lie did not quote from memory only, and so forget part; but he purposely only quoted that part of the prediction which was now especially fulfilled; viz., "the riding on the ass." The object of the prophecy, when it was first delivered, was to comfort the Jews in their low and decayed state, after their return from Babylon, by a promise of Messiah. Therefore Zechariah was taught by the Holy Ghost to say things which may be paraphrased as follows: "Fear not; be not cast down or depressed, O daughter of Siou, or inhabitants of Jerusalem. Low and de- pressed as your condition may be now, there will be a day when you shall have a King again. There shall come One who will ride on a certain public occasion into thy gates, — a King on au ass's colt, not as a warrior, with a sword in hand, but as a peaceful Prince, a just and holy King, better even than David, Solomon, Hezekiah, or Josiah, and bringing with Him salvation lor souls. Therefore think not thyself "forsaken, because thou art poor now, and hast no king. Look forward to thy coming King."
Let it be noted that Christ's coming, first or second, is always the great topic of comfort in prophetical writings.
16. — [ TJiese tilings understood not... disciples. ..first.~] It is clear from this and other kindred passages, that our Lord's own immediate followers had a very imperfect knowledge of our Lord's Person and work, and of the fulfilment of Scripture which was going on around them. Brought up amidst Jewish notions of a glorious temporal Messiah, they failed to see the full meaning of many of our Lord's doings.
Let us never forget that men may be true Christians, and right hearted, and yet be very ignorant on some points. "Faith," says Zwingle, on this verse, "admits of degrees and increase." In estimating others, we must make great allowance for early training and associations.
[But when Jesus ivas glorified.'] This must mean, as Theophy- lact says, our Lord's ascension. After that time, and the day of Pentecost, the minds of the disciples were greatly enlight- ened. Compare John vii. 39 : " The Holy Ghost was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."
[Then remembered... these things... written of him.'] The power of memory to see things, long after they happen, in a new Hght, and then to recollect them vividly, is very remarkable. In no case does it appear more curiously than in the rising again in our minds of texts and sermons heard long ago, which at the time apparently left no impression on us. Preachers and teachers may take comfort in tais. All is not lost that they say, although their hearers and scholars may seem at the time to pay no attention. Their words in many cases shall have a resurrection. One great cause of this is, that it is part i>f the Holy Ghost's office "to bring things to remembrance." (John xiv. 26.)