Luke 19:11

As they heard. [The Nobleman and the Pounds, Luke 19:11-28. Cf. on Matt. 25:14-30; on parables see pp. 203-207.] These words closely connect the parable of the Pounds with what Jesus said at the home of Zacchaeus (see vs. 9, 10). Thus it was given probably in or near the home of Zacchaeus in Jericho, or possibly a little later at some pause for rest along the way from Jericho to Bethany, a distance of about 15 mi. It was now probably the week before the Passover of A.D. 31. For the background, circumstances, and events immediately preceding the giving of this parable see on Matt. 20:17.

Added and spake. This reflects a typical Hebrew idiom used elsewhere in the NT, an idiom seen best in the original Hebraistic Greek or in the Hebrew itself (Luke 20:11, 12; Acts 12:3; etc.; see also Gen. 4:2; 8:12; 25:1; Job 29:1).

Nigh to Jerusalem. In spite of all that Jesus had told them about His going up to Jerusalem to die (see on Matt. 16:21; 20:17-19; Mark 9:31; Luke 18:31), the disciples still fondly believed that He was to be acclaimed king of Israel and that He would accept the throne of David. This false hope had led to repeated arguments among them as to who would be first in the kingdom (see on Mark 9:33-40; Matt. 20:20). A year earlier a popular attempt had been made in Galilee to crown Jesus king (see on Matt. 14:22; Mark 6:42; John 6:15; DA 377, 378). Popular sentiment increasingly favored such a course, and the disciples now no doubt encouraged the proposal as they had upon that earlier occasion. The basis for this mistaken concept of Christ’s objectives was the false Messianic hope disseminated by the rabbis, which was, in turn, based on a false interpretation of the Messianic prophecies of the OT (Vol. IV, pp. 26-34; see on Luke 4:19; cf. Rom. 11:25; 2 Cor. 3:14-16).

Because they thought. The false concept of the Messianic kingdom, treasured alike by Jesus’ disciples and by their fellow countrymen generally, provided the occasion for the narration of this parable. The disciples confidently expected that the kingdom would be set up at the time of the coming Passover season. The Passover commemorated the deliverance of Israel from Egypt and, more than any other national festival, marked the birth of the Hebrew nation.

The kingdom of God. For the true nature of Christ’s kingdom see on Matt. 3:2, 3; 4:17; 5:2; for the false concept of it see on Luke 4:19. Each of Christ’s parables was spoken to illustrate some particular truth related to His kingdom, most frequently with respect to the kingdom of divine grace in the hearts of men, but also, as here, with respect to the establishment of the kingdom of glory.

Immediately appear. Every step in the direction of Jerusalem increased the excitement of the disciples. They were now not more than 15 mi. (24 km.) distant from it. Probably they considered themselves on the triumphal march up to Jerusalem to take possession of the kingdom and to place their Master upon the throne of Israel. Various remarks Jesus had recently made they interpreted as conclusive evidence that this was to be so (see on ch. 18:31).