Luke 12:13

“And one of the company said unto him, etc.] Not one of the disciples of Christ, but one of the multitude, or crowd, about him, (<421201>Luke 12:1) Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me: the firstborn, according to the law, in (<052117>Deuteronomy 21:17) had a double portion: but the eider brother here, it seems, was for keeping all, and would not divide any part to his younger brother; wherefore he applies to Christ, to interpose his authority, which he imagined would have great weight with his brother, who might be a hearer of Christ, and favourer of him: or however, such was the fame of Christ, and such credit he obtained by his ministry and miracles, that he…”

“COVETOUSNESS--WATCHFULNESS--SUPERIORITY TO EARTHLY TIES. (Luke 12:13-53) Master, &c.--that is, "Great Preacher of righteousness, help; there is need of Thee in this rapacious world; here am I the victim of injustice, and that from my own brother, who withholds from me my rightful share of the inheritance that has fallen to us." In this most inopportune intrusion upon the solemnities of our Lord's teaching, there is a mixture of the absurd and the irreverent, the one, however, occasioning the other. The man had not the least idea that his case was not of as urgent a nature, and as worthy the attention of our Lord, as anything else He could deal with.”

“One of the company - One of the multitude. This man had probably had a dispute with his brother, supposing that his brother had refused to do him justice. Conceiving that Jesus had power over the people - that what he said must be performed - he endeavored to secure him on his side of the dispute and gain his point. From the parable which follows, it would appear that he had no “just” claim on the inheritance, but was influenced by covetousness. Besides, if he “had” any just claim, it might have been secured by the laws of the land, Speak to my brother - Command my brother. Divide the inheritance - An inheritance is the property which is left by a father to his children. Among the Jews the…”

“12:13-21 This parable shows the danger of trusting in riches instead of in God. 12:13 tell my brother to divide our father’s estate: In Judaism, the oldest son received a double portion of the inheritance (Deut 21:17) and was responsible for dividing up the rest after his father’s death. This younger brother wanted his share of the estate (cp. Luke 15:11-32).”

“Master: Luk 6:45; Psa 17:14; Eze 33:31; Act 8:18, Act 8:19; Ti1 6:5 Luke 12:14”