Ezekiel 8:1

CONTENTS

Under the similitude of the image of jealousy, the Prophet in this chapter sets forth the awful state of the people. And in the figure of the idol Tammuz, the deplorable condition to which all orders were reduced b y sin, is described.

Ezekiel 8:1

We here enter upon a most interesting Chapter, full of solemn truths. The date of the vision, the Prophet hath marked. No doubt the impression wrought upon Ezekiel's mind made it memorable. Jacob never lost sight of Beth-el; neither Moses of the bush. The Reader will recollect, that Ezekiel was in Babylon at this time among those of the captivity; though in his visions the scene represented to his mind was Jerusalem. If the Reader be curious to calculate, and will compare this latter vision with Ezekiel's former (Ezekiel 1:1), he will find, that a period of fourteen months had elapsed between. There is somewhat worth remarking in what Ezekiel hath said, of sitting in his house at the time, and he elders of Judah sitting before him. Probably they were assembled for worship or meditation. And if so, how gracious was the Lord to be in their midst. Reader! what an encouragement this is to public as well as social worship! The promise of the Lord is absolute. Matthew 18:20. And again, Matthew 28:19. And I cannot help further remarking, that while Jerusalem herself was now barren, and deprived of ordinances; the Lord's poor captives in Babylon found their solemn meetings blessed with the hand of the Lord God upon them. And how often have God's dear children found Jesus in the wilderness, while multitudes miss him in the Church. How blessed was Patmos to John; and the prison to Peter and his companions. Revelation 1:9; Acts 5:17.