Ezekiel 36:25

Then will I sprinkle clean water, &c.— The prophets generally borrow their images from the ceremonies of the Jewish religion, to convey an idea either of the detestable wickedness of the Jews, or of their amendment, as in this passage. Hence likewise the Jews derived their opinion of the Messiah; that one of his offices should be to sprinkle or baptize. Agreeably to which, when they suspected that John the Baptist was the Messiah, they expressly asked him why he baptized, if he were not the Christ? See Isaiah 52:15. John 19:21 and Bishop Chandler's Defence. It is in the church of Christ, says Calmet, that we behold the real and perfect accomplishment of the prophesy in the remaining part of this chapter. But it undoubtedly has also reference to the final restoration of the Jews.