Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 13:44

"The kingdom of heaven is like unto a treasure hidden in the field; which a man found, and hid; and in his joy he goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." — Matthew 13:44 (ASV)

The kingdom of heaven. The gospel. The new dispensation. The offer of eternal life. See Matthew 3:2. He compares it to treasure hidden in a field. That is, to money concealed; or, more likely, to a mine of silver or gold, that was undiscovered by others and unknown to the owner of the field.

He hides. That is, he conceals the fact that he has found it; he does not tell of it. To obtain this, he says that a man would go and sell his property and buy the field. The conduct of the man would be dishonest. It would be his duty to inform the owner of the field of the discovery.

He would be really endeavoring to gain property belonging to another at far less than its real value; and the principle of real integrity would require him to inform him of the discovery. But Christ does not intend to vindicate his conduct; he merely states the way in which men do actually manage to obtain wealth.

He states a case where a man would actually sacrifice his property, and practice diligence and watchfulness, to obtain it. The point of the parable lies in his earnestness, his anxiety, his care, and his obtaining it. The gospel is valuable as such a treasure (Psalms 19:10; Proverbs 3:13–15). From most men it is hidden.

When a man sees it, and hears it, it is his duty to sacrifice all to obtain it; and to seek it with the earnestness with which other men seek for gold. The truth often lies buried; it is like rich veins of ore in the sacred Scriptures; it must be searched out with diligence; and it will repay him for all his sacrifices (Luke 14:33; Philippians 3:8).