and they allowed it, Mark 11:6.) and (those who were sent) did, as Jesus had commanded them.

    7. And they brought the donkey and colt (to Jesus), and laid their * garments thereupon (so that He might ride all the more gently) and set Him thereupon (They cast their garments upon the colt, and He sat upon it, Mark 11:7. But such, what had been prophesied by Zechariah and what otherwise happened here, His disciples did not understood beforehand, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that such has been written concerning Him and that they had done such things to Him, John 12:16).

    * 2 Kings 9:13; Mark 11:7–8

    8. Now many people1 spread their garments on the way (Such they did out of reverence toward this new King, as the like happened to Jehu, 2 Kings 9:13.); others2 cut down branches (green boughs) from the trees and strew them on the way (to adorn Him, to bear witness to their joy, and to confess Christ as a peace-rich and victory-rich king. And many people who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus had come to Jerusalem, they took palm branches and went out to meet Him, John 12:12–13. And as He came near and descended the Mount of Olives, the whole heap of His disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice on account of all the deeds they had seen, Luke 19:37.).

    (1 Maccabees 13:51)

    1 Greek: “most of the people” (who partly came along from Jericho, Matthew 20:29, partly  had already come to Jerusalem for the feast and who went out to meet Him out of amazement concerning the raising of Lazarus).

    2 Greek: “but” [δὲ]

    9. But the (remaining common) people, who went before and followed after, cried out and said, “Hosanna (Luther: “In German, ‘Hosanna’ means ‘Ah, help!’ or ‘Ah, give good fortune and salvation!’—that is what we wish for.”) to the Son of David (to this new King, born of the lineage of David. The Jews had taught their children that when the Messiah would someday present Himself, they should receive Him with these words of the kingly prophet David; thus, because they heard that Jesus of Nazareth wanted to have His entry as the promised Messiah and the King of His Church, they had received Him in such a form)!1 Blessèd is He who comes (as a King) in the name of the Lord (sent by God to His people, that He should be a King of Israel, John 12:13; “Blessed be the kingdom of our father David!” Mark 11:10.)! Hosanna in the highest! (You Son of David who are in the highest, that is, a heavenly King and true God, help us. “Peace be in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38. And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Master, rebuke Your disciples.” But He answered and said to them, “I say to you, if these should be silent, then the stones would cry out,” Luke 19:39–40.)

    (Matthew 23:39)

    1 † Ordinarily, this formula from Psalm 118:25 was used at the Feast of Tabernacles. But the Jews also spoke it at other times on joyful occasions. See 1 Maccabees 13:51; 2 Maccabees 10:6; etc.

    10. And when He had entered into Jerusalem, the entire city was stirred up (frightened and became distressed) and said (all the inhabitants of that city were frightened and said), “Who is this (who comes riding into the city with such a multitude of people and to whom one wishes good fortune as to a king)?”

    11. But the People said, “This is the (famous) Jesus, * the prophet from Nazareth (who was conceived and raised up in Nazareth, Matthew 2:23; Luke 2:51) of Galilee (which city of Nazareth lies in Galilee. But the Pharisees said among one another, “You see that you are achieving nothing. Behold, all the world is running after Him,” John 12:19.).

    * Luke 7:16; John 1:45

    Useful Applications

    I. DOCTRINE: That all things which happened at the time of the revelation of Christ in His received humanity were preached beforehand by all the prophets of the Old Testament, shown here by the citation of the prophet Zechariah concerning the entry of Christ into Jerusalem upon a donkey and a colt. (v. 4–5)