Matthew 12:41

“The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment, etc.] Alluding either to the custom and practice of witnesses, who rise up from their seats, and stand, when they give in their testimonies in a court of judicature; or else, referring to the time of the general resurrection from the dead, at the last day, when these men shall rise from the dead, and stand in judgment with this generation; shall rise when they do, and stand before the judgment seat together, and be against them, and shall condemn them; not as judges of them, but by their example and practices, which will be brought above board, and observed as an aggravation of the guilt and condemnation of the Jews: so the lives and conversations…”

“The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, &c.--The Ninevites, though heathens, repented at a man's preaching; while they, God's covenant-people, repented not at the preaching of the Son of God--whose supreme dignity is rather implied here than expressed.”

“We would see a sign from thee - See Luke 11:16, Luke 11:29-32. A “sign” commonly signifies a miracle - that is, a sign that God was with the person or had sent him. Compare the notes at Isaiah 7:11. Luke adds that this was done “tempting him;” that is, trying him, doubting if he had the power to do it. If these persons had been present with him for any considerable time, they had already seen sufficient proofs that he was what he claimed to be. They might have been, however, those who had recently come, and then the emphasis must be laid on “we” - we, as well as the others, would see a proof that thou art the Christ. In either case it was a temptation. If they had not seen him work a…”

“12:41-42 someone greater: Jesus is greater than the Temple (12:6), a prophet (Jonah), and a king (Solomon); therefore, rejection of him entails greater judgment on this “evil, adulterous generation” (12:39).”

“men: Luk 11:32 rise: Mat 12:42; Isa 54:17; Jer 3:11; Eze 16:51, Eze 16:52; Rom 2:27; Heb 11:7 this: Mat 12:39, Mat 12:45, Mat 16:4, Mat 17:17, Mat 23:36 because: Jon 3:5-10 behold: Mat 12:6, Mat 12:42; Joh 3:31, Joh 4:12, Joh 8:53-58; Heb 3:5, Heb 3:6 Matthew 12:42”