ivine judgments against the wicked at Jerusalem. (1-13)
Divine favour towards those in captivity. (14-21) The Divine
presence forsakes the city. (22-25)
Verses 1-13: Where Satan cannot persuade men to look upon the judgment
to come as uncertain, he gains his point by persuading them to
look upon it as at a distance. These wretched rulers dare to
say, We are as safe in this city as flesh in a boiling pot; the
walls of the city shall be to us as walls of brass, we shall
receive no more damage from the besiegers than the caldron does
from the fire. When sinners flatter themselves to their own
ruin, it is time to tell them they shall have no peace if they
go on. None shall remain in possession of the city but those who
are buried in it. Those are least safe who are most secure. God
is often pleased to single out some sinners for warning to
others. Whether Pelatiah died at that time in Jerusalem, or when
the fulfilment of the prophecy drew near, is uncertain. Like
Ezekiel, we ought to be much affected with the sudden death of
others, and we should still plead with the Lord to have mercy on
those who remain.
Verses 14-21: The pious captives in Babylon were insulted by the Jews
who continued in Jerusalem; but God made gracious promises to
them. It is promised, that God will give them one heart; a heart
firmly fixed for God, and not wavering. All who are made holy
have a new spirit, a new temper and dispositions; they act from
new principles, walk by new rules, and aim at new ends. A new
name, or a new face, will not serve without a new spirit. If any
man be in Christ, he is a new creature. The carnal heart, like a
stone, cannot be made to feel. Men live among the dead and
dying, and are neither concerned nor humbled. He will make their
hearts tender and fit to receive impressions: this is God's
work, it is his gift by promise; and a wonderful and happy
change is wrought by it, from death to life. Their practices
shall be agreeable to those principles. These two must and will
go together. When the sinner feels his need of these blessings,
let him present the promises as prayers in the name of Christ,
they will be performed.
Verses 22-25: Here is the departure of God's presence from the city and
temple. It was from the Mount of Olives that the vision went up,
typifying the ascension of Christ to heaven from that very
mountain. Though the Lord will not forsake his people, yet he
may be driven away from any part of his visible church by their
sins, and woe will be upon them when He withdraws his presence,
glory, and protection.
ivine judgments against the wicked at Jerusalem. (1-13)
Divine favour towards those in captivity. (14-21) The Divine
presence forsakes the city. (22-25)