O Jerusalem, Jerusalem!— Our Lord having laid before the Pharisees andthenationtheirheinousguiltandgrievouspunishment,thethought of the calamities which were comingupon them moved him exceedingly: his bowels were turned within him, and his breast was filled with the gracious meltings of pity to such a degree, that, unable to contain himself, he broke forth into tears; bewailing Jerusalem particularly, on account of the peculiar severity of its lot. For, as its inhabitants had their hands more deeply imbrued in the blood of the prophets, they were to drink more deeply of the punishment due to such crimes. His lamentation for the city was most moving, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! &c. These tender exclamations, which can hardly be read without tears, convey a strong idea of Christ's love to that ungrateful nation. The words, how often, mark his unwearied endeavours to cherish and protect them from the time they were first called to be his people; and the opposition which is stated between his will and theirs, How often would I—but ye would not, very emphaticallyshews their unconquerable obstinacy in resisting the most winning and most substantial expressions of the divine love. The clause, Behold, &c. is a prediction of the punishment which was to be inflicted upon them for their sin in rejecting Christ. Their house, (the temple of God, see 2 Kings 23:27.) was from that time to be desolate. The glory of the Lord, which Haggai had foretold should fill the second house, was departing. Our Lord spoke this as he was going out of his house for the last time. See Howe's Tears of the Redeemer.
Related Commentaries of Matthew 23:37
Matthew 23:37-38
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.