PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 1
Edward Hayes Plumptre [1821-1891] · 364,205 words · 401 reading sections
The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 1 — Section 1
THE PULPIT COMMENTARY, EDITED BY THE VERY REV. H. D. M. SPENCE, D.D., DEAN OF GLOUCESTER; AND BY THE REV. JOSEPH S, EXELL, M.A. WITH INTRODUCTIONS BY THE VERY REV. F. W. FARRAR, D.D., F.R.S., DEAN OF CANTERBURY. RIGHT REV. H. COTTERILL, D.D., F.R.S.E. VERY REV. PRINCIPAL J. TULLOCH, D.D. REV. CANON G. RAWL…
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The influences in the midst of which Ezekiel's youthful days were spent can readily be imagined. In addition to the solemnizing impressions and quickening impulses which must have been imparted to his opening intelligence and tender heart by the temple services, in which from an earh· age, in all probability, like anot…
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Necho's defeat at Carchemish on the Euphrates (Jer. xlvi. 1), with the result that Jehoiakim immediately thereafter transferred bis allegiance (if he had not already done so) to the Babylonian sovereign, which, how- ever, he preserved inviolate for not more than three years (2 Kings xxiv. 1), when, to punish his infide…
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assured one another they had seen the last of Nebuchadnezzar's armies, and that, even if they had not, their city was impregnable ( eh. xi. 3). In vain Jeremiah told them their city's fate was sealed-that both they and Zedekiah their king should be delivered up into Nebuchadnezzar's handfl (Jer. xxi. 7; xxiv, 8-10; xxx…
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when there was no peace," and "caused the people to trust in their lies" ( oh. xiii. 16, 19). It was to meet and, if possible, to dissipate these baseless hallucinations that Jeremiah's letter was despatched by the hands of Zede- kiah's ambassadors, counselling the exiles to settle down quietly in their new country, s…
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so.t before him in his house, the visions Jehovah had caused him to behold of the imo.ge of jealousy o.nd of the chambers of imagery in the temple o.t Jerusalem (eh. viii. 1-18), as well as of the princes who devisefl misohief and gave wicked counsel in the city ( eh. xi. 1-21); by reciting in their hearing the story o…
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4. The (Jharacter of the Prophet. That considered simply as a man Ezekiel was a striking personality, who, bad he nover been called to prophetic functions, would still have made a powerful impression on his age and contemporaries, will probably not be denied. Endowed by nature with high intellectual capacity, with …
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prophets, e.nd in particular by his two illustrious contemporaries, Jeremiah in Jerusalem and Daniel in Babylon. Yet can it not be jUBtly alleged that Ezekiel never epoke in accents of love and tenderness, since in addition to the already cited instances of sympathetic feeling which appear in hir, several discourses, t…
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nounced against Egypt, viz. two (eh. xxix. 1-16 and xxx. 1-19) proceer1- ing from the tenth year, the tenth month, and the twelfth day; a. third (eh. xxx. 20-26) from the seventh day of the first month of the eleventh year; a fourth (eh. xxxi. 1-18) from the eleventh year, the third month, and the first day; with a fif…
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Section Fourth. Ch. xxiv. (Ninth year, tenth month, tenth day, B.C, 591.) J. The symbol of the boiling pot. Ch. xxiv. 1-14. ' II. Tho death of Ezckiel's wife. Ch. xxiv. 15-27. p ART SECOND, Concerning foreign nations: prophecies of judgrncnt. Ch. xxv.-xxxii. I. Against the Ammonites. Cb. xxv. 1-7. Against the Mo…
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upon by Kuenen and Smend is that of the twenty-fifth year of the Cap- tivity; and at this date all critics agree the passage ( eh. xl.-xlviii.) must be placed. The only reason discoverable for holding that eh. i.-xxiv. were not composed before that year, or at least not before the destruction of Jerusalem, is the diff…
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Now it rushes forward as if borne along upon the current of impetuous emotion ( oh. xvi., xxxix.); again it halts and staggers as if overLurclenecl with its message ( eh. xvii.). More particularly Ezekiel's style is marked by well-defined peculiarities. (1) The first that arrests attention is its strongly supernatura…
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in antithesis to Jeremiah, the fiery and direct popular orator, whose careless and plain manner of address, but for all that with an elementary force, Jays bold of and kindles [its hearers] as that of the eminently reserved Ezekiel never does." Whether, as Cornill supposes, he had in his youth visited the foreign count…
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( 4) A fourth distinguishing feature in Ezekiel's style is its well-marlcerl, originality. This is not to be regarded as in any measure compromised by wh!l.t has been advanced concerning the prophet's supposed dependence on the Pentateuch and the older prophets. "Whatever assistance he may have derived from these compo…
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eating bread of uncleanness," "shaving his head," eto.-should be understood as external (Umbreit, Plumptre, Schroder) or merely internal oocunence::i (Stiiudlin, Bleek, Keil, Hengstenberg, Smend, Calvin, Fairbairn,' Speaker's Commentary'). Undoubtedly there are circumstances in the accounts given of most of these extra…
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is represented e.s the coming One, to whom the diadem of Israel's sovereignty rightfully belonged, and to whom it should be given after it ha<l been i·emoved from the head of the " profane wicked prince" Zeclekiah ( eh. xxi, 27). Ifnote.lluded to, as Hengstenberg and Dr. Currey think, in the lmclcling horn of Israel in…
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vision of the dry bones (eh. xxxvii.), it can be inferred that the prophet believed in and taught the doctrine of a future resurrection, or, on the strength of certain statements as to Israel dwelling again upon her own )and, it ought to be concluded that the prophet anticipated a final ingather- ing of the Jews to Pal…
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fun tribes had bec-n deported (whether, with God" which he relates, the guidance tlmt Rawlinson, we think of that river as identical he needed. They did not brce.lc in, wo may with the Chaboras, or still further north, well believe, suddenly e.nd without propnru- near an offluent of the Tigris of the same tiou on th…
1,034 wordsSECTION 19The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 1 — Section 19
hrovons is perhaps oonnectod (I) with Job analogues of the forms of Ezekiel'• v1s10n. xxxvii. 22, whore it appears ns the region of 'fhere tho Greek gives (wa, a.s the LXX. does "f1<ir wenther," the unclouded brightness of here, while in Dan. vii. 3-7 we have 8~P"'-- tho "torrible majesty" of God ; (2) with In eh. x. 1…
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The motion ,of what we may oe.11 the com- dome of the earth were but aervo.nts of his, posite quadrilateral was simply rectilinear. to do his plea.sure ? The reproduotiou of Did the symbolism represent the direct- the fourfold form, with tho variation alreo.cly ness, the straightforwardness, of the Diline noticed, i…
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use by Ezekiel is in 2 Sam. xxii. 9, 13. For sent the forces and laws that sustain the mani- "lflmps ," read, with the Revised Version, fold forms of life represented by the" livin.,. "torches." Here the vision of Ezekiel, in creatures" and the " Spirit." In each cas~ which the living creatures wero thus incan- the num…
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h&d before ea.id eepamt.ely, eo 9.8 t.o me.ke (comp. John xii. 29), came from 11bove tho the picture romplete, beforo p11.Ssing on to expanse of azure, 11nd that it stilled the the yet more glorious vision that next met motion of the wings, working peaoc, o.s in his gaze. the midst of the endless agitations of the …
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Bnthropomorphic thought (comp. Rev. i. 18). and of the hope that rested on it (Gen. ix. Irenmus (' Adv. Hmr.,' iv. 20. 10), it mny be 13), was seen in the glory of the Divin& noted, dwells on the fact thnt Ezekiel uses perfection, even in thP- midst of the fire or the words, "' hmo vieio similituclinis glorim the Divin…
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sorrowful men-" a,mong the captives." The atmosphere was depressing. Yet the light of heaven broke through it. God is not the less good and great because men are fallen and human life is too often a sad wreck. (3) He was himself a captive. Those very waters of Babylon by which others hung their harps in despair hear…
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Ver. 5.-" The likeness of a man." There is very much in the visions of Ezekiel that strikes us as strange, and even monstrous. With the sweep of his mighty eal(le-wing he soars far above commonplace experience to awful regions of unearthly sublimity. But ever and anon in his highest flights he seems to find relief b…
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said to go, 118 the words may be rendered literally, "in the direction of his face," If he faced an impassable barrier, a huge cliff, or a yawning chasm, straightforward progress would be impossible. If he faced a wrong way it would be undesirable. Don Quixote rides straightforward in tilting at a windmill, and only g…
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us see what is then needed, 1. Fresh air. The coals may have "caked." They must be stirred and broken up. One vigorous thrust with the poker may startle the dull cinders into a brisk blaze, Souls need shaking up. Crusty habits must be broken, Changes, shocks of surprise, blows of trouble, all do their work to let the a…
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Ver. 28.-The rainbow. The glory of God is here compared to a rninbow. Observe some of the points of resemblance. I. A HEAVENLY BPLE}[D0UR. There is beauty on earth in the flowers of the fielu, ici 12 TRE BOOK OF 'tltE l>ROPltET :EZEKIEt. tOH, I, 1-28, the plum&ge of birds, in the brightness of insect life, and in i…
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of Che bar," is historically picturesque; but it is also suggestive of sacred and precious truth. J. THE CAPTIVITY AND EXILE OF JUDAH AND ISRAEL MUST BE REGARDED AS RETRIBUTIVE CHASTISEMENT INFLICTED BY GoD ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR APOSTASY. Although much obscurity gathers around the earlier history of the "chosen people,"…
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the Author of our being. The greatest men have been those who havo enjoyed the clearest 'l'ision of God. Such vision is possible only to natures endowed with intelligence, with moral capacity, with a free and spiritual faculty. Such natures "look unto him, and are lightened." In bis light they see light. It is the e…
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J; '].'lllll QUI0KENING AND ILLUMINATION OF THE MIND TO RECEIVE THE TRUTH, The word is the expression of the thought. 'l'he Divine word is the utterance of the Divine thought, and the Divine thought is truth. The expression here used implies a community of no.turn between man and God. God has thoughts and purposes whic…
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power behind it, must be explained by a power which is undivided and single. Poeto and prophets alike find scope for their imagination in connecting all the phenomena and the forces of nature with the creative Spirit conceived as revealed by their moans. II. THE GLORY OF THE ETERNAL IS SEEN IN LIVING OREATURES, There …
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be a contrn.diction to obvious fact. Man has a body, and bodily needs and occupations, which link him to the earth; but he has also a spiritual nature and life which witness his relation to the ever-living God-the Spirit who seeketh such to worship him as worship in spirit and in truth. Y1,t his whole nature is created…
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Ver. 28.-Reverence. In order that the prophet might be prepe.red to discbarcre his prophetic ministry aright, it was necessary that, in the first place, be should expe~ience a just conception of the greatness, holiness, and authority of the Being by whom he was commissioned. He could only then appear in a. proper at…
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tion to human weakness, God had prohibited the priests from entering upon foll service until they had attained the ripe age of thirty. Then strength would be developBd ; prnctico.l wisdom and knowledge of human affairs would be acqnired; self-rnaskry might bo attained. Acting on this declaration of the Divine will, Joh…
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Ver. 4.-Early symbols of Jehovah's presence. The materials of the vision are supplied from the storehouse of nature. We climb along the altar-steps of material nature up to nature's God. Earthly phenomena serve (1) as veils, which scarcely hide the Divine Artificer; (2) as symbols, indicating his perfections; (3) as in…
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creation is executing, either intelligently or ignorantly, his supreme will. To a heathen monarch he made B startling revelation, "J girded thee, though thou hast not known me," These cherubic forms (seen first at the gate of Eden, and again in symbol ovei the mercy-seat) are representative8 of all creature-life, both …
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Vers. 15-21.-Nature's material fO'rces are the active servants of the Ohm·ch. New phenomena now appear to the prophet's ecstatic vision. ·wheels of vast and appallincr magnitude are seen, and seen in combination with the cherubim. Now, wheels ar: essential parts of man's mechanical contrivances; therefore we are com…
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V, THAT ALL THE ACTIVITIES 01" NATURE AND 01" PROVIDENCE ARE TINGED WITH A MORAL PURPOSE. There is surely something to be gathered from the fact that the prophet makes mention of these several colours. The fire which enfolded upon itself was of the colour of amber. The throne on which the Eternal sat was in appearance …
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IV. THAT Gon's NATURE GLOWS WITH FIEBYINDIGNATION AGAINST SIN, The glorious Being who occupied the throne, presented in one respect a twofold appearance. From the loins-as a dividing line-upwards he appeared as cliasmal, electron-as when gold and silver are fused in the'flame. From the loins downward there was the a1…
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eays that the priests entered upon their office at the same age; but the statement is very questionable. John the Baptist began his ministry on the completion of bis thirtieth year. And '' the Light of the world" was not publicly manifested until our Lord had attained the same age. 2. That he desired to plar,e the r…
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the spirit of Elisha. was agitated, he was incapable of exercising his prophetic office, but when the B{;itation was nllayed by music, ho was able to prophesy. 11 When the minstrel played the hand of the Lord came upon him." And, as ha.s been suggested by another, the gentle murmurings and rhythmic ripplings of the wat…
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God. And their composition, relo.tione, and movements teach us that every variety and order of life is employed in his providential government of our world. The endeavour has been made to assign a specific meaning to each different portion of the living creo.tures. The symbolism unfolds itself to us thus: "The likeness…
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JII. THE SUPREME CONTROLLER OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROVIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT OF GoD. (Vers. 22-28.) Notice: 1. The manifestation of the God-Man. Vile have spoken of the manifestation of the God-Man; but Ezekiel does not say that he saw either man or God. Very guarded are his words: "Upon the likeness of the thron…
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who, In hymn or prayer, address the Most High in terms of unbecoming familiarity, or even of positive irreverence. Most inadequate must be their realization of the truth that he is "glorious in holiness," and of their own unworthiness, "God is in heaven, o.nd thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few." "The more…
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EXPOSITION. CHAPTER II. include both Judah and the remnant of the northern kingdom. They and their fathers. Yer. 1.-Son of man, etc. It is noticeable The words anticipate the teaching of eh. that the phrase (ben adam), as addressed to xviii. The people to whom the prophet was a prophet, occurs only in Ezekiel, in …
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Authorized Vorsion rondcring, followed by vi. 3), but by every word that procceclcJ oul the Revised Version, is tenable enough. A of the mouth of ,Jehovah. cognate form of the fust is found in oh. Ver. 9.-An hand was sent (put forth xxviii. 24, ond there the LXX. gives <1'1COl\o,i,, Revised Version) unto me, etc. Appar…
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glyphics of nature. We have a revelation in language, a written Bible. 2. Jn direct address. God spoke immediately to Ezekiel. Here is the contrast between the pro- phet and the ordinary bearer of a Divine message. We receive our messaues at second hand from God's inspired teachers. They held direct communications ;…
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Is it eo often acknowledged that the reception of truth is an equally important condi- tion? God's Spirit does not come like a flash of lightning, striking the unexpectant : soul, nor like a gift of magic. The understanding of truth is the open door through which the inspiration of life enters. Hence the importance o…
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Ver. 6.-DweUing among sCO'rpions. I. THE DISTRESS. Ezekiel lay on no bed of roses. His messages of stem denunciation raised up enemies who gave him worse than a thorny couch-a very house of scorpions to dwell in. No more hideous picture of distress can well be conceived than that of the faithful prophet thrust into …
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Ver, 7.-Preaching to unwilling hearers. There can be no more difficult or painful duty than that of a preacher to unwilling hearers. But it was seen in the case of Hebrew prophets; it was illustrated in Christ's brave dealings with the Pharisees and Sadducees; and it must necessarily fall at times to the lot of every…
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was scarcely allowed any such help from Church-fellowship. Like Nehemiah, he had to stand alone and face the current of rebellion. 'l'hen, beyond the unconscious temptation to go with the multitude to do evil, there was a very visible danger in the case of Ezekiel. He was called to testify against his brethren with …
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weaknesses, their temptations and struggles. Some, like Elijah and John the Baptist Jed a life secluded and 11scetic---only now and 11g11in coming forth from their retirement and mingling with their countrymen for some Bpeci11l purpose. Bn t others lived amongst those whom they had known in childhood and youth, and mad…
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is not to be questioned by any reasonable student of the moral history ,of mankind, Nowhere more strikingly than in the history of Israel has it been shown that they who resist Divine authority and violate Divine Law incur the most awful guilt and entail upon themselves the most awful punishments. Sentimentalists ma…
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the effect to be produced by their ministry, Fanatics would have felt assured that, in such circumstances, they must meet with ready credence and immediate obe,lience. Ezekiel certainly ha.d no such delusive anticipations, and was indeed expressly warned that bis message would meet with varying reception. Some would be…
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Ver. 9.-The scroll. It is certainly remarkable that, whilst the ministry of Ezekiel was to be fulfilled by word of mouth, the communication of its substance should be figurati\-ely represented by the scroll-" a. roll of a. book, written within and without." w·hat the scroll was to the prophet, it may fairly be said, t…
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mo.n's recovery and salvation. In all these several particulars the Book of Ezekiel is a miniature of the Bible. The theme of the prophet, and the theme of Holy Writ as a whole, is surely nothing else than this-the exhibition of man's heinous sin, and the offer of God's merciful aalvation.-T. Vere. 1, 2. -The interlac…
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Vers. 6-8.-God's ambassador a warrior. The path of duty;since the Fall, is never smooth. We may have an inward sense of delight-tranquil satisfaction, arising from the approval of conscience and the smile of God-but from without we must expect sharp opposition. '!'here is clemand for vigilance, skill, and courage. I.…
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V ers. 3-8.-The commission to prophetic service. "And he said unto me, Son or man, I send thee to the children of Israel," etc. We have here- I. A DISCOURAGING SPHERE OF PROPHETIC SERVICE. (Vers. 3, 4.) Ezekiel WIIS sent to : 1. A people who had mournfully fallen. "I send thee to the children of Israel, to a rebell…
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And now the ministers of Jesus Christ must speak his Word faithfully, irrespective of the treatment which is given to that Word. 'l'he treatment which the gospel receives from their hearers they are not responsible for; but for fidelity in the proclamation of that gospel they will be held responsible (cf. eh. iii. 16-2…
849 wordsSource & rights
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Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.