CHAP. II. 4 For they are timpudent children Ezekiel receives his commission and instructions, as a prophet and stiff-hearted: I do send thee unto
to rebellious Israel, 1-5. He is warned neither to fear them, nor to imitate their rebellion, 6-8. He receives a roll, full of "lamentations, and mourning, and woe," 9, 10.
ND he said unto me, a Son of man, b stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.
2 And the Spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to *a rebellious nation that hath • rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.
a 3,6,8. 3:1,4,10,17. 4:1. 5:1. 7:2. 12:3. 13:2. 14:3,13. 15:2. 16:2. 17:2. 20:3. 37:3. Ps. 3:4. Dan. 8:17. Matt. 16:13 -16. John 3:13,16.
b 1:28. Dan. 10:11,19. Matt. 17:7. Acts 9:6. 26:16.
с 3:12,14,24. 36:27. Num. 11: 25,36. Judg. 13:25. 1 Sam. 16:13. Neh. 9:30. Joel 2:28,29. Rev. 11:11.
d 3:4-8. 2 Chr. 36:15,16. Is.
6:8-10. Jer. 1:7. 7:2. 25:3 7. 26:2-6. 36:2. Mark 12:25. Luke 24:47,48. John 20:21, 22. Rom. 10:15.
* Heb. rebellious nations. 16: 20: 23:
e Num. 20:10. 32:13,14. Deut. 9:24. 1 Sam. 8:7,8. 2 Kings 17:17-20. Ezra 9:7. Neh. 9: 16-18,26,33-35. Ps. 106:16 -21,28,32-40. Jer. 3:25. 16: 11,12. 44:21,22. Dan. 9:5-13.
transgressors, but a most faithful Friend to all who flee to him for refuge. Let sinners then throng to him, and prostrate themselves before him, on his throne of grace, encouraged by his love, while awed by his majesty, justice, and power: and then they will not tremble when he shall appear on his great tribunal. And let believers more and more contemplate his glory, that they may be gradually "changed into his image, by the Spirit of the Lord." (Notes, 2 Cor . 3:17,18. 4:3-6.)
NOTES.
CHAP. II. V. 1, 2. Daniel is once called "son of man;" ( Dan . 8:17.) but Ezekiel is the only prophet, who is generally thus addressed.
He had been admitted, as it were, to the society of the spirits before the throne: but this must not cause him to forget, that he was a son of man, a child of Adam, a sinful, frail, and dying creature; though the Lord was pleased to send him to his people, rather than any of the holy angels who ministered before him.-As Christ commonly called himself, and was often called by others, "The Son of Man," the title may also be considered as an honorable distinction. ( Marg .
Ref . a. -Notes , Ps . 80:17, 18. 146:3,4.) It was indeed the Redeemer's lowest style, as he is also "the Son of God:" yet it was a peculiar honor to him to be the chief of all the sons of Adam, and the only one who was free from sin, and well pleasing to God on his own account. And, though this was not the case with Ezekiel, yet he was highly favored, in being admitted to these visions of God, and employed in the prophetical office, ffice, while the nation and the priestly family were in great affliction and disgrace. When e.
When he lay prostrate in an adoring ing posture upon the earth, he was not so well prepared to receive and execute the divine mandates: he was therefore ordered to arise and stand on his feet; and the Spirit of prophecy, communicated to him, encouraged and enabled him so to do. (Marg. Ref . b, c.- Notes , 1:26-28. 3:12 -15,22-27 . Dan . 10:4-19, vv . 7-9. Matt . 17: 5-8.)
V.3-5. The Lord, appearing in vision "in the likeness of the appearance of a man," (1:
26.) commissioned the prophet to go in his name to the house of Israel. His personal ministry was confined to the captives in Chaldea: but the Jews in their own land, and the dispersed Israelites were included in his commission; many of his predictions and reproofs related to them, and his writings would reach them: and though he delivered prophecies concerning other nations, yet they all had some reference to the nations of Israel and Judah.
The original is, "rebellious nations :" thus God described them; for from generation to generation they had continued to rebel against him, and were still disposed to do the same. They were a shameless, daring, and hardened race of obstinate transgressors; "impudent in their countenances and hardened in their hearts." ( Marg . and Marg . Ref.e -g. -Notes , Is . 48:3-5, v . 4. Jer. 3:2,3, v . 3. 6:13 15.) Yet they must not be wholly given up, being favored for their fathers' sake, and because of the Messiah who was to be raised up among them. ( Notes , Is . 6:8,13. 65:8-10. Matt . 24:21,22.
Rom. 11:25-32.) A few might be better disposed; others, especially of the rising generation, might be reclaimed, and the rest would be left without excuse.
The prophet was therefore to go to them, and to preface his message, with, "Thus saith the Lord GOD." (ADONAI JEHOVAH.) And whether they would or would not regard his message; (for they were so rebellious, that he might expect many of them to treat it with contempt;) yet they would know by the event, that a prophet had been sent to them, for his predictions would assuredly be verified.- "The event answering 'thy predictions, shall render thy authority un'questionable, and them inexcusable for not hearkening to thy warnings. Lowth . ( Marg .
Ref . ef . h, i. -Note , 33:30-33, v . 33.) A rebellious nation . (3) The Hebrew word is ' Goiim , nations ; the word which is commonly 'used to denote the heathens, intimating that 'the Jews had outdone the wickedness of the 'heathens. (5:5,6.)' Lowth .
V. 6. The prophet was here warned to arm himself with courage and patience: for he must expect ill-treatment from the rebels, if he faithfully stood up for the authority, law, truth, and
Ezekiel, being made to eat the roll, finds it very sweet, 1-3. God encourages him for the works assigned him, and warns him to be faithful, 4-11. He is carried by the Spirit, in great bitterness, to the captive Jews, and remains with them seven days, 12-15. He is shewn his duty and responsibility, as a watchman to Israel, 16-21. He is ordered to shut himself up; and is further instructed concerning the hardships which awaited him, and the shutting and opening of his mouth, 22-27.
Newcombe . ( Marg . Ref . Note , Rev. 5:1-4.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
glory of God. They were in themselves worth-'ally the writing was only on the inside. Bp. less and noxious as "thorns and briers;" yea, venomous and malignant as "scorpions:" and their company would be uneasy to him, as the thorns and briers, which tear the flesh of those who fall down among them, or endeavor to pass through them; nay, they would attempt to destroy him as scorpions. And even their menacing words and looks would intimidate and silence him, except he were upheld by faith and the fear of God.
The prophets and 'messengers of God are often exhorted to take 'courage,... without fearing any man's person, 'or standing in awe of any man's greatness. (3:8,9. Jer . 1:8,18. Matt . 10:28.) Such a pres'ence of mind is expressed by παῤῥησία boldness 'in the New Testament.... And they have need 'of great presence of mind, who are to reprove 'men hardened in sin, who are always impa'tient of reproof, and become the enemies of 'those who tell them such truths as they have 'no mind to hear.' Lowth . ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 3:4-11,17-19. Jer . 1:17-19. Matt . 10:27,28.) -Briers.] "Rebels." Marg .
Some think that nettles are meant. ( Note , Mic . 7:1-4, v . 4.)
V. 7, 8. ( Note , 3-5.) The prophet would be especially tempted to decline his work, or to "shun to declare the whole counsel of God," before such obstinate rebels and malignant and furious opposers. Probably, at this very time he was unwilling to undertake a service, which appeared so perilous and discouraging. (Marg. and Marg . Ref . n, o.- Note , 3:12-15.) But the Lord shewed him, that his refusal or unfaithfulness would rank him also among the rebels; and warned him not to imitate their perverse conduct. He was therefore ordered to open his mouth, and eat the roll which would be given him: that is, he must receive, study, and digest it in his mind; that he might be prepared to speak the contents of it to the people, without fear or hesitation. ( Marg . Ref . p.- Notes , 3:1-3. Job 23:8-12. Jer . 15:15–18. Rev. 10:8-11.)
V. 9, 10. While these words were speaking, the prophet saw a hand sent to him, no doubt, from the divine person, whom he had before seen in vision. ( Note , 1:26-28.) The hand had in it a roll of parchment, or of such other materials as were then used to write upon: and the roll being opened before him, he saw it every where written with "lamentations, and mourning, and woe." This shewed the heavy judgments, which he would have to denounce against his rebellious people; the performance of which would cause them to lament lament and mourn, and would render them most miserable. The ancient books were 'rolled on cylinders of wood, or ivory; and usu
We should hearken to the word of God, with a full purpose of yielding a prompt obedience to it. When he calls on the sinner to awake, arise, and attend to the concerns of his soul, to repent, and be converted, and believe the gospel; the Spirit of life and grace accompanies the call, and as it were sets him on his feet, and enables him to do what indeed before was his duty, but which he had neither will nor power to perform.
The same blessed influence must be depended on by ministers and Christians, in every service to which they are called.-Human depravity never appears so great, as in the impudent, caring, obstinate, and atrocious wickedness of those, who have been most favored with the means of grace. Yet the Lord will not forsake his church, though multitudes of such "rebellious children" have in every age infested it.
He knows how to discriminate between "the precious and the vile," and to estimate the degree of men's rebellion: and he often sends his ministers to those, who he foresees will not regard their word.
But whilst they warn and "rebuke with all authority" in his name, he will be glorified and they will be accepted, "whether men will hear or whether they will forbear:" ( Note , 2 Cor. 2:14-17.) and those who have most despised the word of God when faithfully preached, will know, when condemned for neglecting so great salvation, that a prophet has been among them.The more outrageous and insolent sinners are in wickedness, the more bold and faithful must ministers be in addressing them. They cannot please men and serve Christ: ( Note and P. O. Gal . 1:6-10.
Note , 1 Thes . 2:1-8.) they must bearmed with that mind which was in him, that they may be prepared to endure hardship and to bear the cross: they must expect to be harassed by briers and thorns, if not to "dwell with scorpions;" and it would be vain to look for ease, comfort, or safety, in such a situation, except from the Lord.
They must not then fear the proud looks, or blustering words, the mockings, revilings, or menaces, of powerful rebels: but must trust in God's protection, speak his words, and fear nothing but being numbered by him among the rebels; or being seduced or terrified to copy or countenance their ungodliness: and they must diligently hear the words of God, and meditate on them continually, that they may be earnest in their work, and well qualified for it.-Those who are most acquainted with the scripture, will most clearly perceive, that it is every where filled with "lamentations,
this roll, and go speak unto the house of||
Israel.
2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.
3 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, dand fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. • Then did I eat it ; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.
4 And he said unto me, Son of man, & go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.
7 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee, for they will not hearken unto me; for all the house of Israel are & impudent and hard-hearted.
8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.
9 As an madamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: "fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.
10 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto
5 For thou art not sent to a people * of a strange speech, and of an hard lan-thee receive in thine heart, and hear with guage, but to the house of Israel: thine ears.
6 Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. + Surely had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.
b 11,15,17-21. 2:3. Jer. 24: 1-7.
< Jer. 25:17. Acts 26:19.
d 2:10. Job 32:18,19. Jer. 6:11. 20:9. John 7:38. Col. 3:16.
e Ps. 119:11. Jer. 15:16. John 6:53,63.
f Job 23:12. Ps. 19:10. 119: 97,103. Prov. 2:10,11. Rev. 10:9,10.
g 11. 2:3,7. Matt. 10:5,6. 15: 24. Acts 1.8.
h Jon. 1:2. 3:2-4. Acts 26:17, 18.
* Heb. deep of lip and heavy of tongue. and so 6.-Ps. 81: 5. Is. 33:19.
Or, If I had sent thee to them,
11 And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord God; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.
i 1 Sam. 8:7. Jer. 25:3,4. 44:4, 5,16. Luke 10:16. 13:34. 19:14. John 5:40-47. 15:20-24.
k 2:4. 24:7. Is. 3:9. Jer. 3:3. 5:3.
would they not have hearken- Heb. stiff of forehead and
ed, &c.? Jon. 3:5-10. Matt. 11:20-24. 12:41,42. Luke 11: 30-32. Acts 28:28. Rom. 9: 30-33.
hard of heart.
1 Ex. 4:15,16. 11:4-8.1 Kings 21:20. Is. 50:7. Jer. 1:18. 15:20. Mic. 3:8. Acts 7:51- 56. Heb. 11:27,32-87.
m Zech. 7:12.
n 2:6. Is. 41:10,14. Jer. 1:8,17. 17:18.
ο 1-3. 2:8. Job 22:22. Ps. 119:11. Prov. 8:10. 19:20. Luke 8:15. 1 Thes. 2:13. 4:1. p 15. 11:24,25. Dan. 6:13. q 33:2,12,17,30. 37:18. Ex. 32: 7. Deut. 9:12. Dan. 12:1. r 27. 2:5,7. Acts 20:26,27,
and mourning, and woe" to impenitent sin- 'ment of some of them.' Lowth . But when ners, whether infidels, profligates, self-right-he afterwards considered what predictions and eous moralists and formalists, or hypocrites; denunciations he was commissioned to deliver
and that all the grace and precious promises of the gospel will eventually be fulfilled to the penitent, believing, and obedient servants of God, and to them alone.
NOTES.
to the people; that these would increase their condemnation; and that he would be hated and persecuted on this account; his spirit was much imbittered. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . on 14. - Note , Rev. 10:8-11. )
V. 4-11. The prophet seems to have been very reluctant to the service allotted him, ( Notes , Jer . 20:7-9. Jon. 1:2,3.) and therefore he was repeatedly urged to it, He was not, however, sent (as Jonah had been,) to Nineveh, or to any of the surrounding nations, whose language not being understood by him, would have appeared strange and uncouth; nor could he have conversed with them but by an interpreter: ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . g, h. Notes , Deut 28:49-57, v. 49. Is . 33:17-19. 1 Cor . 14:20— 25.) but he was sent to his own people, even the nation of Israel.
Yet had he gone to any of the nations, who were strangers to the language and religion of Israel, they would have been better disposed to attend to him: their hearts were not so hard, nor their consciences so seared, as those of Israel were become, by continually sinning against convictions, and abusing their peculiar advantages; and therefore they would have been more susceptible of terror or shame. ( Marg . Ref .
Notes , Matt . 5: 13. 11:20-24. 12:41,42.) But the Israelites would not hearken to the prophet, for they would not hearken to the Lord himself, being almost universally impudent, and hardened in their impiety. ( Marg . Ref . Notes , 1 Sam . 8:6 -9. John 15:17-21.)-At the same time that God informed Ezekiel of the ill success of his ministry; he assured him that he had prepared him, or would qualify him, to encounter opposítion, by giving him abundant intrepidity and firmness: so that with dauntless courage he should be enabled to oppose and reprove their