Gr. likmaō “to winnow [chaff from grain],” “to scatter,” or “to crush to pieces.” These words strongly reflect the thought of Dan. 2:44, 45, where likmaō is found in the LXX (v. 44). A heavy object pulverizes whatever it falls on, and the fragments are scattered far and wide. The same word is used in the LXX of Ruth 3:2. The expression “grind him to powder” could thus also be rendered, “blow him away like chaff,” or “scatter him like chaff.” Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 146) for the omission of Matt. 21:44.

That is, in judgment. This judgment was soon to fall upon the Jewish nation and its perversely impenitent leaders.

 That is, submit to Christ. This was the very thing the Jewish leaders refused to do (see on vs. 25, 27).