Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 13:5

5 Ye have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel, to stand in the battel in the day of the LORD.

Vulpin Prophets.

As in a besieged City whose wall is broken down and the Enemy ready to enter, a valiant, faithful, and vigilant Souldier would run up into the breach to repell the Enemy, so true Prophets do partly by Prayer, and partly by Doctrine, and partly by personal Reformation, labour to preserve Gods people, but Fox like they have shifted out of harms way.

The house of Israel is the Lords Vineyard, through the hedge whereof many breaches are made, through which wild and wasting beasts come in and devour the Grapes and spoil the Vines, but you have not stopt those breaches, but Fox like come in and pulled off the tender grapes, and done the most mischief, you have increased sin and danger thereby. And when the Lords wrath shall give up the City, you will not stand to oppose the Enemy breaking in, so useless will these be at last.

Not with Armes but with Fasting, Prayers, Repentance laying hold on the arm of the Lord, and interceding for his people.

Which God will by the Chaldeans Fight against the house of Israel, in that day of the Lord the weapons of War will not prevail against the Chaldeans, unless Prayers, Tears, and Amendment prevail with the Lord to withdraw the battel and be at peace with Israel.

Marginal references: Or, breaches.; Heb. hedged up a hedge.