V. 14-25. ble in counselling and vindicating it, and bold in carrying it into execution; they encourage numbers to harden themselves in rebellion The Lord often reserves for himself those against God, and to adopt and persist in the persons, of whom we had little hopes; and most pernicious and impious designs. But leaves to their own pride and lusts, such as they should be reminded, that they must ren- we had better expectations of: while they, der an account to him, for all the mischief done whom he afflicts and man despises, are com by their influence; for all the blood shed in monly nearer the kingdom of heaven, than unjust and unnecessary wars, which their their' more prosperous and self-confident worldly policy has occasioned; and for all the neighbors. Many are ready to imagine that murder, that takes place in consequence of they are exclusively the people of God, while their oppression, persecution, and uurighteous others are gone far from him; when, in fact, decrees. How awfully do some men of this they are idolizing some form or creed, and description "multiply their slain," not only have no part or lot in the matter: and those through the streets of a single city, or the dis- who rejoice in the calamities of their brethtricts of a kingdom, but through whole conti- ren, because they expect gain from them, nents, nay, in every quarter of the globe! and and who are ready to anathematize and injure they will at length be as much distinguished them for conscience' sake, are strangers to by their punishment, as they now are by their "the power of godliness." But wherever the crimes. But carnal policy is connected with Lord casts the lot of those who truly fear him, infidelity: and such persons turn the oracles of he will be "a sanctuary" unto them: they canGod into ridicule, and persuade themselves and not be scattered to a distance from his protectothers, that no evil shall happen unto them. ing providence, from his throne of grace, from If they cannot entirely shake off all regard to the consolations of his Spirit, or "communrevelation, they conclude, that the wrath of ion with the Father and his son Jesus Christ:" God denounced against transgressors is doubt- and he will gather into his heavenly kingful, or at least distant; and that they may dom, from every country under heaven, all safely indulge their inclinations, and pursue those who have been delivered by his grace their rebellious schemes, for some time longer; from their detestable things and abominathat they have many years of life before them; tions. But without "the one heart and the and that they shall be able to take care of their new spirit," which he bestows; except he take souls at last. The love of the world, and dis- away the hard and stony heart, and give us like to religion, give Satan and his factors an the heart of flesh; we shall never truly reamazing advantage against men, in tempting pent, or believe and obey the Gospel. When them to this procrastination: aud thus they se- the sinner feels his need of these blessings; let duce and ruin one another, until at length, him bring these promises to the throne of grace, when "they are crying, Peace, peace, sudden and present them as prayers in the name of destruction cometh upon them, and they shall Christ, and they will surely be performed. not escape." (Notes, Dan. 5:1-9. Luke 12:15 (Note, Acts 5:29-31.) Then sin will be loath-21. 16:19-31. Acts 12:20-23. 1 Thes. 5:1-ed, the Savior will become precious, the heart 3.) We should, therefore, plainly, protest will be made humble and contrite, the conagainst these devisers of mischief, and wicked science tender; and the converted sinner will counsellors: we should shew them the folly be inclined and enabled to "walk in the statutes and impiety of their words, and remind them of God, and keep his ordinances and do them." that God knows all their thoughts and contri-||(Notes, Tit. 2:11-14.) Such are indeed the vances. We should also meditate on the same truths, with reference to ourselves; that we may watch our hearts and lips, and earnestly pray to our God to examine and keep them for us.-The worst fears of ungodly men will come upon them, and often by those sinful means which they use to secure themselves: and when sinners fear the sword of man more than the wrath of God, he will sometimes expose them to both; and execute his judgments upon them in this world as well as in the next.according to the covenant of works, and "recThus he often singles out the ringleaders in impiety, infidelity, and wickedness, and renders them warnings to others, that they may repent and avoid such destructive paths. (Num. 14:36-38. Notes, Num. 16:28–34. Jer. 28:15-17. 29:21–23.) But while these awful dispensations verify the words of God's faithful servants; they cannot but be deeply affected by them, and will still plead with him to have mercy on those who remain. VOL. IV. 62 Lord's people, and he is their God and Portion: but they differ as much from notional professors of evangelical truths, as from Pharisaical despisers of them: and this sensibility of heart and conscience is the chief discrimination between the true Christian and all other men.- As for those, whose hearts are habitually set upon their idolatries and iniquities; they are evidently under the dominion and condemnation of their sins, and God will deal with them ompense their ways upon their own heads." And though he will not forsake his people; yet he may be driven away from any part of his visible church, by the hypocrisy and iniquity of those, who are called by his name: and woe be to them, when he withdraws his presence, glory, and protection!-Finally, whatever ministers learn from the word or Spirit of God, whether concerning his judgments or his mercies, they must faithfully declare it to all the [489 thee stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and thou shalt remove from thy place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they be a rebellious house. e Then shalt thou bring forth thy stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing: and thou shalt go forth at even in their sight, as they that go forth into captivity. 5 Dig thou through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby. t f 6 In their sight shalt thou bear it upon thy shoulders, and carry it forth in the twilight: thou shalt cover thy face, that thou see not the ground: 5 for I have set thee for a sign unto the house of Israel. 7 And I did so as I was commanded: 'I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for captivity, and in the even I digged through the wall with mine hand; I brought it forth in the twilight, and I bare it upon my shoulder in their sight. 8 T And in the morning came the word of the LORD unto me, saying, 9 Son of man, hath not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said unto thee, k 10 Say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; This burden concerneth the prince in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel that are among them. 11 Say, I am your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done unto them: they shall remove and go into captivity. 12 And the prince that is among them shall bear upon his shoulder in the twilight, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: he shall cover his face, that he see not the ground with his eyes. 13 My P net also will I spread upon him, and he shall be taken in my snare: and I will bring him to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall he not see it, though he shall die there. 14 And I will scatter toward every wind all that are about him to help him, and all his bands; and I will draw out the sword after them. 15 And they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall scatter them among the nations, and disperse them in the countries. m 2 Kings 9:25. Is. 13:1. 14:28. Mal. 1:1. n 7:27. 17:13-21. 21:25-27. Jer. 21:7. 24:8. 38:18. Heb. by removing go into h 2:8. 24:18. 37:7,10. Jer. 32:8 16. John 2:58. 15:14. Acts 3-6. Heb. digged for me. k 1-3. 2:5-8. 1 Sam. 28:3. 2 Sam. 15:30. 17:12, 20:49. 24:19. 28-30. o 6. 2 Kings 25:4. Jer. 39:4. 52:7. p 17:20. 19.8,9. 32:3. Job 19: 6. Ps. 11:6. Is 24:17,18. Jer. 50:24. Lam. 1:13. 3:47. 4:19, people, as far as they have opportunity afforded conduct more significant, he was ordered to them. NOTES. CHAP. XII. V. 1-7. Ezekiel does not seem, for the present, to have had any more visions of the divine glory; but to have received revelations from God in the more ordinary manner of other prophets.-Even the captives, among whom he dwelt, were "a rebellious house like their brethren in Judah; who would not use their senses and faculties, or avail themselves of the instructions of God's word and providence, for their advantage! (Marg. Ref. a, b.-Notes, Dent. 29:4. Is. 6:9,10. Jer. 5:20-25. Matt. 13:14–17. Mark 8:17-21.) After all that they had heard and experienced, they still expected that Jerusalem would be preserved from the Chaldeans: they deemed themselves unhappy in bondage, and hoped to be speedily restored to their country: this led them to neglect the duties of their situation, to listen to false prophets, to reject the word of God, and thus to rebel both against his commandments and providence. (Notes, Jer. 29:4 -15.) To certify them therefore of the vanity of their hopes, the prophet was ordered to make ready his furniture for removing to another habitation, in the sight of the people, and then to carry it, or some part of it, to a distant place; in hopes, (speaking after the manner of men,) "that the people would consider, though they were a rebellious house." Thus he was directed to spend the day about his furniture, and in the evening to go forth as one afraid of being carried away captive: and to render his 490] dig or break through the wall of his house, and to go forth by that opening, carrying part of his property, or some provisions, with him, as desirous to escape the enemy; and to cover his face, not only as in distress, but to disguise himself for fear of being detected. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. c-g.) Having received these orders, he punctually obeyed them; and thus set before the eyes of the captive Jews the plundering of Jerusalem of all its treasures, and the removal of them and of the inhab itants to Babylon; the vain endeavors of the Jews to escape, and to carry off their property; and especially the conduct and fate of Zedekiah. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. h, i.—Note, &— 15.) V. 8-15. Either the people had ridiculed the prophet's conduct, or they had contemptuously disregarded it. (Marg. Ref. k, 1.—Note, 20:49.) He was therefore commanded to inform them, that "this burden," or prophetic sign of impending judgments, respected Zedekiah, the prince in Jerusalem, "under whose shadow they hoped to live among the nations." (Note, Lam. 4:20.) as well as all those of the families of Israel, who yet remained in their own land. As Ezekiel had removed his furniture, and changed his habitation; so would their property and persons be removed into another land: and the king himself would flee from the conquerors in the dusk of the evening, with a burden on his shoulder, and a covering on his face, in order to disguise himself; whilst his attendants would break through the wall to forward his escape. But the Lord would spread a few men of shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate, and ye shall know that I am the LORD. 16 But "I will leave them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the heathen whither they come; and they shall know that I am the LORD. 18 Son of man eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling and with carefulness; 19 And say unto the people of the land, Thus saith the Lord GoD of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and of the land of Israel; They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that the land may be desolate from tall that is therein, because of the violence of all them that dwell therein. the cities that are inhabited b 20 And d c u 6:8-10. 14:22,23. Is. 1:9. 6: 13. 10:22. 21:13. Jer. 4:27. 30:11. Am. 9:3,9. Matt. 7:14. 24:22. Rom. 11:4,5. Heb. men of number. Gen. 13:16. Is. 10:19. Rom. 9.27. x 14:22,23. 36:31. Lev. 26:40, 41. Jer. 3:24,25. Dan. 9.512. y Deut. 29:24-28. 1 Kings 9: 6-9. Jer. 22:8,9. z 4:16,17. 23:33. Lev. 26:26, 36. Deut. 28.49,65. Job 3:24. Ps. 60:2,3. 20.5. 102:4-9. 21 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, e 22 Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? 23 Tell them therefore, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but say unto them, "The days are at hand, and the effect of every vision. i 24 For there shall be no more any vain vision, nor flattering divination within the house of Israel. 25 For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O rebellious house, will I 4:27. 9:10,11. 10:22. 18:16. Say the word, and will perform it, saith the a 1 Kings 17:10-12. b 6:6,7,14. 36:3. Is. 6:11. Jer. 32:43. 33:10,12. Mic. 7:13. Heb. the fulness thereof. Ps. c 7:23. Gen. 6:11-13. Ps. 107: Lord God. m e 13:2,3. Jer. 23:33-40. f 27. 11:3. Is. 5:19. Jer. 5:12, 25. 7:2,3,5-7,10-12. Joel i 13:23. 1 Kings 22:11-13,17. his net for him, and take him in his snare; for Whenever he ate or drank, he was required to the Chaldeans would overtake him, and carry act like a man in great terror and anxiety; as him to Babylon; yet he should not see that if he feared, that some one would rob him of city, though he would die there. (Marg. Ref. his food, or as if he were eating his last meal, m-q.) Jeremiah had predicted, that his eyes and must then perish by hunger and thirst. should see the eyes of the king of Babylon; (Notes, 4:9-17. Lev. 26:25,26. 1 Kings 17:10 (Note, Jer. 34:1-5, v. 3.) and here Ezekiel fore--16, v. 12.) This denoted, that the inhabittold, that he should not see Babylon; and Jose- ants of Jerusalem, and those who remained phus says that he thought these two prophe-in the land, would soon endure far greater miscies inconsistent with each other, and there-eries, than their captive brethren had done: fore believed neither of them: yet both were when they would, with astonishment, terror, exactly accomplished, when he was brought and excruciating solicitude, perceive famine to Nebuchadnezzar at Riblah, and there had increasing upon them, and expect to have their his eyes put out, and was then carried to Bab- scanty morsel taken from them by some other ylon. (Notes, 17:15–21. 21:25-27. 2 Kings starving wretches, or to be slain while eating 25:1-7.)-The Lord moreover declared, that it; or that they must soon eat their last meal, all the Jews, who adhered to Zedekiah, and and then die miserably by hunger. For the survived the taking of the city, should be scat-city and those parts of the land which were tered through the nations, and be pursued by his judgments: and by the accomplishment of these predictions, they should be convinced that he was the eternal JEHOVAH, the Creator and Lord of all. (Marg. Ref. r-t.) V. 16. It was the purpose of God, to leave a remnant of the Jews, who should escape all the divers kinds of death which cut off the rest, and who might declare among the heathen all their abominations. Either the conduct of this remnant would be so very atrocious, that the heathen might see the reason of the Lord's dealings with them, by witnessing their abandoned wickedness; or, being brought to repentance, they would confess their abominable dolatries aud iniquities, and acknowledge the justice of God in his severity towards them: that so the heathen also might be made acquainted with the power, truth, and holiness of Israel's God. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Notes, 6:8-10. 14:22,23.) V. 17-20. The Lord next directed the prophet to instruct the people by another sign. still inhabited, would surely and speedily be desolated, because of the violence, oppression, and impiety of the inhabitants. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) V. 21-25. Emboldened by the long-suffering of God, and despising the declarations of his prophets, the Jews, (both in captivity and in the land of Israel,) commonly used to say to each other, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth;" so that this became a proverb among them. (Marg. Ref. e, f.) They had been long threatened and were still spared; and they concluded that the visions of the prophets had failed. (Notes, 26-28. 7:2-15. 11:1-3. Is. 5:18,19. Jer. 5:10-13. Am. 5:1820. 2 Pet. 3:1-4.) But the Lord assured them, that the event should speedily cause this impious proverb to cease: for the days were at hand, when every vision would take effect. Then the false prophets would be silenced, and their lying divinations detected: for the Lord would speak by his prophets, and cause his word to be noticed by immediately perform 26 ¶ Again the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 27 Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he prophesieth of the times that are far off. CHAP. XIII. Ezekiel is ordered to prophesy against the false prophets, 1-9; and to expose their folly and wickedness, and the fatal effects of their delusions, to others and themselves, under the emblem of a wall daubed with untempered mortar, and beaten down by a violent storm, 10-16; and against the prophetesses, who, by their signs and lying prognostications, encouraged the wicked in sin, and discouraged the righteous: and to predict their disgrace and ruin, 17-23. 28 Therefore say unto them, Thus saith AND the word of the LORD came unto the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD. n 22. Is. 28:14,15. 2 Pet. 3:4. Dan. 10:14. 23-25. Jer. 4:7. Matt. 24: 48-51. Mark 13:32-37. Luke ing it, in their days, and upon the very persons to whom it was spoken. (Marg. Ref. g-m.Note, Zech. 1:5,6.) me, saying, a 2 Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that *prophesy out of their Lam. 4:13. Mic. 3:6,11. Zeph. 2 Pet. 2:1-3. a 14:9,10. 22:25,28. 2 Chr. 18: of his hope, and the reasons of his conduct; (Note, 1 Pet. 3:13-16.) that he may be able to speak pertinently and convincingly to the V. 26-28. Perhaps, after the former mes- consciences of those who make inquiries.sage, the Jews altered their proverb; and in- The word of God concerns princes, as well as stead of saying, that "the vision failed," they their subjects. Indeed in great national caonly said, that it related to remote times and lamities, superior stations only expose men to distant events. Or, this proverb was used at more imminent perils, and more acute suffer-· the same time, by such as did not openly avowings; and in the eternal world, they will extheir infidelity. The Lord, however, ordered pose ungodly men to the deeper condemnahis prophet to assure them, that the time of his tion.-The greatest princes will sometimes patience was expiring, and that he would im- submit to extreme hardships and debasement, mediately fulfil his most alarming predictions. to save their lives: they will endure fatigue, -This could not, at the most, be more than appear disguised like the meanest of their subfour or five years before the destruction of Jeru-jects, and be glad to be mistaken for them: salem.-'My threatenings shall come to pass in 'your own days, and ye shall have ocular de'monstration of their truth.' Lowth. (Marg. Ref.) PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. V. 1-16. It is often a painful trial to the faithful servants of God, that they are constrained to dwell among those, who are most rebellious against him. Men have eyes, ears, and understandings; but, as fallen and apostate creatures, they are utterly destitute of a disposition to make a proper use of them, or of the advantages which they enjoy. This is the essence of their rebellion, and cannot possibly be allowed as an excuse for it: it counteracts all the endeavors of God's servants to instruct, convince, warn, or affect them; and it often discourages them from repeating the unsuccessful attempt. They should not, however, yield to despondency, but rather devise or adopt more and other methods of engaging the attention, convincing the judgment, or reaching the heart and conscience; "if God peradventure will give" sinners "repentance, to the acknowledging of the truth, and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will:" (Note, 2 Tim. 2:23-26.) for none can know but those may hereafter consider, who have been hitherto most rebellious. To this end, the minister must not shrink from any hardship or personal inconvenience, which can evince his own deep conviction of the truth and importance of his message; nor should he fear the ridicule or reproach, which he may incur in the performance of his duty. He should especially at all times speak and act, as a man who is deeply convinced, that "here he hath no continuing city," and who is continually preparing for a removal; who expects changes, disappointments, and difficulties, until that period arrives; and who is assured, that there can be "no peace for the wicked," in any place or station or rank in life. He also should seek to have his answer ready, when called upon to explain the grounds 4921 what then should we not be willing to venture, renounce, suffer, or stoop to, to save our souls "from the wrath to come!" This may certainly be effected by all, who diligently seek it in the way of the gospel: whereas men's most earnest endeavors to preserve their lives often prove ineffectual; or they are so taken in the Lord's net, that life is rendered as bitter, as death is dreadful.-While ringleaders in rebellion against God are singled out for punishment; such as concur with them will not escape: and either the open detection of crimes, or men's penitent confessions, will justify God before the whole world, in all the threatenings of his word, and in all the judgments which he inflicts. V. 17-28. Abused plenty generally ends in pinching want: and we may profitably meditate on the horrors of famine, when men grudge each other, and even themselves, every morsel, and behold with terror and anguish the speedy approach of more dreadful extremities: for we may thence learn to be thankful, moderate, and liberal, in our use of plenty; and the more to hate and dread sin, which thus forfeits or imbitters all our comforts; and not only desolates cities and nations, but ruins the souls of unnumbered multitudes.-It is a grievous sign of deep degeneracy, when profane, infidel, and immoral speeches become proverbial: but the Lord notices them, and will call to account those who use them, and will at length put them to silence and shame.-"Because sen tence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the hearts of the sons of men are wholly set in them to do evil:" (Note Ec. 8:11-13.) but, however men may wilfully mistake reprieves for pardons, and the Lord's long-suffering for "the failure of the vision," the days are at hand when they will find every teachers and infidels will be confuted and word of God to take effect. Then flattering condemned; and the execution of his threatened vengeance will forin an awful demonstration to them of the truth of the scriptures. b own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD; || have made others to hope that they would 3 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe confirm the word. unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing! 4 O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. d 6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith; and the LORD hath not sent them: and they Sam. 12:23. Ps. 106:23. Jer. b 34:7,9. 10. 28:14. 24,31,32. 18. 34:2. 23:13--29. 1 Kings 22:19. Is. 1: Jer. 28:15. 29:20- Jer. 23:1. Matt. 52. 1 Cor. 9:16. d Prov. 15:2,14. Lam. 2:14. Hos. 9:7. Zech. 11:15. Matt. 23:16-26. Luke 11:40. 1 Tim. 6.4. 2 Tim. 3:9. Heb. walk after. ↑ Or, things which they have not seen. 6,7. Jer. 23:23-32. e Cant. 2:15. Mic. 2:11. 3:5. Matt. 7:15. Rom. 16:18. 2 Cor. 11:13-15. Gal. 2:4. Eph. 4:14. 2 Thes. 2:9,10. 1 Tim. 4:1,2. Tit. 1:10-12. Rev. 13:11-14. 19:20. f 22:30. Ex. 17:9-13. 32:11, 12. Num. 16:21,22,47,48. 1 15:1. 23:22. 27:18. Mal. 1:9. ↑ Or, breaches. Is. 58:12. Lam. Heb. hedged the hedge. g Job 40:9. Ps. 76:7. Is. 27:4. h 30:3. Is. 2:12. 13:6,9. 34:8. Mal. 4:5. 1 Thes. 5:2. 2 Pet. i 23. 12:23,24. 22:28. 2 Pet. 2: 18. k 21:23,29. Jer. 14:14. 29:8. 17. Jer. 23.31,32. 28:2, 15. NOTES. 7 Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, "The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken? 8 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord God. 9 And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, 'neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. 10 Because, even because they have opened a gap or breach at which their enemies might enter. And, as when such breachCHAP. XIII. V. 1-4. The Lord had before es are made in the walis of besieged cities, the intimated his displeasure against the false officers and soldiers who defend them repair prophets; (12:24.) but Ezekiel was here order- thither, and venture their lives in withstanded more fully and directly to enter his protesting the foe, till the breach be built up again: so against them, as the other prophets had done. "the prophets of Israel" ought to have venturThe true prophets often denounce God's ed all consequences, in endeavoring to bring judgments against the false ones; laying to the people to repentance; as well as to have their charge many misdemeanors in their opposed their prayers, examples, instructions, 'private conversation; and upbraiding them for and their whole influence, against the preva 'unfaithfulness in the office they undertook, lence of ungodliness and iniquity, and in using 'of guiding and directing men's consciences.'|| every means of averting the divine judgments Lowth. (Notes, 22:25-28. 34:2-6. Is. 9:13-17. which were coming upon them. But the false 56:9-12. Jer. 5:30,31. 6:13-15. 14:13-16. 23: prophets attempted nothing of the kind: they 9-32. Mic. 3:5-12.)-Some of the false proph- neither sought to turn away the approaching ets lived in Judah, and others of them among calamities, nor to prepare the people for them; the captives in Chaldea. (Notes, Jer. 29:) They || but rather encouraged them to harden themvaunted themselves to be "the prophets of Is-selves against God, who had declared that he rael,” and were considered by many as such; was coming to fight against them by the but they were the ruin of the people who con- Chaldeans. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.-Notes, fided in them. Ezekiel was therefore requir- 22:30. Ps. 106:19-23. Is. 59:16-19. Jer. 21:5ed to prophesy against them; not so much in 7. 23:21,22. Mal. 1:9-11.) expectation of bringing them to repentance, as in order to undeceive those whom they deluded They had the character of being very discerning men, and were no doubt proud of their wisdom: but they were "foolish prophets;" because they followed their own fancies, and had received no revelations from God, though they audaciously ventured to speak in his name. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. a-d.) Israel therefore must be informed, that their favorite prophets were "like the foxes in the deserts:" crafty, ravenous, and mischievous; always scheming something for their own interest, or shifting about to save themselves, without regard to the welfare of the people: thus they spoiled the Lord's vineyard, and devoured his flock; as the foxes from the desert marred the vineyards, and did mischief in the sheep-folds of Canaan. (Marg. Ref. e.—Notes, Cant. 2:15. 2 Cor. 11:13-15.)-They seize their prey, in a 'cunning and cowardly manner; and then flee into lurking places.' Bp. Newcombe. V. 5. The wickedness of Israel had broken down the hedge of the divine protection, and V. 6. The false prophets spoke with such confidence and plausibility, and their predictions so accorded to the desires and presumptuous confidence of the people, that they assuredly expected to see them accomplished. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, 12:21-23. 1 Kings 22:13, 14. Ps. 119:49. Jer. 23:32. 28:1-4.) V. 7-9. (Marg. Ref. n-p.-Note, 6.) The indignation of God would fall especially upon the false prophets, whose covetous and carnal minds made them susceptible of strong impressions from the illusions of Satan: so that they first wilfully imposed on the people; and probably were afterwards judicially given up to strong delusions to believe their own lies, and to expect that the Jews would prosper in resisting the Chaldeans. (Notes, 14:9-11. 1 Kings 22:19–23. 2 Thes. 2:8-12. 2 Tim. 3:13.) Thus they "saw vanity and lying divination," and then they prophesied lies: and their predictions as much contradicted their former scriptures, as they did the prophecies of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other later prophets. (Notes, Jer. 28:8,9. 29:8,9,15-32.) The Lord |
