‏ Ezekiel 7

* The desolation of the land. (1-15) The distress of the few who

should escape. (16-22) The captivity. (23-27)

1-15 The abruptness of this prophecy, and the many repetitions,

show that the prophet was deeply affected by the prospect of

these calamities. Such will the destruction of sinners be; for

none can avoid it. Oh that the wickedness of the wicked might

end before it bring them to an end! Trouble is to the impenitent

only an evil, it hardens their hearts, and stirs up their

corruptions; but there are those to whom it is sanctified by the

grace of God, and made a means of much good. The day of real

trouble is near, not a mere echo or rumour of troubles. Whatever

are the fruits of God's judgments, our sin is the root of them.

These judgments shall be universal. And God will be glorified in

all. Now is the day of the Lord's patience and mercy, but the

time of the sinner's trouble is at hand. 16-22 Sooner or later, sin will cause sorrow; and those who

will not repent of their sin, may justly be left to pine away in

it. There are many whose wealth is their snare and ruin; and the

gaining the world is the losing of their souls. Riches profit

not in the day of wrath. The wealth of this world has not that

in it which will answer the desires of the soul, or be any

satisfaction to it in a day of distress. God's temple shall

stand them in no stead. Those are unworthy to be honoured with

the form of godliness, who will not be governed by its power. 23-27 Whoever break the bands of God's law, will find

themselves bound and held by the chains of his judgments. Since

they encouraged one another to sin, God would dishearten them.

All must needs be in trouble, when God comes to judge them

according to their deserts. May the Lord enable us to seek that

good part which shall not be taken away.