(14) Again the word.—This does not mark the beginning of a separate prophecy, but only the Divine answer to the prophet’s intercession. This answer differs entirely from the denunciations that have gone before, because it no longer relates to the people of Jerusalem (for whom intercession was in vain: Ezekiel 9:9-10), but turns to the exiles, and foretells God’s mercy and blessing upon them. read more
Ezekiel 11:2-3 The plans of the conspirators did not mature all at once Ezekiel on the Chebar had time to hear of them, and direct a prophecy against the 'men that devise mischief. These revolutionary spirits were not unaware of the risks they ran: 'This city is the caldron, and we be the flesh'. With a certain grim-ness of humour they acknowledge that it will be hot for them, but the strong city will protect them as the pot protects the flesh from the fire. Ezekiel tells them that the only... read more
YOUR HOUSE IS LEFT UNTO YOU DESOLATEEzekiel 8:1-18; Ezekiel 9:1-11; Ezekiel 10:1-22; Ezekiel 11:1-25ONE of the most instructive phases of religious belief among the Israelites of the seventh century was the superstitious regard in which the Temple at Jerusalem was held. Its prestige as the metropolitan sanctuary had no doubt steadily increased from the time when it was built. But it was in the crisis of the Assyrian invasion that the popular sentiment in favour of its peculiar sanctity was... read more
Ezekiel 11:1-25 . The priests and the leaders of the nation were steeped in wickedness, defied God and the judgments His prophets had announced. They devised mischief (or iniquity) and gave wicked counsel. Their wicked counsel consisted in disobedience against Jehovah and His Word. In regard to the judgment they said, “It is not the time to build houses; this is the cauldron and we are the flesh.” They knew of Jeremiah’s letter which he had sent to the elders who were carried away captives. In... read more
VISIONS OF IDOLATRY It is the general opinion that these chapters introduce a new stage of the prophecies, and that while those of the last lesson comprehended Judah and Israel, these refer more particularly to Jerusalem and the people of Judah under Zedekiah. The fuller story of this period was in Jeremiah. The prophet is seen in his own house by the Chebar, and the elders of Judah are before him for instruction (Ezekiel 8:1 ). “Elders” we understand to mean, some who are in captivity with... read more
Prophetic Malediction Ezekiel 11:0 A remarkable characteristic of this chapter is that it gives the vision from an unexpected and totally different point of view. We are not to look upon the chapter as an historical sequence; it is rather another aspect of a dream. In the ninth chapter, those who had not divine marks upon their foreheads were slain by the destroying angels; in the tenth, the city itself, as we have already seen, had fire scattered upon it with a view to its destruction. After... read more
It should seem, that this is not only a new sermon, but delivered at a different period from the former, though the interval was not perhaps long. And it is a very sweet and gracious sermon, and full of the most blessed promises. And what is here said is truly gospel, and evidently delivered with an eye to Christ. The Reader will observe, not only what the promises are, but how they are assured and confirmed in covenant faithfulness: they all run up, and are founded in this grand security; they... read more
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,... read more
The Promise to Save a Remnant v. 14. Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, v. 15. Son of man, thy brethren, even thy brethren, the men. of thy kindred, a very close relationship being implied, more than that of the flesh only, as the repetition shows, and all the house of Israel wholly, or "the whole house of Israel," it wholly, those who are Israelites in truth, are they unto whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from the Lord; unto us is this land given in... read more
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John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 11:1-25
The Doom of the Leaders of Jerusalem’s wickedness. Comfort for the ExilesThe slaughter in Ezekiel 9 was only the visionary rehearsal of a judgment still in the future. The vision now takes another turn, and shows the wicked inhabitants still alive. Ezekiel is brought to the outer eastern gate of the Temple where he finds a group of the leaders of Jerusalem’s sinful policy, two of whom are mentioned by name (Ezekiel 11:1-2). A proverb by which they express their light-hearted security is turned... read more