Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 25:32

"and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats;" — Matthew 25:32 (ASV)

Presupposed is the fulfillment of 24:14. “All the nations” means “all peoples.” As the Gospel of the kingdom is preached to Gentiles as well as Jews, so also must all stand before the King.

In the countryside sheep and goats mingled during the day. At night they were often separated: sheep tolerated the cool air, but goats had to be herded together for warmth. The right hand is the place of power and honor.