ISB ~ Matthew 23 v13

woe to you:Recalls OT oracles of judgment (Is 5:8-23; Ezek 24:6, 9; Hab 2:6-20). This is the first of seven “woes” in Jesus’ denunciation of the Pharisees (23:1516, 23, 25, 27, 29). He presents a covenant lawsuit against unfaithful Israel and pronounces “woes” as covenant curses upon the impenitent (cf. Deut 27:15-26). In Matthew, these seven “woes” stand opposite the New Covenant “blessings” in the Beatitudes (5:3-12; cf. Lk 6:24-26).

• The OT background is likely Lev 26 and God’s promise to exact “sevenfold” vengeance upon the Israelites if they violate his covenant (Lev 26:18, 21, 24, 28).