Almsgiving (Mt 6:2-4).
2. Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before
thee--The expression is to be taken figuratively for blazoning it.
Hence our expression to "trumpet."
as the hypocrites do--This word--of such frequent occurrence in
Scripture, signifying primarily "one who acts a part"--denotes one who
either pretends to be what he is not (as here), or dissembles what he really is (as in
Lu 12:1, 2).
in the synagogues and in the streets--the places of religious and
secular resort.
that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you--In such august
expressions, it is the Lawgiver and Judge Himself that we hear speaking
to us.
They have their reward--All they wanted was human applause, and they
have it--and with it, all they will ever get.
JFB.
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