Matthew 21:46

“But when they sought to lay hands on him, etc.] Not that they attempted by any outward action to apprehend him, and carry him off, or by any immediate act of violence to take away his life; but they secretly wished, and earnestly desired to do it: they were so irritated and provoked, that they could scarcely keep their hands off of him, and could have been glad of an opportunity of satiating their revenge upon him: and whereby they would but have fulfilled what he in this parable had prophetically said of them: and yet so hardened were they, though they understood his meaning, they were not deterred thereby, but on another account: they feared the multitude; which were now about Christ, lest…”

“But when they sought to lay hands on him--which Luke (Luk 20:19) says they did "the same hour," hardly able to restrain their rage. they feared the multitude--rather, "the multitudes." because they took him for a prophet--just as they feared to say John's baptism was of men, because the masses took him for a prophet (Mat 21:26). Miserable creatures! So, for this time, "they left Him and went their way" (Mar 12:12). Next: Matthew Chapter 22”

“The parable of the vineyard - This is also recorded in Mark 12:1-12; Luke 20:9-19. Matthew 21:33 Hear another parable - See the notes at Matthew 13:3. A certain householder - See the notes at Matthew 20:1. Planted a vineyard - A place for the cultivation of grapes. It is often used to represent the church of God. as a place cultivated and valuable. Judea was favorable to vines, and the figure is frequently used, therefore, in the sacred writers. See Matthew 20:1. It is used here to represent the “Jewish people” - the people chosen of the Lord, cultivated with care, and signally favored; or perhaps more definitely, “the city of Jerusalem.” Hedged it round about - This means he enclosed it,…”

“they sought: Sa2 12:7-13; Pro 9:7-9, Pro 15:12; Isa 29:1; Joh 7:7 because: Mat 21:11; Luk 7:16, Luk 7:39; Joh 7:40, Joh 7:41; Act 2:22 Next: Matthew Chapter 22”