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Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ezekiel 4:6-7

After the 390 days had expired, he was to lie on his right side for an additional 40 days. This was to represent the number of additional years the Southern Kingdom of Judah would have to suffer punishment for her sins. He was to face Jerusalem with his arm bared signifying Yahweh’s hostility toward His people. The prophesying that he was to do against Jerusalem (Ezekiel 4:7) was by means of this skit. The Septuagint has Ezekiel lying on his left side for 190 days and on his right side for 150... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ezekiel 4:8

The Lord promised to help Ezekiel lie on his sides by restraining his movements, as though ropes bound him in his positions. Some interpreters believed that God had someone bind Ezekiel with ropes each day, but I do not think the text requires this. Again, it appears that the prophet acted out his drama for only a few hours each day, and it was during this time that God enabled him to lie quietly."God’s judgment of sin is inevitable. He is longsuffering (Ezekiel 4:1-8) and may wait for years,... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 4:1-17

Symbolic Actions Representing Jerusalem's Siege and CaptivityEzekiel is commanded to perform four remarkable actions setting forth the coming siege withits hardships, and the approaching captivity with its evils. It is uncertain whether these actions were literally performed or not. Symbolic methods of this-kind were certainly used by various prophets, but some of those in Ezekiel 4:0 are so extraordinary that many suppose that they were not actually carried out, but only imagined and... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 4:1-27

§ 2. The Overthrow of the Jewish Kingdom Foretold (Ezekiel 4-7)The great theme of the first part of Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry was the certainty of the complete downfall of the Jewish state. Though Zedekiah had been set on the throne by Nebuchadrezzar after the first captivity, there was no hope for the kingdom. Zedekiah’s reign was viewed by Ezekiel, as well as by Jeremiah, only as a temporary respite, to be followed by a second captivity which would bring the state to an end. Ezekiel 4-7... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ezekiel 4:7

(7) Set thy face is a common Scriptural expression for any steadfast purpose. (See Leviticus 17:10; Leviticus 20:3; Leviticus 20:5-6; Leviticus 26:17; 2 Chronicles 20:3, marg., &c.) It is a particularly favourite phrase with Ezekiel (Ezekiel 15:7; Ezekiel 20:46, &c.). Here this steadfastness of purpose was to be exercised “toward the siege of Jerusalem;” there would be no relenting in this matter—God’s purpose of judgment should surely be fulfilled. Further symbolism to the same effect... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Ezekiel 4:8

(8) I will lay bands upon thee.—See on Ezekiel 3:25. This is a fresh feature of the unrelenting character of the judgment foretold: God’s power should interpose to keep the prophet to his work. Not only pity, but even human weakness and weariness, should be excluded from interfering. The prophet is spoken of as besieging the city, because he is doing so in figure. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 4:1-17

THE END FORETOLDEzekiel 4:1-17 - Ezekiel 7:1-27WITH the fourth chapter we enter on the exposition of the first great division of Ezekiel’s prophecies. The chaps, 4-24, cover a period of about four and a half years, extending from the time of the prophet’s call to the commencement of the siege of Jerusalem. During this time Ezekiel’s thoughts revolved round one great theme-the approaching judgment on the city and the nation. Through contemplation of this fact there was disclosed to him the... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Ezekiel 4:1-17

Ezekiel 4:1-3 . The word tile means “brick.” They were used by the Babylonians to preserve their records, and many have been found marked with building plans, etc. The sign of the tile foretells the siege of Jerusalem and Jehovah’s opposition against the city. Ezekiel 4:4-8 . While in the preceding sign Jehovah’s action against Jerusalem was pictured, in this new sign a portrayal is given of the punishment which should come upon the inhabitants of the city. In his own person Ezekiel had to... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Ezekiel 4:7

4:7 Therefore thou shalt set thy face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and thy {d} arm [shall be] uncovered, and thou shalt prophesy against it.(d) In token of a speedy vengeance. read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Ezekiel 4:8

4:8 And, behold, I will lay {e} cords upon thee, and thou shalt not turn thee from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege.(e) The people would so straightly be besieged that they would not be able to turn them. read more

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