The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 157

Vers.1-18.-.A terriole perdition. Precious lessons can be learnt from God's treat- ment of others. As in others' conduct we may find a mirror of our own, so in others' chastisement we may find a reflected image of our own deserts. The principles on which God acts a.re those of eternal immutability. Therefore we may learn with certainty what will sooner or later happen. On the part of God, it is an act of genuine kindness that he holds up the perdition of one to deter others from sin. Thus he would turn the curse into a blessiog-retribution into a gospel. I. WE HA~ HEBE GBEAT PRIVILEGE. The Assyrio.n monarch is compared to a "cedar in Lelianon, with fair branches, with shadowing foliage, and of high stature." 1. Be enjoyed a position of superior elevation. What a cedar of Lebo.non was, compared to other trees, the Assyrian king was in respect to other men. He possessed superior qualities.- Possibly he had larger capacity of mind, and had larger opportunities of furnishing it. Certainly he had external advantages such as no others enjoyed. He enjoyed an eminence above other men, yea more, above other kings. 2. He received generous treatment from God. "The waters made him great." .An unfailing stream from the heavenly fount irrigated his roots. Divested of poetical form, it means that God sustained body and soul by hourly supplies of good, though his hand was unseen. If his bodily strength did not languish, it was owing to a constant stream of vitality from God. If the capacity of his mind was maintained, it was due to the Divine succour. Substantial blessing, through invisible channe1s, was incessantly flowing into his roots. He was entirely dependent on the kindness of another. 3. He had a prosperous growth. As the result of so much blessing, he grew and prospered. In him- self, in his kingdom, in his reputation, he flourished. His people were loyal ; his army was valiant; his empire grew. Over every province, over every department of his government, the sunshine of Heaven rested. All that a king's heart could desire he had. He was the envied among contemporary kings: "the cynosure of neighbouring eyes." 4. Large influence was within his reach. "All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs. . . . Under his shadow dwelt all great nations." Such a tree was not simply an image of beauty, the delight of the human eye; it was useful to various forms of life. It was a source of blessing. So with the King of Assyria. His strong government was a protection to all classes of the people. It was a bulwark against invasion. It was a shield for industry, investigation, and commerce, The rich and the poor could dwell securely. All grades of his subjects could pursue their occupations without fear of molestation. Greater influence still he might have exerted. He could have fostered learning, encouraged many arts, established peace among surrounding nations, diffused joy in a myriad homes, lifted up the nation to a higher life. Such varied usefulness is a fountain of bliss. CII, XXXI. 1-18.J 'l'HE nooK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. 163