Chapter 10
A vision of the burning of the city. (Ezek. 10:1-7) The Divine glory departing from the temple.
(Ezek. 10:8-22)
Ezek. 10:1-7 The fire being taken from between the wheels, under the cherubim, Ezek. 1:13,
seems to have signified the wrath of God to be executed upon Jerusalem. It intimated that the fire
of Divine wrath, which kindles judgment upon a people, is just and holy; and in the great day, the
earth, and all the works that are therein, will be burnt up.
Ezek. 10:8-22 Ezekiel sees the working of Divine providence in the government of the lower
world, and the affairs of it. When God is leaving a people in displeasure, angels above, and all
events below, further his departure. The Spirit of life, the Spirit of God, directs all creatures, in
heaven and on earth, so as to make them serve the Divine purpose. God removes by degrees from
a provoking people; and, when ready to depart, would return to them, if they were a repenting,
praying people. Let this warn sinners to seek the Lord while he may be found, and to call on him
while he is near, and cause us all to walk humbly and watchfully with our God.
Chapter 11
Divine judgments against the wicked at Jerusalem. (Ezek. 11:1-13) Divine favour towards those
in captivity. (Ezek. 11:14-21) The Divine presence forsakes the city. (Ezek. 11:22-25)
Ezek. 11:1-13 Where Satan cannot persuade men to look upon the judgment to come as
uncertain, he gains his point by persuading them to look upon it as at a distance. These wretched
rulers dare to say, We are as safe in this city as flesh in a boiling pot; the walls of the city shall be
to us as walls of brass, we shall receive no more damage from the besiegers than the caldron does
from the fire. When sinners flatter themselves to their own ruin, it is time to tell them they shall
have no peace if they go on. None shall remain in possession of the city but those who are buried
in it. Those are least safe who are most secure. God is often pleased to single out some sinners for
warning to others. Whether Pelatiah died at that time in Jerusalem, or when the fulfilment of the
prophecy drew near, is uncertain. Like Ezekiel, we ought to be much affected with the sudden death
of others, and we should still plead with the Lord to have mercy on those who remain.
Ezek. 11:14-21 The pious captives in Babylon were insulted by the Jews who continued in
Jerusalem; but God made gracious promises to them. It is promised, that God will give them one
heart; a heart firmly fixed for God, and not wavering. All who are made holy have a new spirit, a
new temper and dispositions; they act from new principles, walk by new rules, and aim at new
ends. A new name, or a new face, will not serve without a new spirit. If any man be in Christ, he
is a new creature. The carnal heart, like a stone, cannot be made to feel. Men live among the dead
and dying, and are neither concerned nor humbled. He will make their hearts tender and fit to