The discoveries of sin, and the warnings of wrath, should be matter of lamentation. All who speak from God to others, must obey his voice. The prophet must be faithful to the souls of those to whom he was sent. Wicked men are as briers and thorns but they are nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. God will be glorified, and his word made honourable, whether it be a savour of life unto life, or of death unto death.Ħ-10 Those who will do any thing to purpose in the service of God, must not fear men. Many might treat his message with contempt, yet they should know by the event that a prophet had been sent to them. Ezekiel is sent with a message to the children of Israel. Thus, when the Lord calls upon the sinner to awake, and attend to the concerns of his soul, the Spirit of life and grace comes with the call. The Holy Spirit sets us upon our feet, by inclining our wills to our duty. God is graciously pleased to work in us whatever he requires of us. As Ezekiel had not strength of his own, the Spirit entered into him. God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us.
Ezekiel's posture showed reverence, but his standing up would be a posture of greater readiness and fitness for business. As Christ usually called himself the Son of man, it was also an honourable distinction. (6-10)1-5 Lest Ezekiel should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is put in mind that still he is a son of man, a weak, mortal creature. (1-5) And encouraged to be resolute, faithful, and devoted.
The prophet is directed what he is to do.
I do send thee unto them and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD.ĥ And they, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house,) yet shall know that there hath been a prophet among them.Ħ And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.ħ And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious.Ĩ But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.ĩ And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me and, lo, a roll of a book was therein ġ0 And he spread it before me and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe. 1 And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee.Ģ And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me.ģ And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that hath rebelled against me: they and their fathers have transgressed against me, even unto this very day.Ĥ For they are impudent children and stiffhearted.
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