Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Ver. 10. Take heed that ye despise not, &c.] Gr. Look to it if you do, a foul mischief is towards you. a Look to it as you tender your own safety here or salvation hereafter. Cast not the least contempt upon Christ's little ones. As little as they are, they have a great Champion, Isaiah 37:22,23, and so many angels to right them and fight for them, that a man had better anger all the witches in the world than one of these little ones. I tell you, some great ones have been fain to humble themselves, and to lick the very dust of their feet sometimes, that they might be reconciled to them, Isaiah 60:14. If Cain do but lower upon Abel, God will arraign him for it, Genesis 4:6. Why is thy countenance cast down? Why dost look so doggedly? If Miriam do but mutter against Moses, God will spit in her face,Numbers 12:14 : and if Aaron had not made the more haste to make his peace by repentance, he also had tasted of the same sauce.
Their angels do always behold the face] Angels in the Syriac are named אפנים of the face, because it is their office and honour to look always on God's face. They are sent about God's messages to this earth, yet are never out of their heaven, never out of the vision of their Maker. No more are godly men, when busied in their callings. And howsoever slighted in the world, yet angels are sent forth for their safeguard and service, Hebrews 1:14, yea, for the accomplishment of all designs for the saints' good, they stand alway looking God full in the face, to receive commandments.
a ορατε Districte praecipientis verbum.