Mark 10:23-27 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Jesus looked round about On all that were about him; and saith to his disciples, How hardly, Πως δυσκολως, with how great difficulty, shall they that have riches Not only that love them, but that possess them; enter into the kingdom of God Respecting this difficulty, see note on Matthew 19:23-24. And the disciples were astonished at his words For they were ready to imagine that ere long all the rich and great people of the country would appear for their Master, and fix him on the throne of Israel. But Jesus answereth again To that surprise which he saw in their countenances; Children, &c. See how he softens the harsh truth, by the manner of delivering it! And yet without retracting or abating one tittle: How hard is it for them that trust in riches Either for defence, or happiness, or deliverance from the thousand dangers that life is continually exposed to. That these cannot enter into God's glorious kingdom, is clear and undeniable; but it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a man to have riches, and not trust in them. Therefore, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And they were astonished out of measure Περισσως εξεπλησσοντο, they were more abundantly struck with astonishment, more even than before; having now heard Christ's repetition and illustration of what he had said before; saying, Who then can be saved? Who that are rich can ever get to heaven? and what a discouragement will it be to others, to see the rich and the great neglecting salvation, and turning the means of their happiness and usefulness into the instruments of their destruction? And Jesus looking upon them, &c. See on Matthew 19:25-26.