The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 1 — Section 36

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 instruments, with which he accomplishes his will. For the vision before us, God chose to employ, not the grosser forms of inert matter, but the dynamic forces which are at work on every side -wind, light, heat. I. The idea is brought before us of INSCRUTABLE MYSTERY, This is betokened by the whirlwind. In all revelation of his doings which God vouchsafes to man, there must be more or less of mystery. The finite cannot measure the Infinite. How the wind originates, what its full mission, or whither its destination, we cannot tell. 'l'hls was a stormy wind-partly baneful, partly beneficent. It betokened a severe visitation of Jehovah-a temporary calamity destined to issue in permanent good. "He rideth upon the wings of the wind." .As in the hotter climate of the East, a storm rapidly rises and sweeps the face of the earth; so, after repeated monitions, Jehovah suddenly visits men in judgment. "His footsteps are not known;" " He maketh his messengers winds." II. There is the idea of PARTIAL REVELATION. This is indicated by the cloud. The cloud both tempers the heat of the sun and conceals the wonders of the starry heavens. Wnenever God has revealed his glorious majesty to men, there has been the attendant circumstance of the cloud. .At the Red Sea, on Mount Sinai, over tbe mercy-seat, on the Mount of Transfiguration, the glory of God was veiled within the drapery of a cloud. The eye of sinful man cannot sustain the overpowering brightness of the Deity. For what is at present concealed from us, no less than for what is disclosed to us, it becomes us to be sincerely thankful. "What we know not now we shall know here- after." III. There is the idea of PURIFYING ENERGY, This is symbolized by the fire. One of the most potent and widespread agents at work in the material universe, is fire-an impressive emblem of the purity and justice of the Most High. Nothing in nature is more destructive than fire. For the precious metals, it is the only agent that purifies, 'l'he flame was self-kindled, as was the flame that consumed the sacritice on the temple altar. This vision was intended to extinguish the false hopes of the Hebrews. 'l'he design was threefold, viz. to produce (1) suitable terror and alarm; (2) genuine sorrow ; and (3) internal purification. " A fire is kindled in mine anger." Wood and hay and stubble will be consumed; gold and silver will be beautified. IV. There is the PROSPECT OF EVENTUAL PROSPERITY. ".A brightness was about it." We have here a prefigurement of that "abounding grace" which is yet in reserve for the chosen remnant of Israel-a picture of the " times of refreshing" which shall in due time come "from the presence of the Lord." .A prophet who announces only judgment is no less false than he who peals forth only the clarion-note of mercy. 'l.'he brightness is set forth here as suffusing the whole vision-storm, cloud, fire. Every part of Jeho- vah's administration shall be covered with renown. He will graciously vindicate his ways to the satisfaction and joy of his saints. Immortal splendour will encircle the final result.-D. Vere. 5-14.-Unseen form, of intelligent ministry. Man is only a part, though on integral part, of the aclive universe of God. Even inert matter is pervaded by dynami~ t.orces, such as aitractio:p, beat, ancl electricity; ap.d every ~art of God'd (lit, t. 1-28.j 'tHE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. 21