Note 1 at Mt 12:20: The "reed" in this passage is probably referring to the reeds that grew in the marshy areas in the land of Palestine. These were very fragile and could be easily bruised or broken.

The term "smoking flax" refers to a linen wick that was made from flax and burned brightly when floating on oil in an open lamp. However, when the oil was depleted, the flax would just smoke until the oil was replenished.

The meaning of these illustrations is that Jesus was ministering in mercy to those who had been bruised or broken (Lu 4:18). And to those who had lost their oil (spirit), He came to fill them anew (Mt 5:3; Ac 1:5, and 2:4). The Jews were used to the judgment of the Law, but Jesus came to minister grace and truth (Joh 1:17), even to the Gentiles (Mt 12:18 and 21).