John 12:7

“Then said Jesus, let her alone, etc.] Do not disturb her in what she does, or hinder her, or blame her for it: against the day of my burial hath she kept this; this ointment, which she now poured on Christ; it was usual to embalm the dead with ointments and spices: Christ suggests, that the time of his death and burial were nigh, and that this woman had kept this ointment till now, for such a purpose; and whereas she would not be able to make use of it at the time of his interment, she had embalmed his body with it now, beforehand; though without any knowledge of his death, or any such intention and design in her, but the Holy Ghost so directing her: for this is not to be understood of her…”

“said Jesus, Let her alone, against the day of my burying hath she done this--not that she thought of His burial, much less reserved any of her nard to anoint her dead Lord. But as the time was so near at hand when that office would have to be performed, and she was not to have that privilege even alter the spices were brought for the purpose (Mar 16:1), He lovingly regards it as done now.”

“See this passage explained in the notes at Matthew 26:3-16. John 12:2 A supper - At the house of Simon the leper, Matthew 26:6. Lazarus was ... - The names of Martha and Lazarus are mentioned because it was not in their own house, but in that of Simon. Lazarus is particularly mentioned, since it was so remarkable that one who had been once dead should be enjoying again the endearments of friendship. This shows, also, that his resurrection was no illusion - that he was really restored to the blessings of life and friendship. Calmet thinks that this was about two months after his resurrection, and it is the last that we hear of him. How long he lived is unknown, nor is it recorded that he made…”

“Against the day of my burial - Which now draws nigh. John 12:10”

“12:7 Leave her alone: Jesus’ defense of Mary interpreted her deed. The nard was a burial spice for his death. Jesus was readied for burial as he moved toward the hour of glorification and death (see study note on 12:23).”

“Let: Psa 109:31; Zac 3:2; Mat 26:10; Mar 14:6 against: Joh 19:38-42; Mat 26:12, Mat 27:57-60; Mar 15:42-47; Luk 23:50 John 12:8”