The Pulpit Commentary — Ezekiel — Volume 2 — Section 244

the spring, the promise of the year, have not been delusive. "Herein," says Christ, "ie my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." V. 'rnE MEASURE OF REVIVAL. "I will do better unto you than at your begin- nings." Such is the gracious assurance of the Almighty. Israel had known times of benediction and prosperity; she should know them again, only more abundantly. All past experience is transcended when the Lord stretches out his hand to bless.-T. Vers. 20-24.-Profanation and pity. The conjunction is somewhat singular. Israel has profaned God's Name. Upon this suggestion the Lord, pitying his own Name, resolves to sanctify it, and to this end, and not for Israel's deserts, succours and restores his people. The several steps in this progress of thought should be attentively traced. I. THE ISRAELITES DAVE PROFANED GoD'S NAME AMONG THE HEATHEN. They are universally known as the people of J ehovab. When exiled from their land, they are the objects of derision and contempt to the heathen who 'behold them, and who, despising them, despise also the Name of Jehovah. II. THE LORD 1s MOVED wrrH PITY FOB BIS OWN NAME. The language, nay, the very thought, is remarkably bold. But especially as it is repeated, it must be taken as deliberate and intentional, and as corresponding with a wonderful and Divine, though but partially comprehensible, reality. His Name, his reputation, even among the heathen, is dear to him, and he deigns to be concerned when men speak lightly of his Na.me • and blaspheme him openly. In human language, he is distressed at the evil things which are said of him among the enemies of his people. IIJ. THE PURPOSES OF GoD'S MERCY ARE NOT PROMPTED BY A.NY DESERTS OF ISRAEL. "I do not this for your sake, 0 house of Israel." 'l'his is a principle which should ever be borne in mind in interpreting Old Testament history. The Hebrew writers are faithful, candid, and outspoken in describing the national character, in relating the actions of their countrymen. They were a rebellious and stiff-necked people. They had their good qualities, but their many and grievous sins are not extenuated. If God chose them as his peculiar people, it was not for any special excellence or meritorious- ness in themselves. And when he restored them from captivity, he let it be understood tho.t he did this not from a regard to their deserts. IV. GoD'B PURPOSES OF MERCY TO ISRAEL ARE PROMPTED BY A REGARD TO BIB OWN NAME. He had made certain promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and those promises he must needs fulfil. He has intentions of mercy to man- kind to be realized by means of the "children of promise," and he will not allow those intentions to be frustrated. He has his own faithfulness to vindicate, his own moral attributes to manifest. By his Name must be understood his character, especio.lly as known among men ; and, this being the case, it is not difficult to comprehend the- meaning of" ho.ving pity on his holy Name." V. PITY DECOMEB PRACTICAL IN THE RESTORATION OF IsnAEL TO THEIR OWN LAND. BY WHICH GoD's NAME IB BANOTIFIED. There is dignity and even morel grandeur in the resolution which is expressed in this passage; it is felt to be worthy of him in whose lips it is plo.ced by the prophet. When the great work of restoration is achieved, the no.tions who behold it see that the taunts and ridicule in which they have indulged are both foo~ish and blamable. Israel is proved to be the consecrated nation, weserved by G?d's wisdom and goodness as the instrument in effecting his purposes. l'he Lord God 1s seen to be, not powerless like the so-called gods of the nations, but omnipotent and just. His promises are vindicated as faithful. "I will sanctify my great Name and the nations shall know that I am the Lord."-T. Vera. 25-21.-Renewal. It is observable that, in the view of the prophet, political revival and national restoration are associated with moral and spiritual improvement and renovation. No sooner has he uttered the prediction that the people of Israel shall be delivered from their captivity and be brought back into their own land, than, in a ,train of singular beauty and eloquence, he proceeds to assure his countrymen of the Divine favour revealing itself in a deeper and more precious form. Jehovah promise, to complete his work of mercy on behalf of his chosen people. They shall not only b0 rescued from the humiliation and reproach of banishment and servitude. They shall  252 THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET EZEKIEL. [aII. xx.xvt.1--38.