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 Divine wrath. Mercy and love are Domini,' ne quie putnret forte eum in his thought ofas over-arching all the phenomena proprie vidisse Deum," of the world and its history, attempering the Ver. 27.-As the colour of amber. The chastisements which a.re needed for thoae "amber" (see note on ver. 4) represents the with whom that love is dealing. The whole purity BDd glory of the Divine nature-the complex appeara.nces of Ezekiel's descrip- truth that "God is light" in his eternnl tions, including the arch of prismatic colours. essence. The " fire" which, here as ever, finds its nearest natural analogue, as has represents the wrath of God against evil, is been before suggested (note on ver. 4), in the round about within it, i.e. is less absolutely phenomena of the N orthem Lights. I fell identified with the Divine will, of which it upon my face. As in eh. iii. 23; Dan. viii. is yet an almost constant manifestation. It I 7 ; Rev. i. 17, the prostrate a.ttitude of is, in the language of the older logicians, a.n lowliest adoration, the dread and a.we of one inseparable a.ccident rather than part of its who has seen the King, the Lord of hosts, essential nature. and yet survives, was a preparation for the Ver. 28.-As the appearance of the bow; more direct revelation to his consciousness The glorious epiphany was completed, as in of the Word and will of Jehovah (comp. Rev. iv. 3 and x. 1, by the appearance of the Da.nte, 'Inferno,' iii. 136; v. 142). winbow. The symbol of God's faithfulness,
HOMILETICS. Ver. 1.-Visions of God. The Book of Ezekiel opens with a glorious apoca.lypse. No doubt the primary object of this revelation was the spiritual education of the prophet. But all the deeper spiritual experiences of individua.l souls afford living lessons for their brethren. Therefore the visions are recorded and the private privileges published abroad, inviting our study at least, perhaps also our emulation. I. THE SEER OF THE VISIONS. 1. A priest. (See ver. 3.) Of all men they who minister to others in spiritual things need first to have their own visions of God. A spiritua.lly blind priesj; can only give dead, formal, perfunctory service. Yet it is only too possible to handle religious business officially without any tnle insight, without any experience of the Divine. The very familiarity with the routine of religious services may tend to harden a soul against the inner truth and reality of religion. The priest ma.y see the temple, but never behold the glory of God. It is a great moment when he rises from formal service to spiritual experience. 2. A prophet. Ezekiel is now ca.lled to the high mission of prophecy. But he must first behold his own visions of God. The prophet must be a seer. No one can speak for God who has not first heard the voice of God or seen the glory of his truth. The true preparation for public preach- ing is private communion with God. II. THE TIME OF THE VISIONS. In early maturity. Ezekiel was in his thirtieth year. This was the time for entering on the priestly office. It was the same age a.s that of Jesus when he commenced his public life. Our subject has a very special bearing on all persons who are about thirty years old. Samuel was called in childhood, Moses when eighty years of age, Ezekiel at an intermediate period. Different souls taka varying times for their development. Some are like the slow oak, others like the rapidly growing sycamore. There is a specia.l fitness in the time of Ezekiel's vision. 1. It was after years of preparation. All secular training and earthly experience may be enlisted in the service of God, and consecra.ted to his use. 2. It was before a life of work. The visions a.re seen on the very threshold of the prophet's public career. It is well indeed to meet God ea.rly in life. Then the soul is most susceptible. Joel says that young men shall see visions, while old men only dream dreams. Such visions con- secrating early manhood give promise of a full day of work. It is possible to be called t.o the vineyard at the eleventh hour. But it is sad to have lingered in the market-place so long, a.nd it is far better to begin in the fresh, fair morning of life. III. 'l'HE 0IR0UMSTANCES OF THE VISIONS. 1. Ezekiel was among the captives. (1) He was an exile from his native land. God is not confined to holy sites. Enemies may banish from home; they cannot banish from God. (2) He was surrounded by 8 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. [011, I, 1-28,