Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 39:17

17 And thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; speak unto every feathered fowl , and to every beast of the field; Assemble your selves , and come; gather your selves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you , even a great sacrifice upon the mountains of Israel, that ye may eat flesh , and drink blood .

Though they understand not thy word, yet speak, for they will understand my word, which shall go out with thine.

To all sorts of carnivorous birds, every kind of those, that eat flesh.

That are for the prey, little or great which either by craft, or power get their food out of the flesh of others.

Come in whole Companies, flocks and herds too, and this repeated twice more, come gather your selves, they have an earnest invitation, from all sides.

When sacrifices were offered, there usually was a feast to the Priest the sacrificer, and for what guests were invited, now God is about to make such, he invites his guests, resolved to entertain them plentifully.

The punishment of these God calls [illegible: 1 word] Sacrifice, which he doth offer, i. e. to his own Justice, to satisfie that.

It was for higher ends, yet since God intends to fill them with the flesh and blood of it, he is pleased to tell them, he hath slain for their entertainment.

Where more thousands are offered at once, then ever were at any time offered, 'tis a Sacrifice so great, that none ever was, or will be like.

The land of Canaan.

The flesh of the sacrifice.

And the blood of it, this was entertainment fitting these invited guests.

Marginal references: Heb. to the fowl of every wing.; Isa. 18.6. and 34.16. Jer. 12.9. Zeph. 1.7. Rev. 19.17.; Or, slaughter.