Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 23:34-39

"Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of Abel the righteous unto the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom ye slew between the sanctuary and the altar. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord." — Matthew 23:34-39 (ASV)

Our Lord declares the miseries the inhabitants of Jerusalem were about to bring upon themselves, but He does not mention the sufferings He was to undergo. A hen gathering her chickens under her wings, is a fitting symbol of the Saviour's tender love for those who trust in Him, and His faithful care for them. He calls sinners to take refuge under His tender protection, keeps them safe, and nourishes them to eternal life.

The present dispersion and unbelief of the Jews, and their future conversion to Christ, were foretold here. Jerusalem and her children had a large share of guilt, and their punishment has been notable. But before long, deserved vengeance will fall on every church that is Christian in name only.

Meanwhile, the Saviour stands ready to receive all who come to Him. There is nothing between sinners and eternal happiness but their proud and unbelieving unwillingness.