The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 205

from the preceding verses, this is very prominent in our Lord's 01vn description of his work. Dy the sacrifice of his own life he saves his sheep (John x. 15). The favourite picture of the persecuted early Christians, on the walls of the catacomba at Rome, is perhaps the choicest of all representations of Christ-viz. the good Shepherd. Ver. 25.-" A covenant of peace." I. THE MAKL'IO OF THE COVENANT. A covenant is :an agreement between two parties. But in the case of covenants between God and -man this agreement is not arrived at after the fashion of human bargaining, in which the two who a.re concerned meet on equal terms. The covenant is made by God and .offered to man, by whom it has to be accepted in order that it may take effect. '.Ve meet with several successive covenants-with Adam, with Noah, with Abraham, with Israel in the Law. Jeremiah promises a new covenant (Jer. xxxi. 31). A similar i<lea is here presented by Ezekiel. The old arrangement has broken down, For a time, the people of God arc outlawed exiles, cut off from their ancient privileges, with little hope for the future. Now they a.re assured that God will not forsake t~em. It is impossible to renew the old covenant; but a. new one shall be granted. God now approaches us in the gospel with that new covenant which Christ said was given in his blood (Luke xx.ii. 20). It was given to the world in the work of Christ. But it is ratified a.fresh with every soul that accepts its conditions-viz. repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus -Christ (Acts iii 19, 26). All who thus enter into it enjoy the privileges of God's -00venant mercies-mercies promised and assured to God's people. II. THE CHARACTER OF THE COVENANT. It is essentially a covenant of p<'ace. Every covenant is intended to be of this character. It is to prevent misunderstandings, to define mutual relations, to harmonize reciprocal actions. It is, in fact, a sort of treaty; and treaties, as long as they are observed, are instruments of peace. But the new covenant is emphatically and in a very special manner one of peace. 1. It endorses the restoration of peace between God and man. Sin is a breach of the peace, pardon is the making of i,e,1ce. 'l'he restored Jews were brought into relations of peace with God. Christ reconciles us to God. 2. It signalizes the establishment of peace between man and his fellow-man. Chrillt is our peace in regard to mutual human relations. He breaks down "the middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile (Eph. ii. 14). He brings peace on earth (Luke ii. 14). 3. It is tlie outward evidence of internal lleace. Christ gives peace to the soul. 'l'he covenant assures his people that this peace is sound and solid (John xiv. 27). III. THE FRUITS OF THE COVENANT. The evil beasts are to depart and the people are to dwell safely in the open pastures and even sleep in the woods without danger. 'The departure of man is followed by an incursion of wild beasts. Lions came illto the land when it was much depopulated by the Captivity. Then it would only be safe for people to live in close communities. At the present day we never see in Palestine those scattered farmhouses and cottages that give so much picturesqueness to rural England. The people all live in villages or towns. 'l.'hat must be a very safe condition of the country which would e.dmit the manner of living described in our text. A similar condition spiritually is brought about under the new covenant of Christ. The wild beasts of haunting sins and prowling temptations are driven away. It is possible ,to enjoy a senso of freedom and security when under the protection of Christ. To plant one's homestead in the midst of the pasturage, to be ablo to sleep out in the woods in the summer-time when at work far from home, would mean much comfort -and happiness in a safe and settled community. Such a condition is typical of the <:itizen of the kingdom of heaven, and though certainly it is not yet fully enjoyed, it will be when the reign of Christ is perfectly established. Ver. 26.-" Showers of blessing." The grateful rain'in a semi-tropical country, that brings fruitfulness to the earth and refreshment to man an<l beast, is suggestive of the Divine grace that comes on parched and weary souls. I. SROWEBS OF BLESSING ABE NEEDED. It is a sign of miserable deadness when any Church or soul can be satisfied to continue in the dull routine of formal service without receiving any refreshing Divine grace. 'l'he first awakcuiog from such a condition or torpor m.1st result in a great thirst of ~pirit. 'l'he need is indeed such that all might well feel it, viz.: 1. Individual souls. Each soul needs a blessing. It is 212 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. [ea. xxx1v. 1-31·.'