Luke 20:16

“He shall come and destroy these husbandmen, etc.] Which had its accomplishment at the destruction of Jerusalem: according to the other evangelists, these words are the answer of the chief priests, Scribes, and elders, to the above questions put to them by Christ, after he had delivered the parable; but here they seem to be the words of Christ, who also said the same, and confirmed what they had observed, and could not but own, that it was just and right, and what might be expected, with what follows: and shall give the vineyard to others; the land of Judea to the Romans in particular, and the church state, with the Gospel and ordinances of it, to the Gentiles in general, sometimes called…”

“He shall come, &c.--This answer was given by the Pharisees themselves (Mat 21:41), thus pronouncing their own righteous doom. Matthew alone (Mat 21:43) gives the naked application, that "the kingdom of God should be taken from them, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof"--the great evangelical community of the faithful, chiefly Gentiles. God forbid--His whole meaning now bursting upon them.”

“See this parable explained in the notes at Matthew 21:33-45. return to 'Top of Page'”

“He will destroy these husbandmen - Probably he pointed to the scribes, chief priests, and elders: who allowed, he will miserably destroy those wicked men, Mat 21:41; but could not bear that this should be applied to themselves. They might also mean, God forbid that we should be guilty of such a crime as your parable seems to charge us with, namely, rejecting and killing the heir. Our Saviour answers, But yet will ye do it, as is prophesied of you. Luke 20:17”

“destroy: Luk 19:27; Psa 2:8, Psa 2:9, Psa 21:8-10; Mat 21:41, Mat 22:7; Act 13:46 shall give: Neh 9:36, Neh 9:37 Luke 20:17”