Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to:
Ezekiel
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 2
Overview:
The
Prophet is directed what he is to do.
(1-5) And encouraged
to be resolute,
Faithful, and devoted.
(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. As
Christ usually called himself the Son
of
Man, it was also an honourable distinction.
Ezekiel's posture
showed reverence, but his standing up would be a posture of
greater readiness and fitness for business.
God will speak to
us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As
Ezekiel
had not strength of his own, the
Spirit entered into him.
God is
graciously pleased to work in us whatever he requires of us. The
Holy
Spirit sets us upon our feet,
By inclining our wills to our
duty. 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.
Ezekiel is sent with a message to the
children of
Israel. Many might treat his message with contempt,
yet they should know
By the event that a
Prophet had been sent
to them.
God will be glorified, and his
Word made honourable,
whether it be a savour of
Life unto
Life, or of
Death unto
Death.
6-10 Those who will do any thing to purpose in the service of
God, must not fear men. Wicked men are as briers and thorns; but
they are nigh unto cursing, and their
End is to be burned. The
Prophet must be
Faithful to the souls of those to whom he was
sent. All who speak from
God to others, must obey his voice. The
discoveries of
Sin, and the warnings of wrath, should be matter
of
Lamentation. And those acquainted with the
Word of God, will
clearly perceive it is filled with woe to impenitent sinners;
and that all the precious promises of the
Gospel are for the
repenting, believing servants of the
Lord.