The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 1 — Section 295

human nature indicates sinful parentage. The doctrine of original sin has often been st.ated in a very objectionable manner. But there is a basis of fact underlying tho.t doctrine. It is certain that human beings manifest in early life a proclivity to sin. The modern scientific teaching as to inherited tendencies conducts to the conclusion that we inherit a depraved moral nature. 2. Their destitute moral condition. "And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut," etc. (vers. 4, 6). These verses point to the condition of Israel in Egypt, where the family grew into a nation, or the nation may have said to have been born. There was nothing there to foster the moral life and health of the young nation. Nay, more, their physical condition was one of cruel oppression and bitter persecution (cf. Exod. i. 7-22). They were abhorred, Rffiicted, and brutally ill treated. But the verses illustrate man's spiritnal condition apart from the grace of God and the provisions of that grace, Man is morally unclean as an unwashed infant, morally neglected as an uncared-for infant, left to live or die, no one taking an interest in its condition, and being completely incapable of self-help. Is not that a picture of man's spiritual state apart from the grace of God? We inherit a sinful nature. \Ve cannot convert or sanctify ourselves, or even do any- thing with a view to such results without Divine influence, We cannot repent except as we are summoned and strengthened to do so from heaven. And man cannot save us if he wouJd; for every man is a sinner, and needs salvation himself. Neither can angels save us. Their utmost wisdom, love, and might a.re inadequate to the difficult task, God alone has pity enough a.nd power enough for this work. If he leaves us we must perish. If we a.re to be saved he must begin and carry on the gracious work. And - we rejoice to know that he does not leave any people to perish without witness of him- eelf, or without some gracious influences from him (cf. Acts xiv. 17; Rom. i. 19, 20; 1 Tim. ii 4). JI. A PICTURE OF Drvnra CONDESCENSION AND FAVOUR, OB THE CONDITION TO wmcn THE LORD RAISED ms PEOPLE. (Vers. 6-14.) Here, as Fairbairn observes, "everything is fragrant with the matchless grace and loving-kindness of God." 1. God graciO'USly regarded them in their outcast condition. " I passed by thee, and saw thee •polluted [Revised Version, 'weltering,'] in thine own blood." He looked_compassion- ately upon the Israelites in their afflictions and sorrow in Egypt, "The Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt," etc. (Exod. iii. 7-10). He saw our race ruined by sin, and of his own free and unmerited grace he had pity upon us. We had no claim upon his compassion or assistance. By our sin we had forfeited every title to his favour. We had no grace or beauty to commend us to his regard. We were rather, as in the picture drawn by the prophet (vers. 3-6), :fitted to awaken repulsion. Yet God looked upon us in mercy; and he did so of his own good pleasure. " Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us," etc. .. God commendeth his own love toward Ill!, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 2. God conferred life upon them. "I said unto thee in thy blood, Live I" He eaw the Israelites in Egypt as it were naked, abhorred, and perishing, and he designed them for life, and caused them to live, notwithstanding the cruelty of their oppressors• .And it is God of his grace, through Christ Jesus and by his Word and Spirit, who quickens dead souls into life. "God being rich in mercy, for bis great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, quickened us together with Christ," etc. (Eph. ii. 4-10; cf. Col. ii. 13; John iii. 5-8). 3. He blessed them with growth and increase. "I caused thee to multiply as the bud of the field," etc. The explanation of this verse is in Exod. i. 7, 12. The great increase of the children of Israel excited the fears of the Egyptian monarch, and led him to oppress them ; " but the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew." Their growth was of God, and accorded with his great purposes concerning them. Spiritual growth in the individual is the product of Divine influences. God quickens and sustains and increases the life of the soul. Hence St. Paul prays "that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ve may be strengthened with power by his Spirit in the inner man," etr... (Eph. iii, 16:_15). The increase of the Church also is of him. '' The Lord added to them day by day those that were being saved" (Acts ii. 47). "I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (1 Cor. iii. 6). 4. He toolc them into union with himself. "Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time ?f love; and I spread my skirt over thee," etc. (ver. 8). The child OH, xvr. l-G3.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. 295