Luke 18:13

Luke 18:13. And the publican, standing afar off, -

Not afar off from the Pharisee only, but afar off from the sacred shrine, the innermost temple, as if unworthy to be there at all: "the publican, standing afar off," -

Luke 18:13. Would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, -

That throne of the Highest, - as if even a glance from his unholy eyes might defile that sacred place. He bowed his eyes downward, as if to read in the earth the record of his sin; he did not dare to look up; -

Luke 18:13. But smote upon his breast, -

His heart smote him, and he smote upon his heart, -