CHAP. III. V. 1-3. The Lord Christ, the eternal Word from his throne, here continued to speak to his prophet. ( Note , 1:26-28.) He ordered him to "eat what he found;" that is, to receive into his mind and heart the revelations made to him, without objecting to any part of them.
He was to receive the truths of God as the food of his soul, and to feed upon them by faith, and with a spiritual relish; and whatever he thus found, would prove wholesome and nutrimental: especially he must thus receive the roll given to him, containing the predictions which he was sent to deliver to Israel. ( Note , 2:9,10.) And when he had eaten the roll of the book, he was ordered to go and speak to the house of Israel.
Accordingly he opened his mouth, and the Lord fed him with the roll; as an emblem that he communicates his truth to all, whose hearts are prepared to receive it.He must also meditate on every part of this roll, that his judgment might be formed on it, his memory stored with it, and his affections regulated by it; as the stomach digests, and the bowels assimilate, the food for the nourishment of our bodies. (Note, Col. 3:16,17, v. 16.) Accordingly he did so; and the roll, though "written within and without, ... lamentations, and mourning, and woe,” was in his "mouth as honey for sweetness." ( Marg .
Ref . e, f.) The revelation of future events, and the meditation on the truths of God's word, were very pleasant; and perhaps the first thoughts of being honored as a prophet were agreeable. 'I... 'was pleased with the hopes of being the in-sins; insomuch that their frowns and menaces 'strument of their conversion, and the amend-should make no more impression on him, than 12
came unto me, saying,
Then the Spirit took me up, and || seven days, that the word of the LORD I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying , "Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place.
17 Son of man, I have made thee fa watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
13 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that * touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over 18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou against them, and a noise of a great rush-shalt surely die; and thou givest him not ing.
14 So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went tin bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; bbut the hand of the Lord was strong upon me.
15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I dsat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.
[Practical Observations.]
16 And it came to pass at the end of
$ 14. 2:2. 8:3. 11:1,21. 40.1,2. 1 Kings 18:12. 2 Kings 2:16. Acts 8:39.
t Acts 2:2. Rev. 1:10,15.
u Ps. 72:18,19. 103:20,21. 148:2. Is. 6:3. Rev. 5:11-14. 19:6. 9:3. 10:4,18,19. 11:22, 23. Ex. 40.34,35. 1 Sam. 4:21,22, y 1:24. 10:5. 2 Sam. 5:24. *Heb. kissed.
z 10:16,17. a 12. 8:3.
37:1.
† Heb. bitter in hot anger. Num. 11:11-15. Jer. 6:11. 20:14-18. Jon. 4:1,3,9.
b 1:3. 8:1. 1 Kings 18:46. 2 Kings 2:16. Jer. 20:7-9. c 23. 1:1. 10:15. 43:3.
d Gen. 50:10. Job 2:13. Ps. 137: 1. Jer. 23:9. Hab. 3:16.
on an adamant or diamond, which is harder than a flint. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . k-n. Notes , 2:3-8. Is . 50:7-9, v . 7.) And therefore, depending on this promise of support in the hour of trial, he ought to dismiss his present fears: and, having heard and well understood all the words which God sent him to speak; he must go immediately to his captive brethren, and declare them with all plainness and authority. (Marg. Ref . o, p. r.) He sheweth (10) what is meant by eating the book; which 'is, that the ministers of God may speak
'have received of the Lord.'
ly which they
warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand.
19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; o but thou hast delivered thy soul.
e 33:2-9.1 Cor. 12:28.
f Cant. 3:3, 5:7. Is. 21:6,8,11, 12. 52:8. 56:10. 62:6. Jer. 6: 17. 31:6. Acts 20:28-31. Heb. 13:17.
g 33:6-8.2 Chr. 19:10. Is. 58: 1. Jer. 6:10. Hab. 2:1. Matt. 3:7. 1 Cor. 4:14. 2 Cor. 5:11, 20. Col. 1:28. 1 Thes. 5:14. h 18:4,13,20. 33:8. Gen. 2:17. 3:3,4. Num. 26:65. 2 Kings Is. 3:11. Luke 13:3,5. Eph. 5:5,6. i 18.30-32. Acts 2:40. 3:19. 1 Tim. 4:16. Jam. 5:19,20,
1:4.
k 33:6,9,10. Prov. 14:32. John 8:21,24.
134:10. Gen. 9:5,6, 42:22. 2 Sam. 4:11. Luke 11:50,51. Acts 20:26,27. 1 Tim. 5:22. m 2 Kings 17:13, &c. 2 Chr. 36: 15,16. Prov. 29:1. Jer. 42:19 -22. 44:4,5. Luke 10:10,11. Acts 18:5,6. 1 Thes. 4:6. Heb. 2:1-3. 12:25.
n 18. 2 Thes. 1:8,9. Heb. 10: 26,27.
ο 21. 14:14,20. 33:5,9. Is. 49: 4,5. Acts 13:45,46. 2 Cor. 2: 15-17.
was lifted up and taken away: but he went in great bitterness and heat of his spirit. ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . a, b.- Notes , Num . 11:11-15. 1 Kings 19:3,4. Jer. 20:14-18. Jon. 4:1-11.) The joy which he first experienced in receiving the divine message, was quickly turned into anguish and dismay, at the prospect of those calamities which were coming on his people and probably because of the opposition which he had to encounter. But he was unable to withstand the divine power, which constrained tives at Tel-abib.
These seem to be a dis'tinct colony ... from those that are mentioned '1:3.' Lowth. Here he continued seven days among the captives, without delivering elivering his message, either making observations on their conduct, or, as some think, waiting for the sabbath, as the best time to speak to them. But he was filled with terror and astonishment at what he had seen and heard. ( Marg . Ref . c, d.- Notes , Jer . 23:9-12, v . 9. Dan . 4:19. 7:15 -18, v . 15. 10:4--9, υυ . 8,9,15-19. Hab . 3:16.) V. 17-19. For the admonition and encour
V. 12-15. As the prophet still shewed a reluctance to his work, he was supernaturally apprehended by the Spirit of prophecy, and conveyed to the persons to whom he was to deliver his message; ( Notes , ( Note 8:1. 11:22-25. 1 Kings 18:12–16. 2 Kings 2:16-18. Acts 8:3640. 2 Cor . 12:1-6.) and, the visions still continuing, he heard, as he was departing, "the voice of a great rushing." This some suppose|| to have been an emblem of the great commotions, which he was about to predict. It, how-agement, as well as the instruction of the
ever, proceeded from the living creatures, the hosts of angels; who, at the same time, "blessed the glory of the Lord from his place:" or adored the displays of his glory, in all these dispensations and appointments. ( Marg . Ref . t, u- Notes , Is . 6:1-4. Rev. 5:11-14.)-The 'words imply, tha that though God should forsake 'bis temple, (9:3.) and destroy the place that is 'called by his name; yet his presence will make 'a temple of every place, and multitudes of the 'heavenly host will always be ready to do him 'service. Lowth .
By us his ministering spirits, 'who are now in the place where his honor 'dwelleth.' Bp . Newcombe. (Note, Hos. 5:15.) -The noise of the wings of the living creatures, which touched each other, and the noise of the wheels, intimated that the unanimous ministrations of angels, and the dispensations of Providence would concur with the predictions of the prophet. ( Marg . and Marg. Ref . y, z.-. Votes , 1:5-14, υυ . 8,9,15-25.) - Thus he
prophet; that he might understand the nature of his office, office, and the indispensable necessity of faithfully performing it; the Lord expressly declared that he had appointed him "a watch man to the house of Israel." ( Marg . Ref . e, f. -Notes, - Cant . Cant. 3:1-5, 3:1-5, v. 3. Is. 52:7,8. 56:9-12. 62:6,7. Jer . 6:16,17. 31:6,7. Hab . 2:1-3.
Heb . 13: 17.)-The watchmen were stationed to keep constant look out, that they might discern enemies or dangers at a distance, and warn the people to avoid or repel them: but if they neglected to watch, or to give warning, they would be chargeable with the murder of such as perished through their negligence. ( Notes , Is . 21: 6-12.) In like manner, a sentinel in the army, though often exposed to danger from the enemy, is in greater danger from his commander, if he desert his post or do not attend to his duty.
But if the watchman gave notice of the approaching danger, and the people neglected to profit by the warning; they might indeed be
20 Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
21 Nevertheless " if thou warn the righteous man , that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.
22 And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, a Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.
p 18:24,26. 33:12,13. 2 Chr. 24: 2,17-22. Ps. 36:3. 125:5. Zeph. 1:6. Matt. 13:20,21. Heb. 10:38. 2 Pet. 2:18-22. 1 John 2:19.
* Heb. righteousnesses Is. 64:6. Dan. 9:18.
q 7:19. 14:3,7-9. Deut. 13:3. Ps. 119:165. marg. Is. 8:14. Jer. 6:21. Luke 2:34. Rom. 9:32,33. 11:9. 1 Cor. 1:23. 2 Thes. 2:9-12. 1 Pet. 2:8.
r 18. Lev. 19:17. 2 Sam. 12:713. 2 Chr. 19:2-4. 25:15,16. Prov. 25:12. Matt. 18:15.
s 18:24,26. 33:12,13. Matt. 12: 43-45. Luke 8:15. Rom. 2:7, 8. Heb. 10:38. 2 Pet. 2:21. t 18. 33:6. Heb. 13:17.
u Matt. 24:24,25. Acts 20:31. 1 Cor. 4:14. 10:12. Gal. 1:6- 10. 5:2-7. Eph. 4:17-21. 5: 5,6. Col. 1:28. 3:5-8.1 Thes. 4:6-8. 5:14. Tit. 2:15. 1 John 3:6-9. Rev. 3:19.
x 20. Prov. 9:9. 17:10. Gal. 2: 11-13. Jara. 5:20. y 19. 1 Tim. 4:16. z 14. 1:3. 37:1. a 8:4. Acts 9:6.
cut off, but he would be guiltless. Thus the Lord had appointed the prophet to observe and to report to his people, the dangers to which their sins exposed them: this he was required to do, by hearing the word of the Lord, and "warning them from him." And if he did not fairly report to the wicked the sentence of death and destruction, which the Lord had passed upon them; solemnly warning them to repent and turn from their wicked ways, that they might save their lives; they would then be cut off by divine judgments in their sins, and the prophet would be condemned as their mur
23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: d and I fell on my face.
24 Then the Spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thy house.
25 But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them:
26 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them ta reprover: for they are a rebellious house.
27 But when I speak with thee I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto
b 1:4,28, 9:3. 10:18. Num. 16: | h 24:27. 19,42. Acts 7:55.
с 1:1-3.
d 1:28. Dan. 8:17. 10:8,9. Rev. 1:17. 4:10. 5:8,14.
e 2:2. 37:10. Dan. 10:8-10,19. f 4:1-4.
g 4:8. Mark 3:21. John 21:18. Acts 9:16. 20:23. 21:11-13.
Jer. 1:17.
Ps. 51:15.
137:6.
Luke 1:20-22.
i Lam. 2:9. Hos. 4:17. Am. 5: 10. Mic. 3:6,7.
↑ Heb. a man reproving. k 2:3-8. Is. 1:2.
1 11:25. 24:27. 29:21. 33:32. Ex. 4:11,12. Luke 21:15. Eph. 6:19.
'fensive, doth turn away from that his holy pro'fession, and give himself over to a trade of 'wickedness; and I meet with him in that sin'ful course, and surprise him with my judg'ments, "he shall die, &c." ... Those good ac'tions, which he had formerly done, and his 'forepast holy carriage shall not be so respect'ed, as to keep him from just condemnation." Bp . Hall . ( Marg . and Marg . Ref . p. r, s.) If one of the few righteous should turn aside from his religion and righteousness, to the commission of iniquity; if the heart-searching God should be pleased to lead him into such cir
derer. But if he gave the wicked full warn-cumstances, as tended to make trial of him, and
ing, and they still went on in their sins and perished; he would be free from guilt, and not be considered as accessary to their ruin. So that there were sufficient reasons, why he should be very faithful and courageous, though exposed to much contempt and persecution, and apparently unsuccessful; as this would be the only way, and the sure way, in which he might avoid being involved in the guilt and ruin of his people. (Marg. Ref . g, h.- Note , 33:2-9. Acts 20:25-31. 2 Cor . 2:14-17.1 Tim . 5:21,22.) The wicked man 'shall die in a state 'of sin, and be condemned to those punishments, 'to which death translates sinners. ( John 8:24.) '... Thou shalt be accountable for the loss of his 'soul, just as a man's blood is laid to the charge 'of him, that is any way accessary to his death. 'Gen. 9:5.' Lowth. (Marg. Ref . i-n.-Notes, 18:3,4. Gen. 9:5,6. Prov. 14:32. John 8:21-26. Rom . 6:21-23.)
To save his life . (18) "To cause him to live." In giving warning, the prophet would do what he could to save the souls of the wicked: but if he neglected this, he would be in some sense their murderer. (Notes, 1 Tim . 4:11-16. Jam . 5:19,20. 1 John 3:13-17.)
to call forth his concealed lusts, and thus to prove "a stumbling block" in his way; ( Marg . Ref . q.- Notes , Is . 8:11-15. Jer. 6:21. Matt . 6: 13. 13:20,21. Luke 2:33-35.1 Cor . 11:17—22. Jam . 1:13-15.) if the prophet should also neglect to warn him of his danger, and through his neglect the man should fall and perish in his sins, notwithstanding all the righteousness that he had done, which could not atone for his sins; in that case the prophet would be condemned as accessary to his destruction.
But if he faithfully warned the righteous, and put them upon their guard against apostacy and iniquity; the Lord would bless his warnings to preserve them from sin, and to promote their salvation; and the prophet would also be accepted, and be "pure from the blood"even of such as perished notwithstanding. ( Marg . Ref . t-y. See on Note , 17-19. Notes , 18:24-27. 33:12,13. Matt . 12:43-45. 13:20,21. 2 Pet . 2:20 -22. 1 John 2:18,19.)—The scriptures speak of persons and characters, as they appear to men.
Numbers, who have been thought true believers, have apostatized and died in sin, as far as man can see: and if indeed a real Christian should thus apostatize, and die impenitent, his righteousness would not be remembered, and he would perish in his sins. But the security of the covenant of grace is this: "God will put his fear into the hearts of his people, that they
V. 20, 21. If he, that hath been instructed 'in the right way, turn back.... His righteous 'deeds seemed to have been done in faith and 'were not.'-'When a man who carries himself 'as righteous, and is in his whole course inof- || shall not depart from him." (Notes Jer 32:39
them, m Thus saith the Lord God; He||forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a that heareth, let him hear; and he that rebellious house.
m. 11. 2:5. Matt. 11:15. 13:9. Rev. 22:10,11.
41. John 10:26-31, 10:26-31, v. 28. 1 Pet . 1:3-5.) And the holy scriptures are every where written in a popular style; and not with that studied regard to evident consistency, which appears in the works of very systematical divines.
V. 22-27. The prophet, being powerfully impelled by "the hand of the LORD," went forth into the plain, as he was ordered, that God might further commune with him. ( Note , 1:1-3, v . 3.) There he had the same vision of the glory of God, with the same effects as before. (Marg. Ref . b-d.- Notes , 1:26-28.) And he was directed to go and shut himself up in his house; and there to wait for more particular instructions, in solitude, prayer, and meditation. He was also informed, that they would put bands upon him: either his friends, as supposing him beside himself; ( Marg .
Ref . e. g. -Note , Mark 3:20,21.) or his enemies, as enraged by his predictions. Some, however, explain this of the transactions recorded in the next chapter. ( Note , 4:1--8.) --His confinement and bands were emblems of the Jews, when shut up in Jerusalem by the Chaldeans; and of their bondage after the city was taken.
Thus he was prevented from going among the people: nay, the Lord declared that he would cause him to be dumb, that he might not be a reprover to them, because of their obstinate rebellion Probably, these restraints were meant as a rebuke to the prophet, for his unbelieving fears and reluctancy to his work; and to teach him submission to the divine will: but they were also intended to correct or punish the people, who were not disposed to welcome a faithful reprover; and it may be supposed, that they had shewn some tokens of contempt and enmity, whilst he sat among them at Tel-abib. ( Marg . and Marg .
Ref . h, i.) The prophet, however, would not always continue thus silent: yet it was not intended that he should speak when he pleased, or when the people required him; but when the Lord spake to him. Then he would open his mouth, and enable him to deliver his message with boldness and authority: ( Notes , 24:25-27. 33: 21,22. Eph . 6:18-20.) and placing life and death, the blessing and the curse, before the people, to leave them to their choice, and the effects of it, whether they would hear or forbear. ( Marg . Ref.k -m.-- Notes , 2:3-8. 1 Cor . 14:36-40, ν . 38. Rev. 22:10-12.)
Spake with me . (24) "Then the Spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet: and he spake unto me." Bp. Newcombe. Lowth. The original requires to be thus rendered. The last verb is masculine, the others feminine; and the Speaker is evidently distinguished from the Spirit, who entered into Ezekiel: probably a voice came to him from the visible glory of JEHOVAH. ( Notes , Matt . 3:16,17. 17: 5-8.)
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.
V. 1--15.
We should receive the whole word of God in humble, obedient faith and love; for every part of it is salutary and beneficial. Its doctrines, promises, precepts, warnings, examples, and denunciations, may all be turned into wholesome nourishment by faith and prayer: nay, the believer may deduce sweetness and comfort from those passages, which speak terror to the ungodly, whilst he thinks of Him,
fore "dwell richly in us;" but especially in those, who are to speak it to others: for if they are not well acquainted with it and experienced in it, they will not be able "rightly to divide" it, and apply it to their hearers.The Lord is always ready to communicate divine instruction to those, whose minds are open to receive it; and to assist their endeavors to understand the scriptures. ( Notes , Ps . 25:8,9. Prov . 2:1-9.
P. 0.1-9 .) But , however sweet retirement, meditation, and communion with God may be; yet we must prepare also for active service, We may say upon the mount, "It is good to be here:" but we must descend to struggle with temptations, to endure hardships, to face opposition, to bear our cross, and to follow our suffering Lord. (Note, Matt . 17:4.)-The work of the ministry generally appears very pleasant in the prospect, and whilst pious men are studying and preparing for it; and doubtless it is a good and most desirable work: ( Note , 1 Tim . 3:1.) yet those who mean, as ministers, to be "valiant for the truth" in this rebellious world, must prepare for severe trials and conflicts.
We need not however hesitate to speak the words of God unto the people: for if we act by his commission, and according to his instructions, we may be sure that he will bear us out. But faithful ministers often meet with more difficulties among false brethren, than among profligates: and they who are sent to poor Indians and Pagans, have frequently found them more open to instruction and conviction, than men in Christian countries are.
So that their hard language, not to be understood without an interpreter, has not so much impeded their success; as the daring and hardened impiety of persons, brought up under the sound of the Gospel, would have done.When sinners are very bold in the service of Satan, surely we ought not to be cowardly in the cause of God: when impiety and infidelity wax insolent and impudent, we should grow the more strenuous and zealous in opposing them: and if our enemies "set their faces as a flint , and make their brow as brass;" the Lord can make ours as the adamant , and enable us to withstand deceivers and opposers to the face, without fearing their frowns, threatening, or rage. (Notes, Is. 42:1-4. 50:7-9, v. 7. 1 Pet . 4:1,2.) But we should remember that his promises are intended to encourage us to attend on our duty.
Having therefore such assurances of strength and support in the hour of trial; we can have no just cause to fear any enemy: and if we "receive in our hearts," as well as "hear with our ears, all the words of God;" and then speak to the people as we have opportunity, "whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear;" it should not greatly disquiet us, if those who despise the commandments of God will not hearken to our words. But though these things are our evident duty, and though there is a disposition to attend to them; yet nature will object to difficult and perilous services.
And when the Spirit of God powerfully operates on our fears, affections, and consciences, and we cannot but go whither he sends us, and speak what he commands: we may often feel great impatience and uneasiness, and "go in the bitterness and heat of our spirit." So that, whilst angels are
who has "delivered him from the wrath to adoring the condescension of our God, in emcome." "The word of Christ" should there-ploying such sinful worms in his honorabis VOL. IV. [465
work, and blessing him for the displays of his glory in his gracious dealings with us; and all the glorious company are unanimously concurring in the execution of his purposes; we poor sinners, though specially favored and honored, may be discontented and repining at the services allotted us! Indeed it must be allowed to be very discouraging, when we are sent where there is little hope of being useful: and especially, when the more attentively our hearers are observed, the more desperate their wickedness appears to be.
It may also astonish and almost stupify any considerate man, to compare the awful denunciations of God's word, with the lives of most who profess to believe it. We must not, however, spend much time, in associating with sinners, merely to make our observations; except in order to discover the best time and manner of addressing them: and even here timidity and carnal prudence will be apt to insinuate themselves, and dispose us to conceal or soften our message.
Yet, if the Lord indeed intend us to preach his word, he will renew his calls, and constrain our obedience, by his strong hand upon us. (Notes, Jer. 20:7-9. Acts 4:13–22, υν . 19,20. 2 Cor . 5:13-15.)
V. 16-27.
arduous
What an awful, important, and work, is the ministry of the gospel! If unfaithful, we expose ourselves to the severest indignation of God, and become guilty of the murder of the souls, which perish by our default: and if faithful, we must expect to excite the indignation of all who do not profit by our solemn warnings.
These considerations should render every one cautious, from what motives and in what manner he engages; that he may be sure that God has "made him a watchman:" they should teach us all to "take heed to ourselves, and to the ministry that we have received of the Lord, that we may fulfil it;" and to guard against ambition, avarice, and every thing which may tempt us to unfaithfulness: they should excite us to continual prayer for the increase of faith, spiritual knowledge, and that sufficiency which God alone can bestow; and to keep before our minds the awful account which must be rendered if sinners perish by our fault; that "the fear of him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell," may subordinate all our fears of those, "who can only kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do." ( Notes , Matt . 10:27, 28.
Luke 12:1-7, vv . 4,5.) We cannot indeed prevail with men to attend to the truths and will of God; but we may hear his word, and declare it unto them, shewing them plainly both their danger and their remedy: and if we do this fully and faithfully, we shall "deliver our own souls," even though they perish in their sins. We should also remember, that we are required, not only to encourage and comfort those who appear to us to be righteous: they must be warned also; for it is by such
warnings, that the Lord puts the upright upon their guard, and thus they are preserved from sin and unto salvation; and the minister is also exempted from guilt, as to those who deceive themselves, or turn back and perish in their evil ways. For many, of whom men have been most confident, have grown highminded and secure, have met with stumbling blocks in their way, and have fallen and died in their iniquity.
So that nothing, except actual perseverance, absolutely evinces the reality of grace and soundness of heart: and the unfaithful preacher, who does not warn men of these dangers, becomes guilty of their ruin, and their blood will be required at his hands. Surely then we should study to be very explicit and particular in our ministry; and seek to prof it , rather than to please our hearers, or be com mended by them!
And the hearers of the gospel should not expect from those, "who watch for their souls," and have such an account to give of their ministry, smooth and soothing discourses: but very alarming and distinguishing warnings, exhortations, and reproofs. Gentieness and caution are not the most requisite qualifications for a watchman.
When the house is on fire, or the assassin about to murder those who are asleep; they do not accuse him of impertinence or rudeness, if he awake them even with noise and violence: in such a case they prefer earnestness to courtesy; and should they not judge in like manner, when their souls are in danger?
And ought not the feelings of the minister, who fears lest "the blood of the people should be required at his hands," be consulted; as well as those of the auditors, who cannot endure to hear of "the terror of the Lord?"-But even where the minister does not allowedly temporize, and is obedient in many things to the word of God; he may in others expose himself to rebuke and chastisement, by timidity and procrastination: and the Lord sometimes lays aside for a season, such as have sinfully declined opportunities of usefulness.
Where, however, the heart is upright, they will profit even by rebukes and suspensions. The Lord's condescension and kindness in shewing us his glory, and coinmuning with us sinful worms, notwithstanding our peevishness and perverseness, is very astonishing: but he will convince us of our insufficiency for any good thing, good thing, if he intend to use us as his instruments.
Meditation, study, and prayer are proper preparations for service: yet after all, we should be dumb, when called to speak in the name of God, if he did not open our mouths, give us our message, and supply us with utterance and boldness. ( Note , Acts 4:29-31.)-By painful experience his servants are taught humble submission, and dependence on him: and if they adhere to their instructions instructions, they will be "a sweet savor unto God," both in those who hear their word, and in those who rebelliously reject or abuse lit; and whoever attempts to silence them, takes
shalt lay siege against it. This shall be alarm shall be uncovered, and thou shalt sign to the house of Israel. 4 Lie thou also
upon thy left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it: according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon it, thou shalt bear their iniquity.
5 For I have laid upon thee the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days so shalt thou bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.
6 And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee teach day for a year.
7 Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thine
112:6,11. 24:24-27. Is. 2:18. 20:3. Luke 2:34. Heb. 2:4.
e 5,8.
1 2 Kings 17:21-23.
Lev. 10:17. 16:22. Num. 14: 34. 18:1. Is. 53:11,12. Matt. 8:17. Heb. 9:28. 1 Pet. 2:24. a. Is. 53:6.
Beginning from 1 Kings 12: 33. Ending B. C. 584. Jer.
52:30.
† Beginning from 2 Kings 23: 3,23. Ending Jer. 52:30.
prophesy against it.
8 And, behold, I will lay bands upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege.
9Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentiles, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, ac cording to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side: three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof.
10 And thy meat which thou shalt eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day. from time to time shalt thou eat it.
11 Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.
12 And thou shalt eat it as barley-cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that com
Heb. a day for a year, a day eth out of man, in their sight.
for a year. Num. 14:34. Dan. 9:24-26. 12:11,12. Rev. 9:15. 11:2,3. 12:14. 13:5.
i 3. 6:2.
k Is. 52:10.
the readiest way of bringing the heaviest judgments on himself, and on the conmmunity to which he belongs. ( Note , 1 Thes . 2:13-16.)
NOTES.