Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 20

1 AND it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sate before me.

Of Ieconiahs Captivity and Zedekiahs Reign, two years and five months before Nebuchadnezzar did besiege Ierusalem.

August.

Which answers to our 27th.

Men Heb. Some of note among the Elders, and Rulers of Israel. Either some of the Captives in Babylon, as most likely they were who chap. 8.1. came to him, or some of those, who were sent from Zedekiah to complement, or carry tribute to Nebuchadnezzar, as most like they were chap. 14.1.

Not of the Priests, or Levites, but of the Laity, civil Magistrates and Officers, who might be sent to view the state of Babylon, and to observe what posture things were in, the better to resolve on that Zedekiah, and his Councils were forming, whether 'twill be advisable to shake off the yoke of the King of Babylon by a Rebellion, or patiently bear it: And I conjecture this might be the main enquiry they made now, which was two years, and five months before the siege began, during which two years, and five months I suppose the design was resolved on, framed, provision made of all sorts, and at last a rebellion raised.

Prophets neither did pretend to, nor could they resolve such enquiries, but the Lord whom the Prophets did consult.

Whether it speak the quality of the persons that did not stand as mean persons, or their resolution to wait for answer, or be a phrase proper with the Jews to express the common deportment of the Countrey, I leave you to guesse.

2 Then came the word of the LORD unto me, saying,

While these men were with Ezekiel, God gives him instruction what to say to them.

3 Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to enquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

See chap. 2.3.

Speak plainly, boldly, and to their faces.

Fear not their frowns, if they are Deputies from Zedekiah, yet let not that character make thee meal mouthed.

This expression carries enough to encourage him.

Are ye in good earnest? Nay but you act a deep Hypocrisie, being already resolved on your own course, and yet now pretend you would know my counsel, it is a sharp reproof of their wickedness, and God utterly refuseth to be enquired of by such.

See chap. 14.16.

Prophane hypocrites, that abuse my Prophet, and tempt his God, they are, as all Politico's who have less of Religion, then worldly Wisdom, willing to hear whether the Prophet will flatter, and fawn, and encourage them, if so then he is a wise, able, honest man, else a sot, to be slighted.

Marginal references: chap. 14.3, [illegible: 1 letter]nd ver. 31.

4 Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers.

Either wilt thou judge charitably, and supposing they are upright, and teachable wilt thou plead with me for them, as chap. 14.3. or as Ier. 14.9. or else thus, wilt thou argue with them, convince them, and reprove them? This is fittest to be done, and do this, handle them severely as they deserve.

'Tis repeated to whet the Prophet, and quicken him to this work, and to intimate to us the great contumacy of the people.

Tell them somewhat that they may go away wiser then they came.

They expect to know what will be their fate, tell them what hath been their fathers carriage towards me, which they imitate, nay exceed. Their curiosity, and perlexity would be informed what is to come, but their consciences need more to be informed; what their Fathers have done, they approved, and outdone, by that let them know what to do, what to expect.

Marginal references: chap. 22.2. and 23.36.; Or, plead for them.; chap. 22.2. and 23.36.

5 ¶ And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up my hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made my self known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the LORD your GOD.

At the time, the season, it speaks not of that precise portion of hours, which make up the natural day, but of the time, wherein God began to shew them his great mercy.

It includes mercy without merit in them, and it refers to Gods declaring by his kindness to them, that he had chosen them, it supposeth the free eternal election, but it expressely refers to a temporal, and seasonable selecting them from others; chosen as Isaiah 14.1. again Deut. 7.6, 7. or possibly thus, when I went to make them a choice people by refining them from their dross, and Idolatries contracted in Egypt, so the word Isa. 48.10. and selecting them.

Not personally considered, but nationally.

Either assuring them by oath, that he would now make good his promise, and bring them out of bondage, 'tis the gesture of one, that solemnly sweareth, and Scriptures frequently mention it as ver. 15. and Deut. 32.40. Or else stretcht out, and made bare my arm, i. e. magnified my power for your deliverance.

This explaineth, and tells us who Israel was.

By the Miracles, which he wrought: for 'tis not to be understood of making known, or discovering his essence, and incomprehensible being.

'tis not unlikely that many of them, either were ignorant, or forgot God, now by his wonders wrought for their deliverance he brings them to remember him, and look to him, Moses his question in Exod. 3.13. seems to intimate this ignorance of this people.

As this expressly directs us to the place, so it points out the time too, when Israel was chosen, selected.

Shewed my power in performing my oath, and promise in what was now to be done, and assuring them of doing what was farther promised by him, and expected by them, and to assure them the more, 'tis doubled.

So Exod. 3.13.16, 17. Yours from your Progenitors, yours by promise, by covenant, and now am come to be your God by actual, and punctual performing my word to you, bringing you out of the Land of Egypt by a lifted up hand and arm.

Marginal references: Exod. 6.7. ver. 6.; Or, sware.; Exod. 3.8. and 4.31.

6 In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them to bring them forth of the land of Egpyt, into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey; which is the glory of all lands.

After the manner of man, God speaks, as if he had been the spie to go from place to place to search out the best, and to appoint it for them, it was his wise, and good providence, which assigned this land to them.

Makes every Countrey desireable.

Litterally Milk, and Honey in abundance were in the Land of Canaan, and continued till this fruitful Land was turned into barrenness, for the sins of its inhabitants. Proverbially it speaks the choicest, best, the most useful, and pleasant, and the plenty and abundance of all these blessings for Life, and [illegible: 1 letter]o to be here taken, and though the whole Countrey in the utmost extent of it, as proposed for Israel, (whose sins kept them out of much of it) were naturally a fruitful Land, yet this great plenty was more from the special favour, and blessing of God.

Marginal references: Psal. 48.2. Dan. 8.9. and 11.16.

7 Then said I unto them, cast ye away every man the abominations of his eyes, and defile l not your selves with the idols of Egypt: I am the LORD your GOD.

Heb. And, which connects the words, and though we read it Then, this doth not point out the time, when God spake thus, though 'tis certain, when he had brought them out of Egypt he gave them his Ordinances and Laws of Worship; Nay, 'tis sufficiently included, in that they were to go out, that they might [illegible: 1 letter]erve the Lord.

Let every one of you, man by man, and family by family, cast away with abhorrence and indignation; the word is used Chap. 18.31.

Which your eyes should have abhor'd, but you rather lifted up your eyes to them, and looked for help from them, and it includes their own voluntary act in this Idolatry.

Which were in veneration among the Egyptians, and with whose worship too many of them had been ensnared and polluted while they were in Egypt.

The only true God, and therefore you should worship none other.

See ver. 6. let. z. You are my Covenant People, and therefore ought to have no other God, as Exod. 20.3. Thus God prepared them, by his Mercies, and by his Law, for himself.

This explains the former passage.

But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: They did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I said , I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt .

So great a sin is Idolatry, 'tis against God, as open hostility is against a Soveraign, whom Subjects fight against.

All sin is against God, but Idolatry is much more so.

Their wills were alienated from God, they refused to hear and obey in this.

'Tis probable there were some among them, that carried with them, (as Rachel did her Father's) the Idols of Egypt.

I was just upon resolving, I was very near saying.

As a storm, or mighty shower.

Just, and severe wrath.

To make an end of them.

That they should have perisht in Egypt, and never come out.

9 But I wrought for my names sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen among whom they were, in whose sight I made my self known unto them in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

According to my Promise, my Infinite Mercy, and the hopes of those few that heard and obeyed.

For my Glory, had you been used, as you deserved, you had died Slaves in Egypt, and there had been your graves, but the Glory of God's Mercy and Faithfulness is the motive of his sparing them.

Reproached, blasphemed, and lessen'd among the Heathen.

The Egyptians, amongst whom Israel had sojourned 215 years, in which time many of the Children of Israel, no doubt, had discourst of their hopes of going out of Egypt to the Land promised to Abraham for them, and were apt to boast of their God, and that Country, and to render the thing credible in the Eyes of the Egyptians, would speak of the Mercy, Power, Faithfulness, and Wisdom of the Lord to effect this, the Glory of which would have been eclipsed, and the Heathen blasphemed, if God had not brought them out; when it was thus God wrought for his names sake.

10. Wherefore I caused them to go forth out of the Land of Egypt, and brought them into the Wilderness.

Heb. And.

removed all obstacles, furnisht them with all necessaries, went before them, and shew'd them the way they should go, as is expressed Exod. 13.17.

I brought, 'twas not Moses errour, though Pharaoh thought so, Exod. 14.3, 4. but the peculiar conduct of God, Ex. 14.2.

A barren, sandy part of the Country, the borders of Egypt towards the red Sea; yet having Mountains, which shut them in on both sides, and frontier Garrisons near them, and as he brought them in, so he conducted them out of these straits, though here it is not mentioned.

Marginal references: Exod. 13.18.

11 And I gave them my statutes, and shewed them my judgments, which if a man do, he shall live in them.

Who spared them in Egypt, had brought them forth, and owned them as the Children of Abraham my Friend; God gave his Law by Moses, and now Israels Laws are really of Divine Origine, when others did but pretend it.

Appointed and commanded by my Authority, and communicated cut of my love, and kindness to them.

The Law on Mount Sinai ▪ containing their Duty.

Plainly declared, spake so that they might know.

Not the terrible executions of his wrath, but Judgments here are the Rules that God gave them to walk by.

If any one without partiality, whosoever should keep these Statutes and Judgments, for with God is no respect of persons.

Not that any ever did or could by sinless keeping the Law, attain the Eternal blessedness; Grace gives that, but it surely points out a future prosperity, and flourishing state in this Life to all that are careful to keep these Statutes and Judgments as they can; such should not be cut off, nor brought into Captivity, but live and rejoyce in their own Land.

Both in the fruit of them already obeyed, and in the continuance to do them for the future.

Marginal references: Heb. made them to know.; Lev. 18.5. Rom. 10.5. Gal. 3.12.

12 Moreover also, I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctifie them.

Both commanded, and also sanctified those portions of time to be holy rests.

Either the weekly Sabbath which recurring every seventh day, soon multiplyed into many, and was to be the Commemoration of God's rest from his Labour, Israels delivery out of Egypt, Deut. 5.15. and an awakening of their hopes of the Eternal rest with God: Or it may, as most like it doth, include all the solemn Dayes of God's Worship, every of which was a Sabbath, and no work to be done in it.

Of their being peculiarly my people, select from all other, to walk with me, to rest in me, and receive more grace from me.

This was a teaching sign, they might by other wayes know, and by this als[illegible: 1 letter].

In this see my Authority, and my Holiness, who by such means do promote, and attain such holy purposes and ends.

That have withdrawn them from the prophane and common herd of the heathen, and made them by this relatively holy; or else, that have changed the heart and filled it with holy, pure, and gracious inclinations, and so made them really holy.

Marginal references: Exod. 20.8. and 31, 13, &c. and 35.2. Deut. 5.12.

13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness to consume them.

Not a few, this I might have born in silence, but most of them they were as we are, a rebellious house.

Provoked me bitterly to indignation by their contumacies, and that frequently, as Exod. 17.7. Numb. 20.24. Deut. 1.26, 43. a stubborn, and rebellious generation. Psal. 78.8. with ver. 40.

Where they most needed my care and favour, where the preserving their Life from destruction by the noxious Creatures, and from famine by the barrenness of the Wilderness was a continued miracle, which requir'd their obedience, and dependance.

Made not them the only Rule of their Religion, and exercise of it as they should have done, but fram'd Religion to their own, or their Neighbours Idolatrous inclinations.

Slighted first, as of little excellency, refus'd next, and cast off with disdain and loathing.

The equitable, and necessary rules for Government of their civil Affairs, which were framed to the safety and wellfare of a people.

See ver. 11. let. o.

Prophaned with working what was prohibited, misimploying those dayes on Idols, or on any common ordinary business as Exod. 16.27. Numb. 15.32. and Ier. 17.22, 23.

See ver. 8. let. t.

To cut them off from being a people, as Numb. 16.21.

Marginal references: Exod. [illegible: 1 span]; Num. 14.[illegible: 2 letters]. and 26.[illegible: 2 letters].

14 But I wrought for my names sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

See verse 9th, where these words are paraphras'd.

15 Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.

Moreover also, as the same particles are rendred ver. 12.

See ver. 5. let. r. sware in his wrath against them. Psal. 95.11.

Of Paran, where the Israelites pitched and abode in several parts of it many dayes, during which time they lust for flesh, Numb. 11.4, 5. and murmur against the Lord, Moses, and the two faithful spies, who had searched out the Land: Here 'twas they would make them a Captain, and return to Egypt, Numb. 14.4.

So 'tis recorded, Numb. 14.11, 12. and ver. 21, 22. and again, ver. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. so all the murmuring, disobedient, unbelieving generation was excluded, and their Children were brought in, which well noted, reconcileth the seeming contrariety between the Oaths of God.

Those rebellion[illegible: 1 letter] and murmuring ones.

Promised to the seed of Abraham, but not confin'd to that generation, the promise was made good, though to the next Generation.

See verse 6. let. b.

Marginal references: verse [illegible: 1 letter].

16 Because they despised my Judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their Idols.

See the whole former part of this verse explained already, ver. 13. let. c. d. e. g.

Their W[illegible: 1 letter]ll, and Affections, their Zeal and Resolution were for their Idols which they served in Egypt, and which they had brought with them out of Egypt.

17 Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.

Though they did highly provoke God, and deserved to be cut off, yet his eye pityed them: They provok't his wrath, he stir'd up his compassions.

Not all of them, for many did dye in the Wilderness, and among these, some by immediate wrath, but how many soever they were, yet the growing Generation was spared, and the Nation was not extirpated.

18 But I said unto their children in the wilderness, walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile your selves with their Idols .

And, or, Then I said, the Fathers were refractory, and deaf, would not hearken, therefore God turns his advice to Children.

Though the particular place is not specified, yet among the calamities of that mournful Age, and at the Funerals of so many as then dyed, there were some that had Piety, Zeal, and courage enough to warn the survivers, and Psal▪ 90.7, 8, 9, 10, 11. verses affords us ground enough to believe Moses, did warn and advise.

In that part of it, where their Fathers murmured, and where some were cut off by the hand of God, and in other parts through which they travelled and suffered.

'Tis both counsel, as from Love, 'tis a command, as from Power, live not as your Fathers, for they walkt contrary to Reason, Religion and their own Good, as much as they walkt contrary to me.

Though Fathers, they may not command contrary to Gods Command, nor be imitated in what they do contrary to Gods Law.

'Tis observable, the Prophet forbids them to imitate the Customs, Rights, and Usages of their Fathers; these included in judgments, and thence passeth to forbid their imitating their Fathers in their Idolatry.

Idolatry is fruitful, when it so multiplyed in Egyptian bondage, and in the desolate state of a People in the Wilderness.

19 I am the LORD your God. Walk in my statutes, and keep my judgements, and do them.

The only God; Idols, though your Fathers Idols, are no Gods, therefore let them never be that to you, they are not, cannot be in themselves, the objects of Worship, and Trust, and Love.

By Covenant, by Redemption out of Egypt, by Adoption, and giving you the Law; therefore own me as such, by keeping mine Ordinances and Judgments to do them, I am most your Father.

20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God.

Remember to keep them holy, imploy them on holy works of God's solemn and publick worship, and cease from servile and worldly businesses.

See ver. 12. let. t. As the Fryday observed a rest is the sign of a Turk, the seventh day observed is the sign of a Iew, and distinguisheth: So 'twas of old, so 'tis now: The Christian Sabbath is a sign between Christ and us.

More fully, acknowledge it more openly, and in waiting on mine Ordinances, may know by experience what the Almighty Grace of your God can do.

21 Notwithstanding the children rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments to do them, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

These unhappy Children do, even as their Fathers in all points of disobediences to God, are as deaf to his Counsel, and as averse to his Law, which here is point by point recounted, and is the same with verse 13th, where see it explained.

22 Nevertheless, I withdrew mine hand, and wrought for my names sake, that it should not be polluted in the sight of the heathen, in whose sight I brought them forth.

Heb. And.

God seems to take to himself the posture of one that was just going to smite, yet draws back that he might spare, and act like his own infinite goodness, not suitable to the sin of this generation.

This is explained verse the 9th▪ let. a which see.

Marginal references: Psa. 78.38.

23 I lifted up mine hand unto them also in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the heathen, and disperse them through the Countreys.

This solemn gesture, and signification; see ver. 5. let. r. and y. Here 'tis an Oath added to a threat, to make it more dreadful to them, and to make it successful in keeping them from the sin threatned.

Foretold them of a Captivity, which should come upon them for their sins, which 'tis probable was often inculcated in their hearing before Moses pen'd it for them Deut. [illegible: 1 letter]2.15. and so to verse 42. and Levit. 26.31, 32, 33. and 'tis ingeminated to make it pierce the deeper, and affect them the more.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 letter]er. 9.16.

24 Because they had not executed my judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers idols.

The whole 24th verse is already explained ver. 16. which see.

That travelled through the Wilderness.

In all that 40 years, wherein their Fathers were to be wasted, and by which their Children should have learn'd, kept, and done God's Judgments, but did them not.

Which their Fathers chose in Egypt, and retain'd with them, and now their Children serve the same, even the Egyptian Idols.

25 Wherefore I gave them also statutes that were not good, and Judgments whereby they should not live.

Because they did by such perverse obstinacy reject the statutes, I did in mercy give them my good Laws and Judgments, saith God, they despised; for this cause God proceeds to punish them in a dreadful kind and manner.

Not by appointing, or enjoyning, but by permitting them to make such for themselves, much like that Rom. 1.24. giving up to a reprobate sense, or that 2 Thess. 2.11. and Psal. 81.11, 12. as a Governour, or Father after long, and fruitless strivings with an obstinate, and unruly youth, gives him up at last, as hopeless, and casts off the care and guidance of him.

Orders, and Rules about their Religious Worship, which they first invented, next approved, and lastly made their Establisht Religion, where all they could love in it, was, that 'twas their own.

Had nothing in them that was morally good, pious, or suited to the spiritual Nature of God; That were unprofitable, and ministred nothing to the edifying, and bettering of men, nor could commend the users of them to God: That were indeed pernicious to the users, and increast their sins, being Superstitious and Idolatrous: So the not good is very bad, inconvenient, and hurtful.

If it be not explicatory of the former, it may, 'tis possible, refer distinctly to the inconvenient, oppressive, and unsafe courses, decrees, and edicts about civil matters; which were such as they could never thrive under; for however some Heathen Nations have thrived under an evident blessing from Heaven, though their Religion were Idolatrous, yet I do not remember, that an Apostate Nation ever retain'd their good Government, and civil prosperity under their Apostacy from God; thus the Judgments given were such, they could not live in them; they made grievous and destructive Laws for themselves and theirs.

26 And I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that openeth the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the LORD.

Either I permitted them to pollute themselves, or discovered, that they had polluted themselves, or treated them with loathing, and abhorrence, as polluted persons.

Either in their gifts, which they pretended to bring to me, or rather in their Sacrifices, they offered to whom, or at least in what manner they, not I had chosen; or, which is most likely, Gifts are here their first born, which are more than other Children accounted Gifts.

See chap. 16.20, 21.

Most insufferable affront to God to see those Children inhumanely offered to the Devil, which, in remembrance of his Redeeming the Fathers, were consecrate to God. Exod. 13.2. And possibly this was first done when they offer'd to Baal-Peor, Numb. 25.3.

To provoke God so to afflict, weaken, and waste by his Judgment, till it should undeniably appear, that God had, by signal displeasure against them for their sins, brought them to desolation.

Be convinced, and forced to own, that the Lord is a mighty King in punishing those, that might, but would not have him a gracious King in governing, and guiding them.

Marginal references: 2 Kin. 17.17. and 21.6. 2 Chron. 28.3. and 33.6.

27 Therefore, son of man, speak unto the house of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Yet in this your fathers have blaspheemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.

Since all this evil, and wicked carriage in Egypt, in the Wilderness, is too true, and cause of a Divine Wrath against them, go on; tell what the deportment of those was whom I brought into the Land.

To those Elders, that were now come to him, that they might tell others at Ierusalem.

Or farther yet, beside all the rest, this is added by them.

Profanely, and frowardly lessen'd my Mercy, my Law, my Worship, cast a reproach upon it all, as less desirable, then that of their own: Their's more august, and stately, more taking, and pleasing; or thus reproacht; my Wisdom as if it needed their additions to compleat Religion, and Divine Worship, or reproacht my bounty as if, not I, but their Idols, give them what they enjoyed, as Hos. 2.5, 7, 8. the word speaks a reproach, and blasphemy, that comes from an heart full of Enmity, as where 'tis used, Numb. 15.30. 2 Kings 19.22. Psal. 44.16. Isa. 37.23. and 43.28. they spitefully reproached.

Grievously sin'd, as the phrase is rendred, chap. 14.13. what this was in particular the next verse will account to us.

Marginal references: Heb. trespassed a trespass.

28 For when I had brought them into the land, for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to them, then they saw every high hill, and all the thick trees, and they offered there their sacrifices , and there they presented the provocation of their offering: there also they made their sweet [illegible: 1 letter]avour, and poured out there their drink offerings.

So soon as setled in the Land promised to Abraham, and his seed.

See verse 5. let. r and y, and verse 23. l. n.

Lookest after them, and when seen, liked, and prepared after the manner of the Heathen; though this was forbidden, yet this thou did'st, buildedst thy high places, and thou setst up thy Groves every where.

Not where God appointed, but where they listed.

Either to God, as sometimes some did, or to their own Idols, as the most did, which is here called the presenting the provocation of their Offering.

Which being presented to their Idol, was a provocation unto God.

Burnt sweet Odours to their Idols, which did stink in the Nostrils of God.

Wine was a part of the Offering, that Sacrificers offered, and so did these Idolatrous Iews here, they violated the whole Law of Sacrifice, and did all that to Idols, they should have done only to God.

Marginal references: chap, 16.19.

29 Then I said unto them, what is the high place whereunto ye go: and the name thereof is called Bamah unto this day .

When they were intent upon this horrid course of sin.

God pleaded by his Messengers, and Prophets, and Law, and some faithful Priests.

What mean you, that ye go to the high place, should you not go to the Altar of God? and bring your Sacrifices to the Temple? Or what God better than Abraham's do you expect there? What profit by attending upon those Sacrifices offered dayly? How often have you, by such like means poured contempt on God, and his Law?

Leaving my Temple, and the Service I prescrib'd, and in other places unrequired, doing their supposed Duties.

High place, the very word tells them their wickedness, that they acted against the express Will of God, and fram'd themselves to Idolaters of the Nation.

And this they did with obstinacy continue in to the dayes of Iosiah. 2 Chron. 24.3. thus far the Narrative of their great wickednesses.

Marginal references: Or, I told them what the high place was, or Bamah.

30 Wherefore say unto the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD Are ye polluted after the manner of your fathers? and commit ye whoredom after their abominations?

Those Elders, that were come to him as verse 1. which see.

They come to make enquiry, and now the Prophet enquires of them, that their own Conscience might make answer, and tell them what to expect: Your Fathers, where are they? What became of some, that bore their Iniquity? And what had become of the rest, if God had not withdrawn his Hand? And all this hath been no warning to you, but, as they, so you have polluted your selves, and been Idolaters.

31 For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute your selves with all your idols even unto this day: and shall I be enquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be enquired of by you.

See verse 26.

It seems they took a compendious way to increase sin, and wrath; they worshipt many Idols at once; and

This they did still to Ezekiel's time, to that very day.

Are you fit to come, and ask councel of me, whom you have so shamelesly, so obstinately forsaken and reproacht? Can you expect, I should answer you? My Prophet knew you not to be Hypocrites, but his God, who knows you, and all your abominations, hath put the answer into his mouth, which you must be content with. I will answer you as little as you regard me. So God refuseth them.

Marginal references: ver. 3.

32 And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say , We will be as the heathen , as the families of the countreys, to serve wood and stone.

God by his Prophet to convince and recover them, tells them what they think and have purposed.

Shall be quite frustrated.

You have consulted, and come to a resolution herein.

Unite in Habitation, Covenants, Marriages, Commerce, and Religion too; and then ye shall be more safe among them, thrive with them, and all the displeasure they have against you, will cease; these are your Imaginations, and contrivances of you at the Court of Zedekiah in Ierusalem. But I tell you, that this shall not be at all. This design'd Apostacy to Gentilisme, if you do act it, shall not prosper with you, or help you, ye blind, hardned, senseless Atheists.

33 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury pour'd out will I rule over you.

See ver. 3.

So mighty, that you shall never wrest your selves out of it, you think to revolt, and get out of my hand, but you shall hereby discover your own folly, malice, and weakness.

Which reacheth every where, whence you can never flee, which shall be most visible.

In hot, but just indignation.

As an inundation from a mighty River, or like a violent storm poured from the Clouds, or, as a full Vessel emptied all at once.

Retain my right over you, and exercise it on you, as on combined Rebels, since you will refuse my Rule, as over-Loyal Subjects. If you will not be my free Subjects, you shall be [illegible: 1 letter]ettered Slaves; the chains of Affliction, the restraints of Providence crossing you, the Execution of my Menaces shall be too sharp, and thick hedge for you to break through; I'le make every place, where you are, a Prison for strength to confine you, and I will make it a Prison for the sorrows, and hardships you shall there endure, and all this in my fury.

34 And I will bring you out from the people , and will gather you out of the countreys wherein ye are scattered with a mighty hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with fury poured out.

Sidonians, Ammonites, Moabites, &c. who ever they were, [non-Latin text not transcribed] whom the house of the Apostate Jews betook themselves, where they thought to lurk, God will bring them thence into Babylonish Captivity.

The same thing doubled for greater Emphasis.

You disperst your selves for your supposed safety, and wellfare.

See ver. 33. My Power, and Arm, shall execute my just displeasure on you.

35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the people, and there will I plead with you face to face.

Drive you, and since you think of such a course of ease to your selves by casting me off among the Nations, I will bring you among such, as you shall be soon weary of.

Into the most horrid, barbarous, and salvage parts of the inhabited World; into the Mountainous barren parts of Media, Hyrcania, Iberia, Caspia, and Albania, and Scythia, inhospitable Nations, and mortal Enemies to strangers.

Debate, pass Sentence, and execute it also on you.

Not, as Rabbins dream, to conceal the dishonour of the Iews, but indeed plainly, openly, and so as my hand shall be seen.

36 Like as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I plead with you, saith the Lord GOD.

Who died there, and never entred Canaan.

Which lay on the farther side of the Red Sea, over against the land of Egypt, and is from it called, as here, though it be Arabia Deserta; in which, within the space of less than 40 years, all the Rebellious murmurers died, so will I plead with you.

37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.

I will bring you out by Number, yet so as you shall, either by a voluntary submission own my Scepter, and Government, or by a conquer'd subjection, yield to my Sword, and Power.

Either referring to the manner of Shepherds in that Countrey, which did tell their Sheep in, and out of the Fold; or rather, as a King, whose Scepter protects some, and dasheth others, and maintains his own right. I will difference persons and persons, that I may deal with each suitable to their state and carriage.

i. e. The voluntary and obedient into Covenant with my self.

Marginal references: Or, a [illegible: 1 word].

38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the countrey where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel, and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Cull, and pick out, that they may be rejected, as they deserve, or brought forth to shame, and punishment.

The contumacious sinners, who harden themselves against God, his severe wasting Judgments shall find them out in their hiding places, and drag them out, but not to return them to Canaan, they shall no more return thither.

By which it shall appear, that though Apostates may change their Religion, and deny their God, yet he hath not less Power to restrain, nor less Right to govern, nor less Soveraignty to dispose of them.

Marginal references: Jer. 44.[illegible: 1 letter]

39 As for you, O house of Israel, thus saith the Lord GOD; Go ye, serve ye every one his Idols, and hereafter also, if ye will not hearken unto me: but pollute ye my holy name no more with your gifts, and with your Idols.

In short you have done wickedly as you could, and I have done what was sufficient to reclaim you, I have foretold you what will be the final event; oh house of Israel, and farther I will not strive with you.

Ironically spoken, or, as is usually [illegible: 1 word] to unreclaimable ones, take your course, which allo[illegible: 1 letter]s not, nor commands, but threatens the evil course of such a one; or 'tis a Divorce of this Adulterous house, an utter casting them off for their Idolatry.

It seems an abrupt, vehement speech which includes some heavy sentence, but 'tis supprest as too great to be uttered, or to leave room for doing more than the offender expected. Eccles. 11.9. Amos 4.4. Matth. 23.23. You take yours, I will take my course, and see whose word shall stand.

But while ye are such Idolaters, and notorious sinners, forbear to take my Name into your Lips, bring me none of your gifts, and Sacrifices to your Idols, and pretend you bring them ultimately to me.

40 For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel , all of them in the land, serve me : there will I t accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the first fruits of your oblations, with all your holy things.

The gifts of Idolaters, and all their painted stuff God rejected in the former verse; now he encourageth the upright, those that feared, and obeyed, and waited on him.

Sion, Holy Hill, Psal. 2.6. Holy by designation, and God's own appointing it for his Temple and Presence.

The Hypocrites, you have your high places, I abhor them; my Church hath its high place, but 'tis the Mount Sion, I have loved and chosen, called the height; 'twas the Glory of Israel, and, though lower than many other Hills; yet 'twas above them all for God's peculiar presence there.

Redeemed me, whom I have brought out of Babylon according to promise, the returned Captivity.

'Tis doubled to ensure them.

Their own Land, and their Fathers Land.

Not Idols, but the God of their Fathers.

When I have brought you into, and blest you in the Land, then I will require your offerings as formerly; your first Fruits, your Tithes, in a word, all your Holy Gifts: You shall see my Temple built, Ierusalem filled with Inhabitants, the Land of Israel planted with seed of Man, and Beast, my Worship restored, and you shall go up with joy, carrying your holy things, and I will there accept them.

Delight in them, and in their Sacrifices.

Marginal references: Isa 2.[illegible: 2 letters] chap. 17.[illegible: 1 letter] Mic. 4.1.; Or, chief.

41 I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countreys wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen.

Same gracious promise for substance repeated.

Incense of a pure, and obedient heart.

From Babylon, and the parts of that Kingdom, where they had been scattered these seventy years.

By▪ Cyrus's Proclamation, and my secret impulse on the Spirits of the faithful, and constant Iews, while Apostates stay behind.

Magnified and praised for the good I do to my people, and on occasion of their love, fear, and obedience to me.

Heathens shall see, and say as Psal. 126.1. God hath done great things for them, their God is the Great, the Merciful and faithful God, who hath remembred his Servants.

Marginal references: Heb. savour rest.

42 And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for the which I lifted up mine hand to give it to your fathers.

More fully by experience that he is your God, who is the Great, Good, Wise, and Faithful God, who performs his Word; you shall Know, and Love, Fear, Obey, and Worship him alone, and according to his Will.

Of the rest of the verse, see ver. 5, 23, and 28. where these passages are spoken to.

43 And there shall ye remember your wayes, and all your doings wherein ye have been defiled; and ye shall loath your selves in your own sight, for all your evils that the have committed.

In your restored State, and in your Prosperity, in the Land whither you are returned.

Review your former wayes with sorrow, remember, and grieve.

Of your folly explained by their Doings which defiled them. i. e. All their more notorious sins.

See chap. 6. ver. 9.

Your own heart, and Conscience shall see what you have done, and they shall take shame, and be humbled though none else see it.

Marginal references: chap. 16.61.; [illegible: 1 letter]ev. 26.39. [illegible: 1 word] 6.9.

44 And ye shall know that I am the LORD when I have wrought with you for my names sake, not according to your wicked wayes, nor according to your corrupt doings, O ye house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD.

Experimentally with Affection, and Obedience.

The Hypocrite secretly thinks somewhat in himself, and works that God had regard to, but an honest good heart when God hath wrought, owneth the mercy wrought to be free and undeserved.

This 44th verse summarily acquaint us, that all God did for this people was of free meer mercy, and for his own sake, not theirs.

45 Moreover, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,

A new prophesie, and which pertains, say some, to the next chap. which is a large Comment on this short Prophesie in the three last verses, for the 45, and 46 are Introductory.

46 Son of man, set thy face toward the south, and drop thy word toward the south, and prophesie against the forest of the south field.

He was now in Babylon North from Ierusalem, and being commanded to look toward the South, 'tis toward Jerusalem, and the Land of Canaan.

Thy courage, and undaunted mind manifest in prophecying as thou art Commissioned.

Let thy word distil, begin with softer words, e're thou showr down with the vehemency of a storm; prophesie so, Amos 7.16. and Mich. 2.6.

i. e. Ierusalem, which was become like a Forest for multitude of Inhabitants, for barrenness, wildness, degeneracy, and sheltring wild Beasts, Murtherers lodged in her.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 letter]hap. 4.3, 7. [illegible: 1 word] 5.2. and [illegible: 1 letter].17.

47 And say to the forest of the south , hear the word of the LORD, thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee , and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burnt therein.

Iudea and Ierusalem.

Hearken diligently, and consider.

What God foretells, shall be done.

I will bring an evil like fire, the Chaldaean Forces.

In the midst of the Land.

All that flourish, and all that are poor.

It will be a raging, and swi[illegible: 1 letter]t fire.

All means that can be used, will not avail to quench this fire, till it hath burnt up all.

Persons, and Orders of men exprest by faces.

From one end of the Land to the other, the length of Iudea did so ly from South to North.

With Terrors, Labours, Flight, Famine, and Sickness occasioned by this mighty invasion, all persons shall wither, and be as parched, or burnt.

Marginal references: Luk. 23.31.

48 And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched.

That is, all the Nations round about, near to them.

Clearly see, openly own it, as God's own work, both kindling this fire, and continuing it till it hath consumed all which God would destroy by it.

49 Then said I, ah Lord GOD, they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?

When the Prophet had done his Duty, and prophesied, and they should have heard and understood, he returns with a complaint of their quarrelling, censuring, flouting, and reproaching him for it: One while they account him mad, out of his wits, taken up with raptures and extasies, or else otherwise doting and dreaming; Thus they fortifie themselves in their Atheisme, Infidelity, Idolatry, and all other sins, and fear not thy word, but contemn thy Servant.