(64) Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?--On the popular view of the lower form of Judaism that identified prophecy with clairvoyance, see Note. on Matthew 26:68.Verse 64. - And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee? The Jews, in this terrible scene (see, too, for further details of the outrages, Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65), were unconsciously working out a literal fulfillment of Isaiah's picture of the righteous Sufferer (Isaiah 1:6; Isaiah 53:3-7). 22:63-71 Those that condemned Jesus for a blasphemer, were the vilest blasphemers. He referred them to his second coming, for the full proof of his being the Christ, to their confusion, since they would not admit the proof of it to their conviction. He owns himself to be the Son of God, though he knew he should suffer for it. Upon this they ground his condemnation. Their eyes being blinded, they rush on. Let us meditate on this amazing transaction, and consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself.And when they had blindfolded him,.... Or put a veil, or linen cloth over his eyes, as children do at play, to make themselves some sport with him: they struck him on the face; on that part of it which was not covered, either with their hands, or with rods: and asked him, saying, prophesy, who is it that smote thee? hereby deriding his prophetic office, and using such language as children do at blindman's buff; See Gill on Matthew 26:68. |