Ezekiel 11

Ver. 2, 3. They contrive schemes for the defence of the city, and encourage the people to rebel in defiance of God’s threatenings, pretending that the Chaldeans will not in their times be able to take the city, or pluck them out of it

Ezekiel 11:6-11

Since ye have seduced the people to stand out against the Chaldeans, contrary to the direction of God, therefore the most of them are slain, and become like flesh in a pot; and the Chaldeans shall carry you ring-leaders in wickedness out of Jerusalem to Riblah in Syria, or to Babylon, and there barbarously kill you

Ezekiel 11:15-19

It is for these your brethren in Chaldea you should pray, who are ridiculed by the Jews at Jerusalem as voluntary forsakers of the Lord, his land and worship, and forfeiters of their property to such as maintained their station and interest in Canaan. To these, in their scattered condition, will I be a protector, and will accept their worship, as well as if at Jerusalem. These will I gather together and restore to their country; in due time, purge from their idolatries; renew in all the faculties of their soul; and change their stubborn, rebellious, and incorrigible, dispositions into those which are tender, tractable, and pliable

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XI.—The higher men are in office, the more criminal is their unfaithfulness. Wicked counsellors hurry a deluded people to the precipice of ruin. But they who put far from them the evil day, will find it terribly surprise them before they are aware. Mockery at God’s words will quickly end in misery. It is common for Satan to make sinners look on their punishment as either doubtful or distant. Ministers have therefore need to be exceedingly bold and faithful in warning self-flatterers and deceivers of others. And for this God sometimes renders some unexpected monuments of his vengeance, that others may hear and learn and do no more so wickedly.—Proud transgressors often disclaim and detest their inferiors in guilt, and insult such as, 96 in obedience to God, have given place unto wrath. To be banished from public ordinances is heavy to gracious souls; but God’s presence and acceptance can more than balance the want. And great is the mercy when remarkable pardons, regeneration, and reformation, coincide with, and prepare for, remarkable outward deliverances. But, however loth God be to proceed, the obstinately wicked shall never pass unpunished. When sinners have filled up the measure of their iniquity, he will be glorified in their torment.—The most remarkable visions of God here are but short-lived. But it is of great use when ministers faithfully impart to others what themselves have heard and learned of the Father. 9 H