Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 3:10

10 And now also the Ax is laid to the root of the trees, therefore, every tree which, bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

A Prediction as some think, of that dreadful Destruction, which within a few years came by the Romans upon the whole Iewish Nation. The Sense is: The Vengeance of God is very near to be revealed, Men must Repent Now or Never, for every Tree which bringeth not forth good Fruit shall be hewn down, and cast into the Fire, Judgment now is as nigh unto Men, as the Tree is to falling, to the Root of which the Ax is already applyed, whether it be to be understood of the Judgment common to all unbelievers, all that know not God, and obey not the Gospel of Christ, as 2 Thessal. 1.8, 9. or the particular Destruction of this Nation of the Iews, I shall not determine, tho I rather judge the latter probable. The latter part of the Text is made use of by our Saviour, Chap. 7.19. in the latter part of his Sermon upon the Mountain. It letteth us know, that it is not Improper, nor Dissonant to the Stile of Iohn Baptist, and Christ, and others the most eminent first Gospel-Preachers, to press Repentance, Faith, and Holiness of Life, from Arguments of Terror.

Marginal references: Joh. 15.6, 7.