Ezekiel 17:1

CHAPTER XVII

This chapter begins with a new allegory or parable, 1-10;

to which an explanation is immediately subjoined, 11-21.

In the remaining verses the prophet, by a beautiful metaphor,

makes an easy and natural transition to the Messiah, and

predicts the security, increasing prosperity, and ultimate

universality of his kingdom, 22-24.

From the beauty of its images, the elegance of its composition,

the perspicuity of its language, the rich variety of its

matter, and the easy transition from one part of the subject to

another, this chapter forms one of the most beautiful and

perfect pieces of its kind that can possibly be conceived in so

small a compass; and then the unexpected change from objects

that presented nothing to the view but gloom and horror, to a

prospect of ineffable glory and beauty, has a most happy

effect. Every lowering cloud is dispelled, and the fields again

smile in the beams of midday. The traveller, who this moment

trembled as he looked around for shelter, now proceeds on his

way rejoicing.

NOTES ON CHAP. XVII