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he ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword. (1-17)
The approach of the king of Babylon described. (18-27) The
destruction of the Ammonites. (28-32)
Verses 1-17: Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter.
It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and
the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against a
wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the
awful wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not
desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament
over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses
in executing his judgments, he will strengthen them according to
the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the
terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to
others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in
pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in
earnest in publishing it.
Verses 18-27: By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw
Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by
divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah,
till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell
the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and
the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for
establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The
Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the
midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of
mercy, and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to
sinful men.
Verses 28-32: The diviners of the Ammonites made false prophecies of
victory. They would never recover their power, but in time would
be wholly forgotten. Let us be thankful to be employed as
instruments of mercy; let us use our understandings in doing
good; and let us stand aloof from men who are only skilful to
destroy.
