But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. The adversative de (δέ, "but") introduces opposition. The word politai (πολῖται, "citizens") refers to those under the nobleman's jurisdiction—his own people, not foreigners. The verb emisoun (ἐμίσουν, "hated") in imperfect tense indicates ongoing, settled hatred, not momentary dislike. This hatred prompts action: they send presbeian (πρεσβείαν, "a delegation" or "message") after him to protest his appointment, declaring ou theloumen touton basileusai eph' hēmas (οὐ θέλομεν τοῦτον βασιλεῦσαι ἐφ' ἡμᾶς, "We will not have this man to reign over us").
This detail historically parallels the Jewish delegation that followed Archelaus to Rome to oppose his kingship. Prophetically, it represents Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah—"We have no king but Caesar" (John 19:15). The citizens' refusal anticipates Jesus's coming rejection in Jerusalem. The phrase "this man" (touton, τοῦτον) drips with contempt—they won't even use his title. Their rebellion sets up the parable's climax: the nobleman returns with royal authority and judges his enemies (v. 27). Christ's rejected kingship now will become His vindicated kingship at His return.
Historical Context
When Archelaus went to Rome seeking kingship over Judea, a delegation of 50 Jewish leaders followed to petition Augustus against him, citing his brutality. Though Augustus heard their complaint, he still appointed Archelaus (albeit as ethnarch, not king). Jesus's audience would recognize this historical reference and understand the parable's warning: rejecting the king doesn't prevent his eventual rule—it only ensures judgment for the rebels. The Jewish leaders' rejection of Christ would lead to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and their exclusion from the kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
How does the citizens' hatred of their rightful king parallel humanity's natural rebellion against God's rule?
What does the phrase 'We will not have this man to reign over us' reveal about the ultimate nature of unbelief?
How does this verse anticipate both Christ's rejection at His first coming and His vindication at His second?
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Analysis & Commentary
But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. The adversative de (δέ, "but") introduces opposition. The word politai (πολῖται, "citizens") refers to those under the nobleman's jurisdiction—his own people, not foreigners. The verb emisoun (ἐμίσουν, "hated") in imperfect tense indicates ongoing, settled hatred, not momentary dislike. This hatred prompts action: they send presbeian (πρεσβείαν, "a delegation" or "message") after him to protest his appointment, declaring ou theloumen touton basileusai eph' hēmas (οὐ θέλομεν τοῦτον βασιλεῦσαι ἐφ' ἡμᾶς, "We will not have this man to reign over us").
This detail historically parallels the Jewish delegation that followed Archelaus to Rome to oppose his kingship. Prophetically, it represents Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah—"We have no king but Caesar" (John 19:15). The citizens' refusal anticipates Jesus's coming rejection in Jerusalem. The phrase "this man" (touton, τοῦτον) drips with contempt—they won't even use his title. Their rebellion sets up the parable's climax: the nobleman returns with royal authority and judges his enemies (v. 27). Christ's rejected kingship now will become His vindicated kingship at His return.