Ezekiel regarded Zedekiah as an interloper (Ezekiel 17:1 note), therefore he here (in Ezekiel 19:1) passes over Jehoiakim and Zedekiah as mere creatures of Egypt and of Babylon, and recognizes Jehoahaz and Jehoiachin as the only legitimate sovereigns since the time of Josiah. This dirge is for them,... [ Continue Reading ]
PRINCES OF ISRAEL - Israel is the whole nation over which the king of Judah was the rightful sovereign. Compare Ezekiel 2:3; Ezekiel 3:1, Ezekiel 3:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
THY MOTHER - The people represented by Judah. Compare Genesis 49:9; Numbers 23:24.... [ Continue Reading ]
Compare the marginal reference. The short reign of Jehoahaz was marked by violence and idolatry, and was closed by Pharaoh-Necho’s carrying him captive into Egypt.... [ Continue Reading ]
CHAINS - See the marginal rendering to Ezekiel 19:9 and Isaiah 27:9, note. Ezekiel 19:5 ANOTHER - Jehoiachin who soon showed himself no less unworthy than Jehoahaz. The “waiting” of the people was during the absence of their rightful lord Jehoahaz, a captive in Egypt while Jehoiakim, whom they dee... [ Continue Reading ]
THY MOTHER - Judah or Jerusalem. Jehoiachin is still addressed. IN THY BLOOD - Blood is equivalent to “life” Genesis 9:4. The clause is equivalent to “Thy mother is a vine, living in thy blood,” i. e., in the life of thee and of thy children. The excellency of a vine is in her fruitful branches; th... [ Continue Reading ]
SCEPTRES - Genesis 49:10. THE THICK BRANCHES - Or, the clouds; so Ezekiel 31:3, Ezekiel 31:10, Ezekiel 31:14.... [ Continue Reading ]
This is a dirge; and therefore that which is foreseen by the prophet, the capture and burning of Jerusalem, is described as already accomplished.... [ Continue Reading ]
FIRE IS GONE OUT - Compare the marginal reference. Zedekiah is regarded, like Abimelech, as all usurper and the ruin of his people.... [ Continue Reading ]