The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 1 — Section 59

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 rebellious nation that bath rebelled against me." By descent they were sons of Israel, who had engaged in mighty wrestling with God, and by faith had prevailed ; and they ought to have been his sons in character. But instead of that they are here spoken of as "the rebellious nations." The word is plural, as in the margin; and it is that which is used to denote the heathen as distinguished from the people of God, They are designated "nations," as if they had something of the sins of all heathen peoples. They were sadly degenerate branches of a noble root. In former times the Israelites had been the Lord's "peculiar treasure . . . a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exod. xix. 5, 6); now they were "the rebellious nations that have rebelled against" him. 2. A people persistently rebellious against God. Observe the repetition of this charge against them in vers. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8. Their rebelliousness had existed long. Generation after generation they had been revolters against Jehovah. "They and their fathers have transgressed against me unto this very day." The children trod in the sinful steps of their rebellious fathers. Unless restrained by the grace of God, children will imitate their parents, however wicked they may be. Let parents remember the power of their example over their children, a □ d so live that their children may imitate them with advantage. 3. A people openly obdurate in wicked- ness. "They are impudent children, and stiff-hearted." They were hard of face; they bad lost shame; they had ceased to blush by reason of their sins. " Were they ashamed when they bad committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush" (Jer. vi.15). And they were "stiff-hearted "-an expression which denotes steadfastness and determination in their evil ways; they were hardened in wickedness. 4 . .LI. people resolutely hostile to the Lord's prophets. "Briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions; be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks." Three ideas are suggested concerning the people. (1) Their barrenness. They were as destitute of the fruits of righteousness as dry thorns. (2) Their injuriousness. They would prick and sting as briers and thorns. (3) Their venomousness. Like scorpions, they would seek to poison the heart and life of the prophet. They would assail him with envenomed words, and scowling, threatening looks. The life of a prophet of Jehovah was generally one of trial and persecution. Ezekiel is here forewarned of the pains and penalties awaiting him in his future course. In like manner our Lord made known to the twelve apostles the perse- cutions they would have to encounter in the fulfilment of their mission (Matt, x. 16- 22). What an evidence it is of the mercy of God that be should send his prophet to so rebellious a people (cf. Hos. xi. 7-9)! IL THE SUBLIME CRARACTER OF PROPHETIC SERVICE. It involves two main func- tions. 1. Reception of Divine communications. "Son of man, hear what I say unto thee." The prophet must be a devout listener in the glorious temple of God's great universe. His spiritual ear must be keenly sensitive even to the whispers of the Divine voice. 2. Publication of Divine communications. "Thou sbalt say unto them, 'l'hus saith the Lord God" (ver. 4). "And thou shalt speak my words unto them." It is his business neither to expound the systems of other men, nor to propound bis own opinions, but to declare the Word of the Lord. He must speak what he receives from God• and he must speak it in bis Name and by bis authority. The Christian ministlr is ar: ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ, offering his pardon, etc. (cf. 2 Cor. v. 20). IIL 'l'HE UNCERTAIN RECEPTION OF PROPHETIC SERVICE. "Thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear." It was not granted to Ezekiel to know how his message would be regarded by his fellow-country- men. He received no assurance that they would bear and heed it. Rather it was suggested to him that they might refuse to hear bis testimony. Nevertheless, be must deliver to them the words which he received from God. He must "Learn a prophet's duty: For this cause is he born, and for this cause, For this cause comes he to the world-to bear Witness." Oil, JI, 1-10.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. 45