Jesus" withdrawal to Bethany each evening during the festival season was probably for practical reasons. Jerusalem was full of pilgrims, and Jesus had dear friends in Bethany, namely, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Jeremias estimated the normal population of Jerusalem at this time as about30 ,00 , but during Passover about180 ,000. [1][source]
Context Summary
Matthew 21:8-17 - The Lord Of The Temple
It was only a crowd of poor people who escorted Jesus on Palm Sunday to the Holy City; but they sent their hosannas upward to the highest, and their shouts of acclamation and praise are ever ringing down the ages. Let us take them up and pass them on. Hosanna means Save now, Psalms 118:25, which formed part of the Great Hallel, or Passover Psalms. Thus, one day, His Church, and probably the literal Israel of the future, will hail Him with transports of joy. See Zechariah 2:10. Where Jesus comes, He cleanses. At His word the heart that was filled with the din of worldly care becomes the home of prayer, and children-the emblems of humility, simplicity, and faith-gather. While the needy and the childlike are attracted by our Lord's gentleness, wrongdoers are driven out before the "terror of the Lord." [source]
Chapter Summary: Matthew 21
1Jesus rides into Jerusalem upon a donkey 12drives the buyers and sellers out of the temple; 17curses the fig tree; 23puts to silence the priests and elders, 28and rebukes them by the parable of the two sons, 33and the husbandmen who slew such as were sent to them
Greek Commentary for Matthew 21:17
To Bethany [εις ητανιαν] House of depression or misery, the Hebrew means. But the home of Martha and Mary and Lazarus there was a house of solace and comfort to Jesus during this week of destiny. He lodged there (ηυλιστη εκει ēulisthē ekei) whether at the Bethany home or out in the open air. It was a time of crisis for all. [source]
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: Βηθανία
Sense: a village at the Mount of Olives, about two miles (3 km) from Jerusalem, on or near the normal road to Jericho.
Greek Commentary for Matthew 21:17
House of depression or misery, the Hebrew means. But the home of Martha and Mary and Lazarus there was a house of solace and comfort to Jesus during this week of destiny. He lodged there (ηυλιστη εκει ēulisthē ekei) whether at the Bethany home or out in the open air. It was a time of crisis for all. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Matthew 21:17
Only here and Matthew 21:17. [source]