Matthew Poole and continuators on Ezekiel 7:19

19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the LORD: they shall not satisfie their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling-block of their iniquity.

Either 1. The Jews themselves, that they be the lighter to fly, and might stop the pursuer whom they hope Silver may stop a while, and give them some space to get away. Or, might occasion quarrels among Souldiers of Fortune, which might set them one against another till the distressed Jew could get away from them all. Or, 2. The Chaldeans who in this day of their own rage and Gods wrath against the Jews did (as the Medes and Persians shall Isa. 13.17.) not regard Silver or Gold, Prov. 11.4. Or, 3. Because Nebuchadnezzar might possibly reserve it all to himself having those vast thoughts of enlarging his Empire by Arms, which could not be done without great Treasures.

Carried away into Babylon to the Royal Treasury. Or, laid aside as despised when offered a ransom of their Life. Or, hid by the Jews in polluted places, which perhaps the Jew might think would be securest from searching, forasmuch as the Chaldaean knew their Law forbad them to touch any unclean thing.

This is the sum of it▪ these Treasures shall stand them in no stead.

If the self flattering Jew should think much Silver and Gold might ransom their Life, when the City is taken, the Prophet removes this confidence and tells them they should not have enough to buy Bread to fill their own Bellies.

This Silver and Gold they valued too much, covered immeasurably, abused to Pride, Luxury, Idolatry and Oppression, this, that they stumbled at and fell into sin, this now that they stumble at and fall into deepest misery and danger.

Marginal references: Heb. for a separation, or, uncleanness.; Pro. 11.4. Zeph. 1.18. Ecclus. 5.8.; Or, because their iniquity is their stumbling block.