Chapter 21
The ruin of Judah under the emblem of a sharp sword. (Ezek. 21:1-17) The approach of the
king of Babylon described. (Ezek. 21:18-27) The destruction of the Ammonites. (Ezek. 21:28-32)
Ezek. 21:1-17 Here is an explanation of the parable in the last chapter. It is declared that the
Lord was about to cut off Jerusalem and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree
against a wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awful wrath of God
against sinners, to show that they do not desire the woful day. The example of Christ teaches us to
lament over those whose ruin we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments,
he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in. The sword glitters to the
terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord.
God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himself in earnest in
publishing it.
Ezek. 21:18-27 By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresaw Nebuchadnezzar's march from
Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of
Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish
nation to the present day, and the troubles of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for
establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his
wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendous warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy,
and some mention of Him through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.
Ezek. 21:28-32 The diviners of the Ammonites made false prophecies of victory. They would
never recover their power, but in time would be wholly forgotten. Let us be thankful to be employed
as instruments of mercy; let us use our understandings in doing good; and let us stand aloof from
men who are only skilful to destroy.
Chapter 22
The sins of Jerusalem. (Ezek. 22:1-16) Israel is condemned as dross. (Ezek. 22:17-22) As the
corruption is general, so shall be the punishment. (Ezek. 22:23-31)
Ezek. 22:1-16 The prophet is to judge the bloody city; the city of bloods. Jerusalem is so called,
because of her crimes. The sins which Jerusalem stands charged with, are exceeding sinful. Murder,
idolatry, disobedience to parents, oppression and extortion, profanation of the sabbath and holy
things, seventh commandment sins, lewdness and adultery. Unmindfulness of God was at the bottom
of all this wickedness. Sinners provoke God because they forget him. Jerusalem has filled the
measure of her sins. Those who give up themselves to be ruled by their lusts, will justly be given
up to be portioned by them. Those who resolve to be their own masters, let them expect no other
happiness than their own hands can furnish; and a miserable portion it will prove.