34 " Therefore e , behold , I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes ; some of them you will kill and crucify , and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues , and persecute from city to city , 35 so that upon you may fall the guilt of all the righteous blood shed on earth , from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah , the son of Berechiah , whom you murdered between the temple and the altar . 36 "Truly I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation .#rl
37 " Jerusalem , Jerusalem , who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together , the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings , and you were unwilling e . 38 "Behold , your house is being left to you desolate ! 39 "For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say , ' BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE Lord !' "
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Matthew 23:34-39
Commentary on Matthew 23:34-39
(Read Matthew 23:34-39)
Our Lord declares the miseries the inhabitants of Jerusalem were about to bring upon themselves, but he does not notice the sufferings he was to undergo. A hen gathering her chickens under her wings, is an apt emblem of the Saviour's tender love to those who trust in him, and his faithful care of them. He calls sinners to take refuge under his tender protection, keeps them safe, and nourishes them to eternal life. The present dispersion and unbelief of the Jews, and their future conversion to Christ, were here foretold. Jerusalem and her children had a large share of guilt, and their punishment has been signal. But ere long, deserved vengeance will fall on every church which is Christian in name only. In the mean time the Saviour stands ready to receive all who come to him. There is nothing between sinners and eternal happiness, but their proud and unbelieving unwillingness.