CHAPTER II _The prophet, having been overwhelmed with the glorious vision in_ _the preceding chapter, is here strengthened and comforted_, 1, 2; _and then commissioned to declare to the rebellious house of_ _Israel the terrible judgments that would very shortly come upon_ _the whole land, if th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:2. _AND THE SPIRIT ENTERED INTO ME_] This _spirit_ was different to that mentioned above, by which the wheels, c., were moved. The spirit of prophecy is here intended whose office was not merely to enable him to _foresee_ and _foretell_ future events, but to purify and refine his hea... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:3. _SON OF MAN_] This appellative, so often mentioned in this book, seems to have been given first to this _prophet_; afterwards to _Daniel_; and after that to the MAN _Christ Jesus_. Perhaps it was given to the two former to remind them of their frailty, and that they should not be... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:4. _THOU SHALT SAY UNTO THEM, THUS SAITH THE LORD_] Let them know that what thou hast to declare is the message of the LORD, that they may receive it with reverence. Every preacher of God's word should take heed that it is God's message he delivers to the people. Let him not suppose... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:5. _YET SHALL KNOW THAT THERE HATH BEEN A PROPHET AMONG_ _THEM._] By this they shall be assured of _two_ things: 1. That God in his mercy had given them due warning. 2. That themselves were inexcusable, for not taking it.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:6. _BE NOT AFRAID OF THEM_] They will maltreat thee for thy message; but let not the apprehension of this induce thee to suppress it. Though they be _rebels_, fear them not; I will sustain and preserve thee.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:7. _WHETHER THEY WILL HEAR_] Whether they receive the message, or persecute thee for it, declare it to them, that they may be without excuse.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:8. _OPEN THY MOUTH AND EAT THAT I GIVE THEE._] Take my word as thou wouldst take thy _proper food_; receive it into thy heart; ponder it there, that it may be the means of _strengthening_ and _preserving thy soul_, as proper nourishment will strengthen the body, and preserve from dea... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:9. _A HAND WAS SENT_] Here the _hand_ signifies not only the instrument of conveyance, but an _emblem_ of the Divine _power_, which the _hand of God_ always signifies. _A ROLL OF A BOOK_] מגלת שפר _megillath sepher_. All ancient books were written so as to be _rolled up_; hence _vol... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 2:10. _IT_ WAS _WRITTEN WITHIN AND WITHOUT_] Contrary to the state of rolls in general, which are written on the _inside_ only. The _Hebrew rolls_ are generally written in this way. There are several of such Hebrew rolls before me, all written on the _inside_ only, consisting of skins... [ Continue Reading ]