The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 211

Vere. 27, 28.-The peace and welfare of the (Jhwrch. Bo much of this book of pro- phecy is occupied with denunciation and with pictures of destruction and desolation, that a passage like this is grateful and welcome, as a relief and contrast to much of what has gone before. The prophet was evidently inspired to look into the far future, and to see visions of happiness and of glory which exalted and delighted his spirit. He was taught that the God of infinite compassion has counsels of salvation for sinful men, and plans of felicity for the ransomed Church. Some of the elements of blessed- ness, assured by God's faithfulness and mercy to hie people, are pictured in these beautiful and encouraging verses. I. PROSPERITY, SECURED BY THE VISITATION OF Goo's MERCY A.ND LOVING-XINDNEBB. This is ~<TUl'atively represented by the promise, "The tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase." The Church is a garden, a vineyard, a. forest; when it flourishes, it puts forth signs of vigorous life, and it is fruitful abun- dantly. The vitality of the Church expresses itself in its praises, thankgivings, and prayers, in its unity and brotherly love, in its deeds of justice and purity, in its bene- volent and self-denying efforts for the good of the world. II. DELIVERANCE AND LIBERTY, SECURED BY THE INTERPOSITION OF Goo's MIGHT. The Lord "broke the bars of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hands of those who made bond.men of them." "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." It is his office to set God's people free from thraldom to error and to sin, and to make them God's freedmen, to introduce them into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. The promise must have had a. special significance and sweetness for those who, like Ezekiel and hie companions, were captives and exiles in a foreign land, and subject to the authority of strangers. Its spiritual meaning is comprehended and appreciated by all Christ's ransomed ones who are set free, his banished ones for whose return he has devised effectual means. • III. SECURITY THROUGH Goo's PROTECTION, In a less settled state of society that1 our own, the literal meaning of the promise must have been peculiarly welcome: "They shall no more be a. prey to the heathen, neither shall the beasts of the field devour them; but they shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid." The Church of Christ is secure as the fold of God's flock, the fortress of God's warriors, the home of God's children. The powers of earth and of hell are strong, but the power QJ Heaven is mightier, and this power is pledged for the guardianship and safety of the people of Christ. The power of Divine providence controls all outward events. The power of the Divine Spirit within checks every rising fear. "Fear not," says the Almighty Guardian and Helper, "fear not: I am with you! "-T. Vera. 1-16.-God's verdict upon self-serving n.,,lers. 'l'he disasters that overtook the land and the people of Israel were largely due to the misdeeds of their rulers. The people in olden time were more easily led by their sovereign than they are now. The ability to read, combined with the free use of printed literature, has stimulated ~e pow~r ~o think, and this h3:s led to self-reliance, independence, and freedom. But m Ezekiel s day a dear~h of literature made the people largely dependent on priests and rulers. The self-w1ll of Ilehoboam was the initial downward step to civic strifo and national ruin. Rehoboam and his successors never learned the lesson that a ruler i~ a shepherd, that he is entrusted with the welfare of a nation, that he is appointed to live for the people, and not to expect that the people shall Jive for him. This is a wholesome lesson for all kings and magistrates. 'l'hey are expected to care for every interest in the commonwealth. I. Goo's ESTIMATE OF A RULER's DUTY. A ruler, whether supreme or subordinate is required by God to a.et as a shepherd. He is ordained to this office (at least theoretically) on the ground of suporior knowledge, skill, and fitness to govern. God's intention is that the personal endowments of one shall be employed for the welfare of the many. The design in erecting the kingly office is not that everything in the stattt shall contribute to the pomp- and magnificence of the king, but contrariwise, that the king shall devote his talents and energies to the well-being of his weakest subjects.  218 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. [ou. xxxiv.1-31~