Then shall the righteous. For with these also their character is seen in their lives (Matthew 5:45, note). Shine forth as the sun. An undoubted reference to the substance of Daniel 12:3. Observe that according to the thought of the parable, it is suggested that the likeness consists not only in the brightness of the sun in itself, but also in its being alone in the sky, with nothing round it to prevent its full glory being seen.
Then. The chief lesson of the parable; not before, but at, that time. In the kingdom of their Father. In verse 38 they were spoken of as "the sons of the kingdom;" here their Father is expressly mentioned, not "the Son of man" (verses 37, 41).
The same reference to his Father rather than to himself is found in Matthew 26:29. Did our Lord wish already to hint that "then cometh the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father" (1 Corinthians 15:24)?
Had St. Paul's teaching also here a direct connexion with that of our Lord (Matthew 26:41, note)? Who hath ears to hear, let him hear (Matthew 26:9, note).