Matthew 23:37

Matthew 23:37 (KJV): "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!"

Context

This deeply emotional declaration by Jesus comes at a pivotal point in His ministry, specifically after a series of strong condemnations (the "woes") against the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew chapter 23. Having exposed the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of the religious leaders, Jesus turns His sorrowful attention to the city of Jerusalem itself, which symbolizes the nation of Israel. This is not merely a statement of judgment but a profound expression of divine grief and lament over the city's persistent rejection of God's messengers throughout its history.

Key Themes

• Divine Lament and Compassion: The repetition of "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem" powerfully conveys Jesus' intense sorrow and profound love for His chosen people. It reveals God's heart, which longs for His creation to embrace His protective care rather than face judgment. This expression of grief highlights the personal pain God feels when His love is rejected.
• Historical Rejection of God's Messengers: The accusation "thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee" points to a tragic and recurring pattern in Israel's history. From the Old Testament prophets to John the Baptist and even Jesus Himself, God's messengers were often met with persecution and violence. This historical pattern of rejecting divine truth is a significant theme, echoed in passages like Acts 7:52 where Stephen recounts Israel's past.
• Maternal Imagery of Protection: The tender metaphor of a "hen gathereth her chickens under her wings" beautifully illustrates Jesus' fervent desire to offer complete protection, safety, and nurturing care to the people of Jerusalem. It speaks to God's tender, mother-like love and His constant invitation to find refuge and security in Him, much like the imagery found in Psalm 91:4.
• Human Free Will and Rejection: The poignant phrase "and ye would not!" is central to the verse's tragedy. Despite Jesus' deep desire, His persistent love, and His repeated invitations for them to come under His protective care, the people of Jerusalem ultimately exercised their free will to refuse Him. This highlights the powerful reality of human autonomy and the heartbreaking consequences of rejecting God's divine grace and outstretched hand.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "would" (ēthelēsa) in "how often would I have gathered" signifies a strong and genuine desire or intention on Jesus' part. The repetition of "Jerusalem, Jerusalem" (anaphora) is a powerful rhetorical device used to emphasize the depth of Jesus' emotion—a profound lament and sorrow. The contrasting phrase "ye would not" (ouk ēthelēsate) uses the same root verb with a negative particle, directly highlighting the deliberate choice and refusal of the people against Jesus' loving intention.

Reflection and Application

Matthew 23:37 serves as a profound reminder of God's enduring patience and boundless love, even in the face of persistent human rejection. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we allowing the Lord to "gather" us under His protective care, or are we, like Jerusalem, resisting His gracious call? This verse underscores that while God's desire for our salvation and well-being is absolute, He respects our free will. The tragic outcome for Jerusalem, hinted at in the very next verse (Matthew 23:38, "your house is left unto you desolate"), stands as a solemn warning against the dangers of persistently rejecting God's grace and the profound consequences of such refusal.

Ultimately, this verse encapsulates the paradox of divine love and human stubbornness, revealing a compassionate Savior who grieves over those who refuse His embrace, yet continues to extend His saving grace to all who will receive it (John 3:16).