And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Ver. 22. Into Abraham's bosom] A metaphor from feasts, say some; from fathers, say others, who imbosom and hug their children when wearied with long running about, or have met with a knock, and come crying unto them.
And was carried by the angels] Through the air, the devil's region, do the angels conduct the saints at death; who may therefore call death, as Jacob did the place where he met the angels, Mahanaim, Genesis 32:2. For like as the palsyman was let down with his bed through the tiling before Jesus, Luke 5:18, so is every good soul taken up in a heavenly couch through the roof of his house, and carried into Christ's presence by these heavenly courtiers; who as in life they are our supporters,Psalms 91:10,11, so after death our porters, as here, by the angels; as if they had striven which should have a part.
And was buried] Possibly with as much noisome stench and hurry in the air, as at Cardinal Wolsey's burial. A terrible example there is in the Book of Martyrs of one Christopher Landsdale, an unmerciful courtier, who suffering a poor lazar a to die in a ditch by him, did afterwards perish himseff in a ditch.
The rich man also died] Perhaps he was choked, as Hardicanutus (noted for epicurism, A.D. 1041) was at a marriage at Lambeth, most men rejoicing to be rid of him; in memory whereof Hocktide (a feast of scorning) was a long time after continued in this kingdom, saith our chronicler.
a A poor and diseased person, usually one afflicted with a loathsome disease; esp. a leper. ŒD