The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 98

MUTUAL RELATIONS. Mutual dependence and interests should beget mutual considera- tion. Misunderstandings and wars amongst nations are exceedingly prejudicial to commercial development and prosperity, Wars severely check both the cultivation and the distribution of the products of the countries which aro engaged therein. They lay waste lands, they block up ports, they draw men away from peaceful and remune- rative industries, and they tax national resources which might otherwise be profitably employed. A just and comprehensive view of commercial relations and the conditions of commercial prosperity would constitute a strong barrier a"ainst 0 war and a powerful incentive to international peace and friendship. "War's a game which, were their subjects wise, Kings would not play at. Nations would do well To extort their truncheons from the puny hands Of heroes, whose infirm and baby minds Are gratified with misohief: and who spoil, Because men suffer it, their toy the world." (Cowper.) IV. THE DIVINE OBSERVATION OF COMlllEBOIAL RELATIONS AND PBAOTI0EB, This minute and extensive recognition and enumeration of the dealings of Tyre with other places and peoples, in the inspired message of the prophet, implies such observation, God's law is coextensive with man's life. No province of our being and activity is beyond his authority. No transactions of our life escape his notice. Well does Matthew Henry say, "This account of the trade of Tyre intimates to us that God's eye is upon men, and that he takes cognizance of what they do when they are employed in their worldly business, not only when they are at church, praying and hearing, but when they are in their markets and fairs, and upon the exchange, buying and selling, which is a good reason why we should in all our dealings keep a conscience void of offence, and have our eye always upon him whose eye is always upon us." And Scott, "They who engage in co=erce should remember that they are the servants of God, and learn to conduct their business according to the precepts of his Word, in submission to his providence, and with an aim to his glory." \. THE SUPREME DIPORTANOE IN 00:MMEB0E OF RIGHTEOUS PBINOIPLES AND PBAC• TICEB. Selfish disregard of the interests of others (eh. :xxvi. 2), proud boasting of her own power, prosperity, and glory (ver. 3; eh. :xxviti. 2-5); and a debasing idolatry,- led to the overthrow of Tyre. Apart from righteousness, commercial and all other pros- perity will pass away. Tyre was one.a the most famous city "in the world for trade and commerce. But," as Bishop Newton observes, "trade is a fluctuating thing; it passed from Tyre to Alexandria, from Alexandria to Venice, Crom Venice to Antwerp, from Antwerp to Amsterdam and London, the English rivalling the Dutch, as the French are now (1754) rivalling both. All nations almost are wisely applying them- selves to trade; and it behoves those who are in possession of it to take the greatest care that they do not lose it. It is a plant of tender growth, and requires sun and soil and fine seasons to make it thrive and flourish. It will not grow like the palm tree, which with the more weight and pressure rises the more, Liberty is a friend to that, as that is a friend to liberty. But the greatest enemy to both is licentiousness, which tramples upon all law and lawful authority, encourages riots and tumults, promotes drunkenness and debauchery, sticks at nothing to supply its extravagance, practises every art of illicit gain, ruins credit, ruins trade, and will in the end ruin liberty itself. Neither kingdoms nor commonwealths, neither public companies nor private persons, can long carry on a beneficial flourishing trade without virtue, and what virtue teachetb, sobriety, industry, frugality, modesty, honesty, punctuality, humanity, charity, the love of our country, and the fear of God. The prophets will inform us how the Tyrians lost it; and the like causes will always produce like effects." 1- W. J. • • Dile, on the Prophecies,' dies, &i. os:. xxvm. 1-28.] THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. 101