Ezekiel 24

The year, day moneth of the Babylonians coming before Jerusalem, verse 1,2. By the parable of a hot seething pot with pieces of flesh and bones, is pourtrayed the fearful extremity that should fall Jerusalem because of her wickedness, 3 which calamity should be so great, as that they should not mourn even for the destruction of the temple, (which they held in so great estimation) which the prophet is commended to represent his own perform, as being forbidden to mourn for his own wife, whose death God foretelleth him, 15,16, c.

1. Moreover, the word of the LORD came unto me in the ninth year, [after the captive away of King Jojachin, described 2 Kings 24:12,13,14,16. (Compare above chapter 1.2 and below chapter 33.21 and 40.1.) In whose stead Nebuchadnezzar made Zedekia King: and in the ninth year of this King Zedekia in the tenth moneth & on the tenth day of the moneth, Jerusalem was besieged. See 2 Kings 25:1. Jeremiah 39:1. and 52.4.] In the tenth moneth, [in the ecclesiastical year called Tebeth, in the political or civil year Thamuz] on the tenth (day) of the month:

2. Children of man, write thee down the name of the day, [In remembrance, that it may be compared with the even, whereof see 2 King 25.1. Jeremiah 52:4. This was about two years before the talking and destruction of Jerusalem, whereof here is prophesied] even of this same day, [Heb. The strength, or the bone of the day, that is, the being of the day, and (as we use to say) even, or just the same day. See above chapter 2.3. with the Annotat.] the King of Babel layeth himself before Jerusalem, [or is come near, hath fitted, composed himself, c. the Hebrew word is frequently used for leaning, staying, underpropping, also of laying on of hands; all which is done with some conjuction, approaching, or drawing near: and in matter of siege we use to say to lie down, or to lay ones self down before a citie, c] even on this same day.

3. And use a parable [Heb. As if we would say, parable a parable. See above chapter 17. on verse 2.] into the rebellious house, and say unto them, thus saith the Lord LORD. Set on a pot, [signifying the besieged city of Jerusalem, as verse 6. see Jeremiah 1:13 and above chapter 11.3 with Annotat.] set (it (on) and also poure water into it.

4. Put the pieces thereof into it, [thereof, namely of the pot; that is such pieces of flesh as ought to be in the pot.] These pieces of flesh signified the inhabitants, especially the rich citizens and great one of Jerusalem, as followeth] all good pieces, [Heb. all, or every good, or best piece] the thigh, [or loins, hip, hinder part] and the shoulder: fill (it) with the choice of bones. [That is, the choicest bones, as marrow-bones]

5. Take the choice of the flock, [That is, the choice choicest, or goats, take the best of the small cattel for the purpose] and kindle also a burning pile of bones under it: [or a fire of bones, c. (compare below verse 9 and Isaiah 30:33) signifying the grievous and continuing , miseries of the people, which they should shutter in the siege by the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and also afterward; as a fire made of bones is very hot and bones are hard and durable or lasting. Some apply it to the casting away of the dead bodies and bones that should lie unburied in the open field, as God had often threatened them; so that there should be bones enough to be had to make a fire of them: by which judgments they nevertheless should not be amended or converted, as followeth] make it, [the pot] boil well; [Heb. Boil his boilings] also of it [of the pot, as verse 4.] shall be boiled [or sodden] therein. [Heb. In the midst thereof, namely of the pot]

6. Therefore thus saith the Lord LORD; who to the bloody city, [As above chapter 22.2. and below verse 9.] to the pot whose seum [Others rust, as below verse 11. where there is also another word that signifieth rust] is therein and from whom the seum thereof is not gone out, [the word (rendred seum) that is used in this place, and also below version 11,12. seemeth to signific the seum, that not being boiled off, or sodden away, flicketh fast at the side of the pot, and becometh a more tough filth or slime. The Lord doth intimate hereby that the inhabitants of Jerusalem by all that seething and boiling were notwithstanding not cleansed not cleansed, that is, converted, but continued still obstinately in their wickedness] put piece by piece out of it; let not the lot fall upon it. [what piece so ever thou shouldst have to pull out of the pot, either first, or last, or none at all, they must all pack away, some be slain, others sent away out of the land. Heb. By, or according to the pieces thereof, according to the pieces thereof bring it out: the lot is not fallen upon it. This signifieth the flaying and casting away of many and carrying away of the rest into captivity to Babel, without either pity or distinction of person. See above chapter 11.7.]

7. For her [To wit, Jerusalem’s typified by the pot] blood is in the midst of her; she laid it upon a smooth rock, [Heb. Smoothness, brightness, or top sticking out of a rock, where as in the fight of God she shed the blood of her to the honour of idols and let it lie open to provoke God to anger, as followeth. Compare the phrase with below chapter 25.4,14.] she poured it not out upon the ground to cover it with dust: [this hath respect to the law, Leviticus 17:13. Deuteronomy 12:16, 24.]

8. That I may cause wrath to arise to exercise vengeance, [Heb. to avenge vengeance. That is, that I might exceedingly manifest my wrath and vengeance against such abominations] I have (also) laid her blood upon a smooth rock, that it should not be covered. [Implying that he will also punish her publickly, that the tokens thereof shall be seen before the eyes of all men]

9. Therefore thus saith the Lord LORD, wo to the bloody city; [As above verse 6.] I will also make the burning pile great. [Compare above verse 5. that is, I will kindle a great fire under Jerusalem (this pot) as followeth]

10. Heap on much wood, [Heb. multiply wood, or, sticks. Here, and the following words is a lively representation of the fire, consume the flesh. [Or, dress it, make it ready, boil it thorowly, let it be well and fully sod] and strow (it) well wit spices, [Heb. Spice the spice: that the enemies (as some conceive) may have an appetite and mind to it] and let the bones be burnt. [Or, burn to (stick to)]

11. Then set it [the pots] empty upon the coles thereof, that it may be hot, and the rust thereof may be burned, and the uncleanness of it may melt away, [Or , may flow away, may be poured off] (and) the seum thereof may be consumed. [That is, Jerusalem, shall not onely be deprived of inhabitants, but the city also shall be burnt, that the place may be wholly purged of that abominable uncleanness]

12. She hath wearied (me with) vanities, heatheneth covenants, intestine oppression, lying, hypocrisic, and all manner of wicked devices, whereby the would under prop her ruinous condition, and keep ofteth eatened destruction, in stead of repenting and turning unto me, whereunto I exhorted them by my prophets with such patience and forbearance, and admonished them so faithfully and frequently with fore threatnings, that I am even grown weary of it, they being (in the least) not bettered, but still grown more obstinate and hardened thereby, as in the sequel is set forth. The Hebrew word is onely found here, coming, according to the opinion of most interpreters, from a word that signifieth vanity, injustice, lying, wickedness, vice, and also idolatry. Others, she hath wearied (her self with) vanities] yet is not her abundant seum gone forth onto so her; her seum (must be) in the fire.

13. In thy uncleanness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, therefore thou shalt not be purged from thy uncleanness any more, till I shall have caused my wrath to rest upon thee. [See above chapter 5 on verse 13. That is, because I have fought to purge thee by the exhortations, admonitions, and threatnings of my prophets, but all hath been in vain, and fruitless, therefore I will now take another course with thee]

14. I thee LORD have spoken it, it shall come to pass, and I will do it: I will not depart from it, neither will I spare, nor repent: according to thy wans, and according to thy dealings shall they judge thee, saith the Lord LORD.

15. Moreover, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying:

16. Child of man, behold, I will take away from thee the pleasure [Or, with] of thine eyes [That is, thy wife. See verse 18. Whereby the Temple and city of Jerusalem was typified] by a plague: [that is, sudden death extraordinarily sent her by God] yet shall thou not morn, nor weep, neither shall thy tears come forth.

17. Cease from lamenting, [that is, lament not, but hold thy peace] thou shalt make no mourning for the dead, [that is, show no tokens of mourning, as in those times they were wont to do for their deceased friends] bind thine hat upon thee, [or, set thy quoif, cap, bonnet, upon thine head, as below verse 23. The Hebrew word rendred here hat hath its name from adorning offering: on the contrary, mourners were wont to go bare-headed, and to strow ashes or dust upon their heads, Levi. 10.6 and 21.10. 1 Samuel 15:32. Isaiah 61:3. Lamentation 2.10.] and put on thy shoes upon thy feet: [whereas mourners were wont to go unshoed, or bare-foot, 2 Samuel 15:30.] neith shalt thou wrap up uppermost lip, [Gr. Cover, wrap up the mustacho, as those were wont to do, that mourned for a great mishap, or mischance. See Levit. 13. 45. Mich. 37. some understand not onely the uppermost lip, also the mouth and the chin, with the whole place of the beard] neither shalt (thou) eat the bread of men. [meaning mourning food, feast or banquet with thy friends and neighbours. See Jeremiah 16 on verse 7.]

18. This I spake unto the people in the morning and at even my wife died: and I did in the morning like as I was commanded.

19. And the people said unto me, wilt thou not tell us what these things (are) to us, that thou doest (thus)? [That is, what they signifie to us, what thou wilt give us to understand by this strange kind of action. The word (are) is here added, according to the nature of the Hebrew language, as elsewhere often. So below chapter 35.19.]

20. And I said unto them; the word of the LORD came unto me, saying:

21. Say unto the house of Israel; thus saith the Lord, LORD, behold, I will profane my sanctuary, [the temple; that is, deliver it unto the hands of the chaldeans, to be destroyed as a common profane place] the glory of your strength, [Or, highness, Excellency of your strength. That is, that glorious building of the Temple, whereupon ye so greatly rely, supporting that I will spare Jerusalem because of it. Some understand Jerusalem or the kingdom] the d fire of your eyes, [understand the very same Temple, in the beholding whereof they were wont to take pleasure and delight, and for which they now so greatly longed. Some understand their wives, from verse 16.] And the pitying of your soul; [Which temple ye so love, that it would grieve you to the very heart, if it should be laid waste. Some understand here their children, and neareth friend, whom they when they went into captivity with Jojachin, had left behind at Jerusalem] and your sons, and your daughters, whom ye left behind shall fall by the sword.

22. Then shall you do like as I have done: [ye shall not then be able to show any tokens of mourning by reason of the curse of God and your astonishment at the dreadful common calamities and desolations that shall light upon the temple, city, countrey, and all the people. Compare herewith especially Jeremiah 16:4,5,6,7,8. with the Annotat. There] ye shall not wrap up your uppermost lip, neither shall ye eat the bread of them.

23. And your hats shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet; ye shall not mourn, nor weep; but ye shall consume [or, pine away, melt away, because of Gods curse that lies upon you, as below chapter 33.10.] in your iniquities and sigh [or, bowl, roar, through impatiency and want of comfort] every own towards his brother.

24. Thus Ezekiel shall be unto you a wonder-token; [see above chapter 12. verse 6.] according to all that he hath done, shall ye do: when this cometh, then shall ye known that I am the Lord LORD.

25. And thou child of man, shall it not be, [That is, it shall certainly so come to pals] in the day when I shall take away from their strength, [The Temple, &c. as above verse 21. that is, at such time as Jerusalem shall be taken, and the city with the miserably dealt with according to these prophecies] the joy of their ornament, [that is in whose ornament hey rejoyed] the desire of their eyes and the longing of heir souls, [Heb. The lifting of their souls; that is, hat which they heartily long for: as a man lifts up himself and reaches high for a thing that he would sain have or come at. [see Psalms 24. on verse 4.] their sons and their daughters; [god foretelleth these things for the greater confirmation of these prophecies. See the accomplishment thereof below chapter 33.21, 22.]

26. This in the same day one that is escaped shall come unto thee, to cause (thine) ears to bear (it)? [That is, one that is got away and hath escaped the destruction and by my providence is come to thee, to bring thee the news, tidings]

27. In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him that is escaped and thou shalt speak and be no more dumb: [compare below chapter 33.22 and above chapter3.26. with annotate.] thus shalt thou be a wonder-token unto them and shall know that I am LORD. [As if God should say; thou hath now sufficiently foretold my people of the miseries that are at hand: be now silent for a while, till all tings be clearly fulfilled and plain before their eyes; then shalt thou speak again to their comfort and instruction, that thou mayeth thus be unto them and to my whole church in sundry waies a wonderful token of great things to come.]