Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 22:18

18 Son of man, the house of Israel is to me become dross: all they are brass , and tin , and iron , and lead in the midst of the furnace ; they are even the dross of silver.

Not a few among many, but universally the whole house of Israel.

The seed of him that was a Prince with God, the Covenant people of God.

Are strangely degenerate, and corrupted as if purer, and richer mettals should by worse and worse turn to dross.

Impudent in sin.

Hypocrites, and m[illegible: 1 letter]xt as Tin.

Hard, cruel, and oppressive as Iron.

Stupid and senseless as Lead. Though I rather think this particular accommodating these Mettals somewhat too curious. I judge the Prophet chargeth them with a continued degeneracy from bad to worse, by this gradation.

The Afflictions I have laid upon them have not bettered them, they retain their Corruptions and Vices.

From the King to the peasant, The Priests, and Prophets, and people.

While they kept Covenant, adhered to my Law, kept my Worship pure, and loved mercy, did justly, walkt humbly with their God; they were as silver, now they are degenerated, and are but the dross of silver, vile of price, and of little use.

Marginal references: Isa. 1.22. Jer. 6.28, &c.; Heb. drosses.