Matthew 12:20 "A battered reed He will not break off, And a
smoldering wick He will not put out, Until He leads justice to
victory. Some commentaries on the verse. A bruised reed ... -
The reed is an emblem of feebleness, as well as of fickleness or
want of stability, Mat_11:7. A bruised, broken reed is an emblem
of the poor and oppressed. It means that he would not oppress
the feeble and poor, as victorious warriors and conquerors did.
It is also an expressive emblem of the soul broken and contrite
on account of sin; weeping and mourning for transgression. He
will not break it; that is, he will not be severe, unforgiving,
and cruel. He will heal it, pardon it, and give it strength.
Smoking flax - This refers to the wick of a lamp when the oil is
exhausted - the dying, flickering flame and smoke that hang over
it. It is an emblem, also, of feebleness and infirmity. He would
not further oppress those who had a little strength; he would
not put out hope and life when it seemed to be almost extinct.
He would not