Ezekiel 3:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Ezekiel 3:16-21

These further instructions God gave to the prophet at the end of seven days, that is, on the seventh day after the vision he had; and it is very probably that both that and this were on the sabbath day, which the house of Israel, even in their captivity, observed as well as they could in those circumstances. We do not find that their conquerors and oppressors tied them to any constant service, as their Egyptian task-masters had formerly done, but that they might observe the sabbath-rest for a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Ezekiel 3:20

Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness ,.... This is to be understood not of one that is truly righteous, or is justified by the righteousness of Christ; for such can never turn from that righteousness, or be in an unjustified state; seeing that is the righteousness of God, and an everlasting one; but of one that is denominated righteous, from "his" own righteousness, from a righteousness "which he hath done", as is afterwards expressed; one that is outwardly... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 3:20

When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness - Which these words plainly state he may do, and commit iniquity and die in his sin; and consequently die eternally, which is also here granted; if he have not been warned, though he die in his sin, the blood - the life and salvation, of this person also will God require at the watchman's hand. Pastor hunc occidit, quia eum tacendo morti tradidit . "This man the pastor kills; for in being silent, he delivers him over to death." -... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Ezekiel 3:20

Verse 20 Here God adds another part of duty which is incumbent on all Prophets. For they are first sent to bring back into the way those who had been alienated from God, then to retain those who are already within the flock, and to lead those onward to the goal who have already entered upon the course. We see, therefore, that Prophets ought to be occupied with both duties, so that they may not only recall to their obedience to God those who wander after their own lusts, but also confirm those... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 3:15-21

Responsibility. It is a serious thing to be responsible for our own conduct; it is (if possible) yet more serious to have responsibility for others. The two things are inseparably intertwined. I. RESPONSIBILITY SPRINGS FROM NATURAL RELATIONSHIP . Relationships are of all kinds—near and remote. No man is completely detached from others. His life penetrates other lives. A father is responsible for his children. Brothers are responsible for sisters, and vice versa, it was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 3:16-21

The prophet a watchman. "And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel," etc. Let us notice— I. THE CHARACTER IN WHICH THE PROPHET OF THE LORD IS HERE REPRESENTED . "Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel." 1 . The appointment of a watchman implies the peril of the Church. Watchmen in ancient times were posted on the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 3:17-21

Varieties of judgment. The duties and responsibilities of the prophet as a watchman, which are here first described, receive more elaborate attention later in the book, where therefore they can be best studied. The other side of the subject—that which concerns the guilt and dangers of the people, which is also set forth in the passage before us—is worthy of grave consideration on its own account. Let us take that alone now. I. JUDGMENT IS DETERMINED BY PERSONAL GUILT . God... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 3:20

From his righteousness. The Hebrew gives the plural, "his righteousnesses"—all his single righteous acts that lie behind. I lay a stumbling block, etc. The word is again characteristic ( Ezekiel 7:19 ; Ezekiel 14:3 , Ezekiel 14:4 ). It occurs in Jeremiah 6:21 , and Ezekiel may have learnt the use of the word from him. It is found also in Le Ezekiel 19:14 and Isaiah 57:14 ; but the date of these, according to the so called higher criticism, may be later than Ezekiel. In Isaiah... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezekiel 3:18-21

This passage anticipates the great moral principle of divine government Ezekiel 18:0 that each man is individually responsible for his own actions, and will be judged according to these and these alone.Ezekiel 3:20I lay a stumblingblock before him - I bring him to trial by placing difficulties and temptations in his way (compare Ezekiel 7:19; Ezekiel 44:12 margin; Ezekiel 14:3-4). It is true that God tempts no man in order to his destruction, but in the course of His Providence He permits men... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Ezekiel 3:20-21

Ezekiel 3:20-21. Again, When a righteous man One truly righteous, and devoted to the love and service of God in heart and life; one whose person is justified, whose nature is renewed, and whose practice is conformed to God’s holy will; doth turn from his righteousness and commit iniquity Which the Scriptures show to be very possible, and experience and observation demonstrate to be a case not uncommon. And I lay a stumbling-block before him Such a temptation to sin as he might have... read more

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