773. Neglected Tombs

Luke 11:44
Listen from:
Luke 11:44. Ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.
There is an allusion here to the custom spoken of in the note on Matthew 23:27 (#702), though the reference in this text to the neglect of the custom rather than to its observance. When the customary whitewashing of a fiat tomb was neglected its presence was easily concealed from view, and the passer-by might walk upon it and thus become ceremonially defiled.