Matthew 13:32

“Which indeed is the least of all seeds, etc.] So mustard with the Jews f793, is called µy[rz ˆym, “a kind of seeds”; and being very small, hence ldrjk, “as a grain of mustard”, is often used, proverbially f794, for the least thing, as it is by Christ, (<401720>Matthew 17:20, <421706>Luke 17:6). Not but there are seeds lesser than this; but the meaning is, that this is one of the least of all seeds; or was the least of seeds, which were commonly known in Judea; or the very least which grew to the size this sometimes did, and as here related. Now this is designed to express the small beginnings of the Gospel dispensation, of the ministry of the word, of the grace of God in the hearts of his…”

“Which indeed is the least of all seeds--not absolutely, but popularly and proverbially, as in Luk 17:6, "If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed," that is, "never so little faith." but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs--not absolutely, but in relation to the small size of the seed, and in warm latitudes proverbially great. and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof--This is added, no doubt, to express the amplitude of the tree. But as this seed has a hot, fiery vigor, gives out its best virtues when bruised, and is grateful to the taste of birds, which are accordingly attracted to its branches both for shelter and food, is it…”

“See also Mark 4:30-32. The kingdom of heavens See the notes at Matthew 3:2. It means here either piety in a renewed heart or the church. In either case the commencement is small. In the heart it is at first feeble, easily injured, and much exposed. In the church there were few at first, ignorant, unknown, and unhonored; yet soon it was to spread through the world. Grain of mustard-seed - The plant here described was very different from that which is known among us. It was several years before it bore fruit and became properly a tree. Mustard, with us, is an annual plant: it is always small, and is properly an herb. The Hebrew writers speak of the mustard-tree as one on which they could…”

“The least - That is, one of the least: a way of speaking extremely common among the Jews. It becometh a tree - In those countries it grows exceeding large and high. So will the Christian doctrine spread in the world, and the life of Christ in the soul. Matthew 13:33”

“the least: Psa 72:16-19; Isa 2:2-4; Eze 47:1-5; Dan 2:34, Dan 2:35, Dan 2:44, Dan 2:45; Mic 4:1-3; Zac 4:10, Zac 8:20-23, Zac 14:7-10; Act 1:15, Act 21:20 \*Gr: Rom 15:18, Rom 15:19; Rev 11:15 so that: Eze 17:23, Eze 17:24, Eze 31:6; Dan 4:12 Matthew 13:33”