CHAPTER III _This chapter contains more particular instructions to the_ _prophet. It begins with repeating his appointment to his_ _office_, 1-3. _Ezekiel is then informed that his commission is, at this time,_ _to the house of Israel exclusively_, 4-6; _that his countrymen would pay little re... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:3. _IT WAS IN MY MOUTH AS HONEY_] It was joyous to me to receive the Divine message, to be thus let into the secrets of the Divine counsel, and I promised myself much comfort in that intimate acquaintance with which I was favoured by the Supreme Being. In Revelation 10:10 we find St.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:5. _THOU ART NOT SENT TO A PEOPLE OF A STRANGE SPEECH_] I neither send thee to thy adversaries, the _Chaldeans_, nor to the _Medes_ and _Persians_, their enemies. Even these would more likely have hearkened unto thee than thy own countrymen.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:7. _IMPUDENT AND HARD-HEARTED._] "Stiff of forehead, and hard of heart." - _Margin_. The marginal readings on several verses here are very nervous and very correct.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:12. _THEN THE SPIRIT TOOK ME UP_] This, as _Calmet_ remarks, has been variously understood. 1. An impetuous _wind_ carried him to the place where his brethren sojourned. 2. The _Holy Spirit_, which filled his heart, transported him in a moment to the place where the captives were.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:13. _A GREAT RUSHING._] All the living _creatures_ and the _wheels_ being then in motion.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:14. _I WENT IN BITTERNESS_] Being filled with indignation at the wickedness and obstinacy of my people, I went, determining to speak the word of God without disguise, and to reprove them _sharply_ for their rebellion; and yet I was greatly distressed because of the heavy message whic... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:16. _I CAME TO THEM OF THE CAPTIVITY_] Because the hand of the Lord was strong upon him and supported him, he soon reached the place. _TEL-ABIB_] תל אביב "a heap of corn." So the _Vulgate: acervum_ _novarum frugum_, "a heap of new fruits." [Syriac] _letola chib_, "to the hill Chib,... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:17. _I HAVE MADE THEE A WATCHMAN_] The care and welfare of all this people I have laid on thee. Thou must _watch_ for their _safety, preach_ for their _edification_, and _pray_ for their _eternal welfare_. And that thou mayest be successful, _receive the_ _word at my mouth, and warn... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:18. _THOU SHALT SURELY DIE_] That is, If he turn not from his wickedness, _and thou givest him not warning_, as above, _he_ _shalt die in his iniquity_, which he should not have committed; _but_ _his blood will I require at thy hand_-I will visit _thy soul_ for the loss of _his_. O... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:20. _WHEN A RIGHTEOUS MAN DOTH TURN FROM HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS_] Which these words plainly state he may do, _and commit iniquity_, and die in his sin; and consequently die eternally, which is also here granted; if he have not been warned, though he die in his sin, the _blood_-the life a... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:22. _ARISE, GO FORTH INTO THE PLAIN_] Into a place remote from observation and noise; a place where the glory of God might have sufficient room to manifest itself, that the prophet might see all its movements distinctly.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:24. _THE SPIRIT - SAID UNTO ME, GO, SHUT THYSELF WITHIN THINE_ _HOUSE._] Hide thyself for the present. The reason is immediately subjoined.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:25. _THEY SHALL PUT BANDS UPON THEE_] Thy countrymen will rise up against thee; and, to prevent thy prophesying, will confine thee.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:26. _I WILL MAKE THY TONGUE CLEAVE TO THE ROOF OF THY_ _MOUTH_] I will not give thee any message to deliver to them. They are so rebellious, it is useless to give them farther warning.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Ezekiel 3:27. _I WILL OPEN THY MOUTH_] When it is necessary to address them again, thou shalt sum up what thou hast said in this one speech: _Thus saith the Lord_, "He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear." Let him who feels obedience to the voice of God his inte... [ Continue Reading ]