Matthew 23:5

To be seen of men. They seemed to forget that God looks upon the heart, and that if He should examine their hearts He might find nothing there to commend them as obedient sons. Their obedience was worn largely on the surface, like a cloak (see on vs. 25, 26). Their conduct was regulated by what they anticipated men would think of them, more than by love for God (cf. 2 Cor. 5:14). For further comment on this type of religion see on Matt. 6:1-8.

Phylacteries. Gr. phulakteria, from a verb meaning “to watch,” “to keep,” hence, “a safeguard.” The idea of wearing phylacteries was based on a literal interpretation of Deut. 6:8. For a description of the phylactery and the manner of wearing it see on Ex. 13:9. To many the phylactery doubtless became a mere protecting charm, much as the ancient Hebrews had come to regard the ark of the covenant (see on 1 Sam. 4:3). Pious Jews of the time of Christ ordinarily wore phylacteries at daily devotions, but the rabbis recommended that they be worn all day every day except Sabbaths and feast days. The Jerusalem Talmud speaks of “shoulder-Pharisees who carry all their performance of commandments on their shoulders” (Berakoth 9, 14b, 40, cited in Strack and Billerbeck, Kommentar zum Neuen Testament, vol. 1, p. 914).

Borders. Gr. kraspeda, here, “fringes.” For a description of the “borders,” or “fringes,” referred to see on Mark 5:27. To “enlarge” them would be to make them more conspicuous, and inasmuch as the garment on which these “fringes,” or tassels, were worn was used for religious purposes, this was designed to call attention to the wearer as being pious beyond the requirements of the law and beyond ordinary men. Jewish law specified only the minimum measurements. The use of the fringe was based on Num. 15:38 and Deut. 22:12 (cf. on Mark 12:38).