‏ Ezekiel 11

* Divine judgments against the wicked at Jerusalem. (1-13)

Divine favour towards those in captivity. (14-21) The Divine

presence forsakes the city. (22-25)

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. 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. 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.