Bible Commentary

Ezekiel 21:1-17

Matthew Henry on Ezekiel 21:1-17

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

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.

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commentaryThreatenings against Israel; Judgments Predicted. (b. c. 592.)THREATENINGS AGAINST ISRAEL; JUDGMENTS PREDICTED. (B. C. 592.) The prophet had faithfully delivered the message he was entrusted with, in the close of the foregoing chapter, in the terms wherein he received it, not dari…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 21:1-17Irresistible slaughter. The subject matter of this prophecy is substantially the same as the foregoing. The parable is now put into plainest language. There is an advantage in using the parable method. It awakens attent…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 21:1-32EXPOSITION Ezekiel 21:2, Ezekiel 21:3 The opening words, reproducing those of Ezekiel 20:46, indicate that the interpretation of that parable is coming. So the three variants of "south" are shown to mean respectively Je…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 21:3-5Undiscriminating infliction. It is a pathetic spectacle, this of the prophet, in his exile away in the northeast, turning by Divine command his gaze, sorrowful and sympathizing, towards Jerusalem, the holy places, the l…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 21:4The common fate of righteous and wicked. Both the righteous and the wicked are to be cut off. Though not equal in moral character, they are to share in the same general calamities. I. IT IS A FACT THAT THE RIGHTEOUS SUF…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 21:6Sigh therefore, etc. As in other instances (Ezekiel 4:4; Ezekiel 5:1-4), the prophet dramatizes the coming calamity. He is to act the part of a mourner, whose sighs are so deep that they seem to "break his loins" (compa…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryJudgments Predicted. (b. c. 592.)JUDGMENTS PREDICTED. (B. C. 592.) Here is another prophecy of the sword, which is delivered in a very affecting manner; the expressions here used are somewhat intricate, and perplex interpreters. The sword was unsheathe…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Ezekiel 21:8-17The sacred song of the sword. "Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy, and say, Thus saith the Lord; Say, A sword, a sword is sharpened," etc. The passage before us is written in the form…Joseph S. Exell and contributors