Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 11:25-26

"At that season Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou didst hide these things from the wise and understanding, and didst reveal them unto babes: yea, Father, for so it was well-pleasing in thy sight." — Matthew 11:25-26 (ASV)

From the wise and prudent. That is, from those who thought themselves wise—wise according to the world's estimation of wisdom—the men of philosophy, self-conceit, and science, falsely so called (1 Corinthians 1:26–27).

Hast revealed them unto babes. To the poor, ignorant, and obscure; the teachable, simple, and humble. Such as his disciples were. He had reference here probably to proud and haughty scribes and Pharisees in Capernaum. They rejected his gospel, but it was the pleasure of God to reveal it to obscure and more humble men.

The reason given, the only satisfactory reason is, that it so seemed good in the sight of God. In this the Saviour acquiesced, saying, Even so, Father: and in the dealings of God it is fitting that all should acquiesce. Such is the will of God, is often the only explanation which can be offered in regard to the various events which happen to us on earth.

Such is the will of God, is the only account which can be given of the reason for the dispensations of his grace. Our understanding is often confounded. We are stopped in all our efforts at explanation. Our philosophy fails, and all that we can say is, Even so, Father: for so it seems good to thee. And this is enough.

That GOD does a thing, is, after all, the best reason which we can have that it is right. It is a security that nothing wrong is done; and though now mysterious, yet light will later shine upon it like the light of noonday. I would have a better security that a thing was right if I could say that I knew such was the will of God, than to depend on my own reason. In the one case, I confide in the infallible and most perfect God; in the other, I rely on the reason of a frail and erring man. God never errs, but nothing is more common than for men to err.