Mat 26:49-56 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 49. Hail, Master . The word translated hail , here means, to rejoice , to have joy; and also to have cause of joy. It thus expresses the joy which one friend has when he meets another, especially after an absence. It was used by the Jews and Greeks as a mode of salutation among friends. It would here seem to express the joy of Judas at finding his Master, and again being with him . Master . In the original, Rabbi . . Kissed him . Gave him the common salutation of friends, when meeting after absence. This mode of salutation was more common among eastern nations than with us. (t) "kissed him"

Matthew 26:49-56

Verse 49. Hail, Master. The word translated hail, here means, to rejoice, to have joy; and also to have cause of joy. It thus expresses the joy which one friend has when he meets another, especially after an absence. It was used by the Jews and Greeks as a mode of salutation among friends. It would here seem to express the joy of Judas at finding his Master, and again being with him.

Master. In the original, Rabbi. Mt 23:7.

Kissed him. Gave him the common salutation of friends, when meeting after absence. This mode of salutation was more common among eastern nations than with us.

(t) "kissed him" 2Sam 3:27, 20:9, Ps 28:3 Verse 50. And Jesus said unto him, Friend. It seems strange to us that Jesus should give the endeared name friend to a man that he knew was his enemy, and that was about to betray him. It should be remarked, however, that this is the fault of our language, not of the original. In the Greek there are two words which our translators have rendered friend: one implying affection and regard, the other not. One is properly rendered friend, the other expresses more nearly what we mean by companion. It is this latter word which is given to the disaffected labourer in the vineyard: "Friend, I do thee no wrong," (Mt 20:13) to the guest which had not on the wedding garment, in the parable of the marriage feast, (Mt 22:12) and to Judas in this place.

Wherefore art thou come? This was said, not because he was ignorant why he had come, but probably to fill the mind of Judas with the consciousness of his crime, and by a striking question to compel him to think of what he was doing.

(u) "Friend" Ps 41:9, 55:13 Verse 51. One of them which were with Jesus. John informs us that this was Peter. The other evangelists concealed the name, probably because they wrote while Peter was living, and it might have endangered Peter to have it known.

And drew his sword. The apostles were not commonly armed. On this occasion they had provided two swords, Lk 22:38. In seasons of danger, when travelling through the country, they were under the necessity of providing means of defending themselves against the robbers that infested the country. This will account for their having any swords in their possession. Lk 10:30. These swords, Josephus informs us, the people were accustomed to carry under their garments, as they went up to Jerusalem.

A servant of the High Priest's. His name, John informs us, was Malchus. Luke adds, that Jesus touched the ear, and healed it; thus showing his benevolence to his foes when they sought his life, and giving them proof that they were attacking Him that was sent from heaven. Verse 52. Thy sword into his place. Into the sheath.

For all they that take the sword, etc. This passage is capable of different significations.

(1.) They who resist by the sword the civil magistrate, shall be punished; and it is dangerous, therefore, to oppose those who come with the authority of the civil ruler.

(2.) These men, Jews and Romans, who have taken the sword against the innocent, shall perish by the sword. God will take vengeance on them. But,

(3.) the most satisfactory interpretation is that which regards it as a caution to Peter. Peter was rash. Alone he had attacked the whole band. Jesus told him that his unseasonable and imprudent defence might be the occasion of his own destruction. In doing it, he would endanger his life, for they who took the sword perished by it. This was probably a proverb, denoting that they who engaged in wars commonly perished there.

(v) Gen 9:6, Eze 35:5,6, Rev 13:10 Verse 53. Thinkest thou, etc. Jesus says, that not only would Peter endanger himself, but his resistance implied a distrust of the protection of God, and was an improper resistance of his will. If it had been proper that they should be rescued, God could easily have furnished far more efficient aid than that of Peter--a mighty host of angels.

Twelve legions. A legion was a division of the Roman army amounting to more than six thousand men. Mt 8:29. The number twelve was mentioned, perhaps, in reference to the number of his apostles, and himself. Judas being away, but eleven disciples remained. God could guard him, and each disciple, with a legion of angels; that is, God could easily protect him, if he should pray to him, and if it was his will.

(w) "angels" 2Kgs 6:17, Dan 7:10, Mt 4:11 Verse 54: But how then shall the Scriptures be fulfilled, etc. That is, the scriptures which foretold of his dying for the world. In some way that must be accomplished; and the time had come when, having finished the work which the Father gave him to do, it was proper that he should submit to a cruel death. This was said doubtless to comfort his disciples; to show them that his death was not a matter of surprise or disappointment to him; and that they, therefore, should not be offended and forsake him.

(x) "that thus" Lk 24:26,46 Verse 55. Against a thief. Rather, a robber. This was the manner in which they would have sought to take a highwayman of desperate character, and armed to defend his life. It adds not a little to the depth of his humiliation, that he consented to be hunted down thus by wicked men, and to be treated as if he had been the worst of mankind.

Daily with you teaching in the temple. For many days before the passover, as recorded in the previous chapter. Verse 56. Scriptures of the prophets. The writings of the prophets-- for this is the meaning of the word scriptures. He alludes to those parts of the prophets which foretold his sufferings and death.

Then all the disciples, etc. Overcome with fear, when they saw their Master actually taken; alarmed with the terrific appearance of armed men, and torches in a dark night; and forgetting their promises not to forsake him, they all left their Saviour to go alone. Alas! how many, when attachment to Christ would lead them to danger, leave him, and also flee! Mark adds, that after the disciples had fled, a young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body, attempted to follow him. Probably he was the owner of the garden, and a friend of Jesus. Aroused by the noise from his repose, he came to defend the Saviour. He cast, in his hurry, a garment at hand round his body, and came to him. The young men among the Romans and Jews attempted to secure him also; but he escaped from them, and fled. Mk 14:50,51.

(y) "Scriptures" Gen 3:15, Ps 22:1-31, 69:1-36, Isa 53:1-12, Lam 4:20 Da 9:24,26 Zec 13:7 Ac 1:16