Bible Commentary

Matthew 12:42

The Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 12:42

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Almost verbally identical with . The queen of the south ( βασίλισσα νότου, anarthrous; , note). The south here doubtless represents part of Arabia Felix (see Dr. Lumby, on ).

Shall rise up. Does ἐγερθήσεται here imply more effort than ἀναστήσονται ()? This would at least be consistent with the energy which the mention of the Queen of Sheba always suggests. In the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts (the ends, Revised Version) of the earth.

Observe the contrast; the message was brought to the Ninevites in their own homes. She marks a higher stage of inquiry and faith. To hear the wisdom of Solomon; i.e. not out of mere curiosity to see him.

And, behold, a greater than Solomon is here (, note). Observe that Christ claims for himself superiority to the one prophet that was listened to by a Gentile nation, and to the one king whose wisdom drew an inquirer from "the ends of the earth."

Rightly; for the claim is confirmed by history; the Gospels have had greater influence than all the Prophets, both "former" and "later," and than all the Hekmah literature. Jesus of Nazareth has drawn all men unto him (; cf.

19).

Recommended reading

More for Matthew 12:42

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 12:1-50The opposition that our Lord met withJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 12:1-45(1) Opposition from his enemies. (a) Conscious and wilful opposition (Matthew 12:1-37). ( α) As regards the sabbath (Matthew 12:1-14). ( β) An interlude. The evangelist sees in our Lord's behaviour the fulfilment of Isa…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 12:1-50EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Matthew 12:38-45Though Christ is always ready to hear and answer holy desires and prayers, yet those who ask amiss, ask and have not. Signs were granted to those who desired them to confirm their faith, as Abraham and Gideon; but denie…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pharisees Ask a SignTHE PHARISEES ASK A SIGN. It is probable that these Pharisees with whom Christ is here in discourse were not the same that cavilled at him (Matthew 12:24), and would not credit the signs he gave; but another set of them…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 12:38-45The sign-seekers. After Jesus had denounced the blasphemy of the scribes and Pharisees, and threatened them with the severity of the judgment, certain of their number demanded of him a sign to sustain his asserted autho…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 12:38-45Last state worse than first. All that was implied in our Lord's mode of working is here explicitly enounced. The miracles were only subordinately evidences of his Divine commission; primarily they were deeds of mercy. B…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Matthew 12:38-45Some of our Lord's opponents try to defend themselves by asking for a sign of his authority to claim so much; e.g. Matthew 12:30 (Matthew 12:38). In his reply he refers them to their own histories for proof that such a…Joseph S. Exell and contributors