Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

The Prophet is still on the subject of the visions of God. A striking judgment is recorded of the immediate effects of Ezekiel's preaching. The Lord gives also many exceeding great and precious promises before the close of the Chapter.

It is remarkable here again in this place, how the Lord taught his servant the Prophet by vision, and though in prison at Babylon, yet in spirit he is led to Jerusalem. Sweet teaching of the Lord, when his gracious impressions are upon his people. The Lord makes every place a Bethel, and all events as the blessed teaching of visions. So was the beloved apostle. Revelation 1:10.

The same Almighty Spirit, which lifted the Prophet up, here fell upon him, that he might not fall down. And I pray the Reader to observe, the gracious effects which follow, in the Lord's promises, in these verses.

I detain the Reader, and stop his progress, at this single verse, in order that he may remark, with me, the solemn effects of Ezekiel's preaching and ministry. And observe what mercy to the Prophet was mingled with judgment to Pelatiah. Well might the Psalmist declare his intention to sing both of judgment and mercy, and to direct his song to the Lord, Psalms 101:1.

It should seem, that this is not only a new sermon, but delivered at a different period from the former, though the interval was not perhaps long. And it is a very sweet and gracious sermon, and full of the most blessed promises. And what is here said is truly gospel, and evidently delivered with an eye to Christ. The Reader will observe, not only what the promises are, but how they are assured and confirmed in covenant faithfulness: they all run up, and are founded in this grand security; they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

What a peculiar situation of divine favor Ezekiel was in, when thus sent by the Lord on his ministry. When he had finished his vision at Jerusalem, he is brought back by vision again to the place from whence he set out. And having been thus taught of the Lord those solemn truths, he communicated them by way of comfort and encouragement, to the people of the captivity. How gracious the Lord is, in thus making his servants to minister to every state, and to every circumstance. Precious Lord Jesus! is it not so now? Both angels and men ordinances and means of grace; all minister by thine appointment to them who are the heirs of salvation. Hebrews 1:14.

REFLECTIONS

I WOULD beg the Reader to pause over this Chapter, and behold the Prophet in his faithfulness, and the people in their folly. With what earnestness the whole events which were brought before the Prophet in vision, did appear; and how was his heart melted in the review of them! And with what indifference, perhaps contempt, did Pelatiah receive the Prophet's commission, and what a solemn judgment followed! Lord! give grace to sinners, in this our day, of the public ministration of thy word, that they may receive thy truth, in the love of it, and it may prove a savour of life unto life in the soul. Oh! blessed Jesus! come forth in a preached gospel, subduing the hearts of sinners to the sceptre of thy grace, causing every knee to bend before thee, and making every tongue to confess, that thou art Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.