examples of Adam Clarke's work:
Volume 1 was one of the books Cousin Young gave me. The Holy Bible …. Commentary… Vols. 1-4 Suede Leather Bindings — Adam Clarke – Eborn Books
Adam Clarke’s commentary on "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11)
emphasizes daily dependence on God for both physical and spiritual sustenance, rather than hoarding for the future. He interprets the phrase to mean food necessary for sustaining life and health for that specific day.Key points from Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 6:11 include:
- Divine Provider: God is recognized as the author and dispenser of all temporal and spiritual good.
- Daily Dependence: The request asks for sustenance "this day," encouraging a lifestyle of daily, not long-term, reliance on God, similar to the manna in the wilderness.
- Definition of "Daily Bread": Clarke notes that the Greek word epiousios has caused much debate, but he leans toward the interpretation of bread sufficient for "our substance and support"—that is, what is necessary to maintain health.
- Free Gift: As we have not earned these blessings, they must be received as a free gift from God.
- Balanced Request: It is a prayer for what is needed (not wanted) to sustain life and strength, leaving it to God to determine what is most suitable.
Clarke also notes that this petition reflects the understanding that our lives are lived in single days, not by the year, making it a request for immediate sustenance, often interpreted by some as a hint at the spiritual bread (Christ) needed for the soul.
Commentaries by 3 different Biblical scholars: Adam Clarke, Matthew Henry and Albert Barnes
Adam Clarke’s commentary on "For thine is the kingdom" (Matthew 6:13) acknowledges that many critics (like Griesbach and Wetstein) reject this doxology as not part of the original text, as it is omitted by early fathers
. Despite this, Clarke advocates keeping it, noting its antiquity and Jewish usage, interpreting "kingdom" as Christ's rule, "power" as the energy maintaining it, and "glory" as the honour resulting from the salvation of men.Key Aspects of Clarke's Commentary:
- Textual Integrity: Clarke acknowledges the text is often removed in critical editions but finds the phrase historically valuable and worthy of retention.
- Definition of Terms:
- Kingdom: The kingdom of grace and glory, as mentioned in Matthew 6:10.
- Power: The divine energy by which this kingdom is governed and maintained.
- Glory: The honour due to God for the salvation and maintenance of this kingdom.
- Ancient Usage: The doxology was in use among the Jews, making it a fitting conclusion to the prayer.
Clarke’s overall view is that while perhaps not part of the original manuscript of Matthew, the doxology is a valuable, ancient addition that properly ascribes all sovereignty and honor to God.
In his commentary on Psalm 23:4,
Adam Clarke emphasizes that "for thou art with me" signifies a divine companionship that removes all fear of danger, as one with God cannot lose their way or be harmed. He interprets the "rod and staff" as symbols of protection and support, arguing against interpreting them solely as correction.Key Points from Adam Clarke's Commentary on "For thou art with me":
- Divine Presence: The believer's confidence stems from God's personal presence in the deepest trials, including the valley of the shadow of death.
- No Fear: Because God is with the believer as their Shepherd, they need not fear evil, for they are protected and guided.
- The Rod and Staff: Clarke interprets the Hebrew terms for rod (shibtecha) and staff (umishantecha) as a shepherd's crook and a prop, representing protection and support. The rod represents the shepherd’s ability to defend the sheep and pull them out of danger, not merely for correction.
- Comfort: The presence of the Shepherd and His supportive tools (rod and staff) provide ultimate comfort to the believer, regardless of the severity of the circumstances.
This commentary emphasizes a relationship of trust and security in God’s care during dangerous times.
