‏ Ezekiel 21

* The 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)

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. 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. 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.