'that God, in the midst of judgment, would re- || fill up our stations with intelligence and skill; 'member mercy, and not utterly destroy his we may go about our work with boldness, and 'people. (Rev. 4:3.)--Especially this vision, be-not fear the frown or wrath of man; we may 'ing an evident representation of the "Word "set our affections on heavenly things," and 'that was" to be "made flesh," whose incarna- cultivate harmony and love with our brethren 'tion is the foundation of God's covenant of and fellow servants; we may go straight formercy with mankind; a rainbow, the symbol ward, undiverted from our path by the smiles and token of mercy, was a very fit attendant. or frowns of the world; we may be "clothed 'Rev. 10:1. Lowth.-When the prophet saw with humility," and "serve the LORD with this likeness of the glory of the Lord, he fell gladness;" we may "exercise ourselves to have prostrate before it in adoration, and humble a conscience void of offence towards God and consciousness of his unworthiness. (Marg.man;" and simply give up ourselves to be disRef. i-1-Notes, 8:2-4, v. 2. Job 42:1-6. posed of, employed, and guided by his Spirit, Is. 6:5. Dan. 8.15-19. 10:15-19. Rev. 1:12- according to his revealed will, without pre20, v. 17.)-The whole of this introductory ferring our own inclinations, secular interests, vision, when reported to the people, was suit- or honor, to his glory. These things, by the ed to impress their minds also with solemn grace of God, may be attained in some good awe and fear of the divine displeasure; and measure here on earth: and then a blessed yet to raise their expectations of blessings from change may be expected; when sin shall be their glorious Lord and King. done away for ever, when our bodies will be made spiritual, and we may emulate with success the worship and services of these blessed spirits before the throne, "who run and return like a flash of lightning." At present, we

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-14.

society.

V. 15-28.

When the ministers and ordinances of God have been despised and abused, he will some-should consider them as the ministers of Provtimes render them precious by scarcity: but he idence, both in justice and mercy; especially as will never leave his people entirely destitute "sent forth to minister unto the heirs of salvaof instruction or encouragement. They are tion," who owe numberless deliverances to as dear to him in captivity, in poverty, and un-their condescending and watchful care. (Note, der severe oppression, as when more prosper- Heb. 1:13,14.) While this should instruct us to ous. Outward circumstances cannot preclude imitate their conduct, in our attention to our them from his gracious manifestations: and poor and afflicted brethren; it should endear his providence and grace will concur in quali-them to us, though unseen, and make us long fying them for the services for which they are for that time when we shall join their blissful intended, and in calling them forth to them.-We are reminded of the incomprehensible majesty of JEHOVAH, and of his infinite perWhile we aim to know and fill up our prop fections, in all the discoveries which he has er place, in the church and in the community, made of himself. The humble and attentive and to serve our generation with cheerful difibeliever may understand enough to impress gence; let us be satisfied with being informed in his mind with solemn awe, and to inspire fil-general, that the Lord guides the wheels of ial confidence: but he must perceive such providence, as well as those of nature: amidst depths in every subject relative to the infinite all the apparent intricacies and unnumbered and eternal God, and his perfections, purpos- vicissitudes, the whole is directed with an unes, and dispensations, as serve to teach him erring hand: and, whether at the top or at humility and adoration. Thus we may learn the bottom of the wheel, our place is assigned profitable lessons even from those representa- by him, and for our good, if we be indeed his tions, of which we can understand but little: people. Nor need we despond in the lowest for we may be reminded, that "clouds and scenes of adversity; for the wheels keep turndarkness are round about" our God, while ing round, and will raise us again in due time "judgment and justice are the basis of his from our depression: whilst they, who presume throne." "A consuming fire goeth before him, upon prosperity, know not how soon they may and it is very tempestuous round about him;" be cast down.-The dispensations of Provinot only when he speaks from mount Sinai, dence are ordered under the influence of that but even when he shews his glory from mount Spirit, who sanctifies the church, and dwells Zion, as the God and Father of his people. in the heart of every believer. If then the imLight enough is afforded us to discover, that mense and complicated designs of omnipotent he does all in wisdom, truth, justice, and good-wisdom dismay and perplex us; if the view of ness: but who can declare the depths of his the Lord's awful power and justice alarm us; counsels and operations? Let us then attend let us look to him, who filis the mediatorial to those things, which relate to our peace and throne, and rules over all worlds, and who duty; and leave secret things to the Lord, to shall soon appear on the judgment-seat. And whom alone they belong. (Note, Deut. 29:29.) considering that he dwells in our nature, and By faith we may behold him surrounded with is our Brother and our Friend; and that he ad"an innumerable company of angels," who ex-ministers all things in subserviency to that evcel in wisdom and strength, and in all created erlasting covenant, the blessings of which he and communicable perfections: and whilst we purchased with his blood; we may resume our contemplate the discoveries of their character confidence, and possess a cheerful hope temThat and services; we should pray to be made like pering our "reverence and godly fear.' them here, as we hope hereafter to be equal to "covenant is ordered in all things and sure,' them. We should study and copy the wis-and like its great Surety, is "the same yesterdom, zeal, alacrity, and diligence, by which day, to-day, and for ever:" (Votes, 2 Sam. 23: they are constantly actuated and directed: and 5. Is. 55:1-3. Heb. 13:7,8,20,21.) and though though we cannot reach the exalted strains of their worship, or the perfection of their services; though we have not their wings, but are clogged by these "vile bodies," and unable to mount with their rapid flight, or obey with their celerity: (Vote, Phil. 3:20,21.) yet we may labor with patience and constancy; we may

99

the voice of the Almighty is in itself terrible to us sinful creatures; yet it is most encouraging from the gracious lips of his "well-beloved Son." "The light of the glory of our God" is here more distinctly viewed, as it appears in softened lustre: here we see "a just God and a Savior;" "a consuming Fire" to obstinate

[459

D

7 And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether * they will forbear; for they are most rebellicus.

8 But thou, son of man, hear what I say

10 And he spread it before me: and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

CHAP. III.

unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that Ezekiel, being made to eat the roll, finds it very sweet, 1—3. rebellious house; Popen thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.

9 And when I looked, behold, was sent unto me; and, lo, book was therein.

q

a

an hand roll of a

p 3:1-3.10. Jer. 15:16. 1 Tim.
4:14-16.

q 8:3. Jer. 1:9. Dan. 5:5. 10:10,
16-18.

r 3:1. Heb. 10:7. Rev. 5:1-5.
10:8-11.

God encourages him for the works assigned him, and warns him to be faithful, 4-11. He is carried by the Spirit, in great bitterness, to the captive Jews, and remains with them seven days, 12-15. He is shewn his duty and responsibility, as a watchman to Israel, 16-21. He is ordered to shut himself up; and is further instructed concerning the hardships which awaited him, and the shutting and opening of his mouth, 22-27.

M%

OREOVER he said unto me, Son
of man,
a eat that thou findest; eat

Bp.

glory of God. They were in themselves worth-ally the writing was only on the inside.' less and noxious as "thorns and briers;" yea, Newcombe. (Marg. Ref.-Note, Rev. 5:1—4.) venomous and malignant as "scorpions:" and their company would be uneasy to him, as the PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. thorns and briers, which tear the flesh of those We should hearken to the word of God, with who fall down among them, or endeavor to a full purpose of yielding a prompt obedience pass through them; nay, they would attempt to to it. When he calls on the sinner to awake, destroy him as scorpions. And even their arise, and attend to the concerns of his soul, to menacing words and looks would intimidate repent, and be converted, and believe the gosand silence him, except he were upheld by || pel; the Spirit of life and grace accompanies faith and the fear of God.-"The prophets and the call, and as it were sets him on his feet, and 'messengers of God are often exhorted to take enables him to do what indeed before was his 'courage,... without fearing any man's person, duty, but which he had neither will nor power 'or standing in awe of any man's greatness. to perform. The same blessed influence must 3:8,9. Jer. 1:8,18. Matt. 10:28.) Such a pres- be depended on by ministers and Christians, 'ence of mind is expressed by appnoia boldness in every service to which they are called.-Hu"in the New Testament. And they have need man depravity never appears so great, as in 'of great presence of mind, who are to reprove the impudent, daring, obstinate, and atrocious 'men hardened in sin, who are always impa- wickedness of those, who have been most fa'tient of reproof, and become the enemies of vored with the means of grace. Yet the Lord 'those who tell them such truths as they have will not forsake his church, though multitudes 'no mind to hear. Lowth. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, of such "rebellious children" have in every 3:4-11,17-19. Jer. 1:17-19. Matt. 10:27,28.) age infested it. He knows how to discrimi -Briers.] "Rebels." Marg. Some think that nate between "the precious and the vile," and nettles are meant. (Note, Mic. 7:1-4, v. 4.) to estimate the degree of men's rebellion: and V. 7, 8. (Note, 3-5.) The prophet would be he often sends his ministers to those, who he especially tempted to decline his work, or to foresees will not regard their word. But whilst "shun to declare the whole counsel of God," they warn and "rebuke with all authority" in before such obstinate rebels and malignant his name, he will be glorified and they will be and furious opposers. Probably, at this very accepted, "whether men will hear or whether time he was unwilling to undertake a service, they will forbear:" (Note, 2 Cor. 2:14-17.) which appeared so perilous and discouraging. and those who have most despised the word (Marg. and Marg. Ref. n, o.-Note, 3:12-15.) of God when faithfully preached, will know, But the Lord shewed him, that his refusal of when condemned for neglecting so great salunfaithfulness would rank him also among the||vation, that a prophet has been among them.— rebels; and warned him not to imitate their perverse conduct. He was therefore ordered to open his mouth, and eat the roll which would be given him: that is, he must receive, study, and digest it in his mind; that he might be prepared to speak the contents of it to the people, without fear or hesitation. (Marg. Ref. -Notes, 3:1-3. Job 23:8—12. Jer. 15:15-18. Rev. 10:8-11.)

The more outrageous and insolent sinners are in wickedness, the more bold and faithful must ministers be in addressing them. They cannot please men and serve Christ: (Note and P. O. Gal. 1:6-10. Note, 1 Thes. 2:1-8.) they must be armed with that mind which was in him, that they may be prepared to endure hardship and to bear the cross: they must expect to be harassed by briers and thorns, if not to "dwell with V. 9, 10. While these words were speak- scorpions;" and it would be vain to look for ease, ing, the prophet saw a hand sent to him, no comfort, or safety, in such a situation, except doubt, from the divine person, whom he had from the Lord. They must not then fear the before seen in vision. (Note, 1:26-28.) The proud looks, or blustering words, the mockings, hand had in it a roll of parchment, or of such revilings, or menaces, of powerful rebels: but other materials as were then used to write must trust in God's protection, speak his words, upon: and the roll being opened before him, and fear nothing but being numbered by him he saw it every where written with "lamenta-among the rebels; or being seduced or terrified tions, and mourning, and woe." This shewed to copy or countenance their ungodliness: and the heavy judgments, which he would have to they must diligently hear the words of God, denounce against his rebellious people; the and meditate on them continually, that they performance of which would cause them to may be earnest in their work, and well qual lament and mourn, and would render themified for it.-Those who are most acquainted most miserable.-The ancient books were with the scripture, will most clearly perceive, 'rolled on cylinders of wood, or ivory; and usu- that it is every where filled with "lamentations,

||

b

this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.

2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.

3 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.

4 ¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.

7 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee, for they will not hearken unto me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted.

8 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.

m

9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: " fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

10 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.

11 And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord God; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

i 1 Sam. 8:7. Jer. 25:3,4. 44:4,
5,16. Luke 10:16. 13:34. 19:14.

*Heb. deep of lip and heavy John 5:40-47. 15:20-24.
of tongue. and so 6.-Ps. 81:
5. Is. 33:19.

t

m Zech. 7:12.

n 2:6. Is. 41:10,14. Jer. 1.8.17. 17:18.

k 2:4. 24:7. Is. 3:9. Jer. 3:3. o 1-3. 2:8. Job 22:22. Ps. 5:3.

† Or, If I had sent thee to them,
would they not have hearken-Heb. stiff of forehead and
hard of heart.

ed, &c.? Jon. 3:5-10. Matt.
11:20-24. 12:41,42. Luke 11:
30-32. Acts 28:28. Rom, 9:
30-33.

and mourning, and woe" to impenitent sinners, whether infidels, profligates, self-righteous moralists and formalists, or hypocrites; and that all the grace and precious promises of the gospel will eventually be fulfilled to the penitent, believing, and obedient servants of God, and to them alone.

NOTES.

119:11. Prov. 8:10. 19.20. Luke 8:15. 1 Thes. 2:13. 4:1.

p 15. 11:24,25. Dan. 6:13.

1 Ex. 4:15,16. 11:4-8, 1 Kings q 33 2,12,17,30. 37:18. Ex. 32
Jer. 1:18. 7. Deut. 9.12. Dan. 12:1.
Acts 7:51-r 27. 2:5,7. Acts 20.26,27.
Heb. 11:27,32-37.

21:20. Is. 50:7.
15:20. Mic. 3:8.

56.

ment of some of them.' Louth. But when he afterwards considered what predictions and denunciations he was commissioned to deliver to the people; that these would increase their condemnation; and that he would be hated and persecuted on this account; his spirit was much imbittered. (Marg. aud Marg. Ref. on 14.-Note, Rev. 10:8-11.)

V. 4-11. The prophet seems to have been CHAP. III. V. 1-3. The Lord Christ, the very reluctant to the service allotted him, eternal Word from his throne, here continued (Notes, Jer. 20:7—9. Jon. 1:2,3.) and therefore to speak to his prophet. (Note, 1:26-28.) He he was repeatedly urged to it. He was not, ordered him to "eat what he found;" that is, to however, sent (as Jonah had been,) to Nineveh, receive into his mind and heart the revelations or to any of the surrounding nations, whose made to him, without objecting to any part of language not being understood by him, would them. He was to receive the truths of God as have appeared strange and uncouth; nor could the food of his soul, and to feed upon them by he have conversed with them but by an interfaith, and with a spiritual relish; and whatever preter: (Marg, and Marg. Ref. g, h. Notes, Deut he thus found, would prove wholesoine and nu- 28:49-57, v. 49. Is. 33:17-19. 1 Cor. 14:20– trimental: especially he must thus receive the 25.) but he was sent to his own people, even roll given to him, containing the predictions the nation of Israel. Yet had he gone to any which he was sent to deliver to Israel. (Vote, of the nations, who were strangers to the lan 2:9,10.) And when he had eaten the roll of the guage and religion of Israel, they would have book, he was ordered to go and speak to the been better disposed to attend to him: their house of Israel. Accordingly he opened his hearts were not so hard, nor their consciences mouth, and the Lord fed him with the roll; as so scared, as those of Israel were become, by an emblem that he communicates his truth to continually sinning against convictions, and all, whose hearts are prepared to receive it. abusing their peculiar advantages; and thereHe must also meditate on every part of this fore they would have been more susceptible of roll, that his judgment might be formed on it, terror or shame. (Marg. Ref.-Notes, Matt. 5: his memory stored with it, and his affections 13. 11:20-24. 12:41,42.) But the Israelites regulated by it; as the stomach digests, and the would not hearken to the prophet, for they bowels assimilate, the food_for_the_nourish- would not hearken to the Lord himself, being ment of our bodies. (Note, Col. 3:16,17, v. 16.) almost universally impudent, and hardened in Accordingly he did so; and the roll, though their impiety. (Marg. Ref-Notes, 1 Sam. 8:6 "written within and without, ... lamentations,-9. John 15:17-21.)-At the same time that 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'strument of their conversion, and the amend

God informed Ezekiel of the ill success of his ministry; he assured him that he had prepared him, or would qualify him, to encounter opposition, by giving him abundant intrepidity and firmness: so that with dauntless courage he should be enabled to oppose and reprove their sins; insomuch that their frowns and menaces should make no more impression on him, than

12 ¶ Then the Spirit took me up, and I heard behind me t a voice of a great rushing, saying, "Blessed be the glory of the LORD from his place.

13 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.

14 So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.

c

b

15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.

[Practical Observations.]

16 ¶ And it came to pass at the end of

a 12. 8:3. 37:1.

14. 2:2. 8:3. 11:1,24. 40. 1,2. z 10:16,17.
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.
x 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.

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.

seven days, that the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

e

17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not 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; but thou hast delivered thy soul.

e 33.2-9. 1 Cor. 12:28.

k 33:6,9,10. Prov. 14:32. John
8:21,24.

f Cant. 3:3, 5:7. Is. 21:6,8,11,
12. 52:8. 56:10. 62:6. Jer. 6:1 34:10. Gen. 9:5,6.
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.
b 18:4,13,20. 33:8. Gen. 2:17.
3:3,4. Num. 26:65. 2 Kings
1:4. 1s 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.

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.

o 21. 14:14,20. 33:5,9. Is. 49: 4,5. Acts 13:45,46. 2 Cor. 2: 15-17.

on an adamant or diamond, which is harder was lifted up and taken away: but he went in than a flint. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. k-n.- great bitterness and heat of his spirit. (Marg. Notes, 2:3-8. Is. 50:7-9, v. 7.) And therefore, and Marg. Ref. a, b.-Notes, Num. 11:11-15. depending on this promise of support in the 1 Kings 19:3,4. Jer. 20:14–18. Jon. 4:1-11.) hour of trial, he ought to dismiss his present The joy which he first experienced in receiving fears: and, having heard and well understood the divine message, was quickly turned into all the words which God sent him to speak; anguish and dismay, at the prospect of those he must go immediately to his captive brethren, calamities which were coming on his people and declare them with all plainness and au- and probably because of the opposition which thority. (Marg. Ref. o, p. r.) 'He sheweth he had to encounter. But he was unable to (10) what is meant by eating the book; which withstand the divine power, which constrained 'is, that the ministers of God may speak noth-him to proceed. Then he came to the cap'ing of themselves, but that only which they 'have received of the Lord.'

prophet; that he might understand the nature of his office, and the indispensable necessity of faithfully performing it; the Lord expressly declared that he had appointed him "a watchman to the house of Israel." (Marg. Ref. e, f.

tives at Tel-abib. "These seem to be a dis'tir.ct colony... from those that are mentioned V. 12-15. As the prophet still shewed a 1:3. Lowth. Here he continued seven days reluctance to his work, he was supernaturally among the captives, without delivering his apprehended by the Spirit of prophecy, and message, either making observations on their conveyed to the persons to whom he was to conduct, or, as some think, waiting for the deliver his message; (Notes, 8:1. 11:22-25. 1 sabbath, as the best time to speak to them. Kings 18:12-16. 2 Kings 2:16-18. Acts 8:36– But he was filled with terror and astonishment 40. 2 Cor. 12:1-6.) and, the visions still con- at what he had seen and heard. (Marg. Ref. tinuing, he heard, as he was departing, "the || c, d.-Notes, Jer. 23:9-12, v. 9. Dan. 4:19. 7:15 voice of a great rushing." This some suppose |--18, v. 15. 10:4-9, vv. 8,9,15-19. Hab. 3:16.) to have been an emblem of the great commo- V. 17-19. For the admonition and encourtions, 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, that though God should forsake 'his 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, vv. 8,9,15—25.)-Thus lie

Notes, Cant. 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 a 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