Ezekiel 2

Ezekiel 2:1

The title, Son of man, so often given to Ezekiel, and sometimes to Daniel, who also prophesied in Chaldea, might be given them to render them humble under their enjoyment of so many divine visions; or as an honourable representation of them as types of the Son of God in our nature. And the Jews are called briers, thorns, and scorpious, to represent what cursed, mischievous, malignant, subtle, fierce, frowning, venomous, and murderous, pea-secutors they would be to him

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. II.—Ministers had need always to keep in view their own infirmities as well as the dignity of their office; and the Spirit of God must enable them to receive as well as to declare their instructions. Alas, how fast men’s wickedness cleaves to them under the heaviest afflictions! God exactly knows what men are and will be, and what entertainment his word and ordinances will get among them. And marvellous is his patience and pity in using all common methods to reform the most stubborn. And, if ministers preach by his commission and in his authority, whether men be edited or not, he will be glorified, by the faithful publication of his truths. They must indeed, in the discharge of their office, expect the most unnatural and infernal persecution; and from none more than from hardened hypocrites. But, let them be used as they may, they must faithfully adhere to and publish God’s truths, however mournful or cutting. And, in order hereto, they must consider, understand, and experience, the power of them on their own hearts before they preach them to others