Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 20:25

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.