Ezek. 8:7-12 A secret place was, as it were, opened, where the prophet saw creatures painted
on the walls, and a number of the elders of Israel worshipped before them. No superiority in worldly
matters will preserve men from lust, or idolatries, when they are left to their own deceitful hearts;
and those who are soon wearied in the service of God, often grudge no toil nor expense when
following their superstitions. When hypocrites screen themselves behind the wall of an outward
profession, there is some hole or other left in the wall, something that betrays them to those who
look diligently. There is a great deal of secret wickedness in the world. They think themselves out
of God's sight. But those are ripe indeed for ruin, who lay the blame of their sins upon the Lord.
Ezek. 8:13-18 The yearly lamenting for Tammuz was attended with infamous practices; and
the worshippers of the sun here described, are supposed to have been priests. The Lord appeals to
the prophet concerning the heinousness of the crime; "and lo, they put the branch to their nose,"
denoting some custom used by idolaters in honour of the idols they served. The more we examine
human nature and our own hearts, the more abominations we shall discover; and the longer the
believer searches himself, the more he will humble himself before God, and the more will he value
the fountain open for sin, and seek to wash therein.
Chapter 9
A vision denoting the destruction of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the departure of the
symbol of the Divine presence.
Ezek. 9:1-4 It is a great comfort to believers, that in the midst of destroyers and destructions,
there is a Mediator, a great High Priest, who has an interest in heaven, and in whom saints on earth
have an interest. The representation of the Divine glory from above the ark, removed to the threshold,
denoted that the Lord was about to leave his mercy-seat, and to pronounce judgment on the people.
The distinguishing character of this remnant that is to be saved, is such as sigh and cry to God in
prayer, because of the abominations in Jerusalem. Those who keep pure in times of general
wickedness, God will keep safe in times of general trouble and distress.
Ezek. 9:5-11 The slaughter must begin at the sanctuary, that all may see and know that the
Lord hates sin most in those nearest to him. He who was appointed to protect, reported the matter.
Christ is faithful to the trust reposed in him. Is he commanded by his Father to secure eternal life
to the chosen remnant? He says, Of all that thou hast given me, I have lost none. If others perish,
and we are saved, we must ascribe the difference wholly to the mercy of our God, for we too have
deserved wrath. Let us still continue to plead in behalf of others. But where the Lord shows no
mercy he does no injustice; he only recompenses men's ways.