6: It is amazing how God can work things out like he wants them. These men had scruples about anything that might be questioned from a good works standpoint, but cared nothing for matters of the heart. They would never have dreamed to throw the money away, as Judas did. This shows the condition of their heart was no better than his.
The law forbade the putting of ‘tainted’ money into the general treasury. Of course, the law forbade many other things that they had ignored before, such as injustice and dishonesty. Just as Judas, they sought to justify themselves, and expiate their guilt by human means. They saw themselves as greatly righteous persons for having caught this potential breaking of the law.
7: In Judas’ name, as if they had the right to do so, they bought a field to be used for the burying of non-Jewish persons who, on occasion, might die in Jerusalem. These persons, not being in their natural place, might have no burial arrangements made. Thus, this was meant to be a charity operation.
The field was likely a place where some potter had dug clay from the ground for his creations. It would be full of holes and slime-pits. This explains how they were to secure it so cheaply. Apparently, like many, they were all to happy to devote to charity that which cost them little.
8: This name of the field surely developed over time. The Jewish leaders would not likely have coined it. The common people, knowing how it was purchased, probably began to employ this moniker gradually. Thus, it is named after the blood that was betrayed for its price, the blood of Christ.
Personal Journal Entry #12023
Prayer Journal Entry #12023
Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 11:1-13:22