Ezekiel 12:1-16

It is very proper for the Reader to remark what the Lord so often repeats to his servant the Prophet concerning his people, that they are a rebellious house. For this consideration will help the Reader to make a double improvement of the subject; first, of their unworthiness; and secondly, of the divine mercy, and long sufferings, manifested towards them. What, but covenant faithfulness in Jehovah, could have held out against such hardened wickedness? And what but Jesus's person, blood, and righteousness, could have been found to plead forbearance? Oh! how precious thus to behold the efficacy of salvation in Jesus, to the old Church, before that Jesus came to render it effectual both to the old and new? The figure of Ezekiel's removing his stuff, was happily chosen, to show the removal of all Israel into captivity. Probably the captives in Babylon hoped somewhat might yet be done by the prince Zedekiah, and the people that still remained at Jerusalem, for bringing them back. And therefore these false hopes Ezekiel is here, by type, throwing down; and showing, that even Zedekiah himself, with all that remained in Jerusalem, except a few, should follow the captives into Babylon.