faithfulness. The proud and self-sufficient, are enemies of the true gospel and of believers; against
such we must guard. He has rest for disquieted saints, and terror for presumptuous sinners.
Ezek. 34:17-31 The whole nation seemed to be the Lord's flock, yet they were very different
characters; but he knew how to distinguish between them. By good pastures and deep waters, are
meant the pure word of God and the dispensing of justice. The latter verses, 23-31, prophesy of
Christ, and of the most glorious times of his church on earth. Under Him, as the good Shepherd,
the church would be a blessing to all around. Christ, though excellent in himself, was as a tender
plant out of a dry ground. Being the Tree of life, bearing all the fruits of salvation, he yields spiritual
food to the souls of his people. Our constant desire and prayer should be, that there may be showers
of blessings in every place where the truth of Christ is preached; and that all who profess the gospel
may be filled with fruits of righteousness.
Chapter 35
A prophecy against Edom.Ezek. 35:1-9 All who have God against them, have the word of God against them. Those that
have a constant hatred to God and his people, as the carnal mind has, can only expect to be made
desolate for ever.
Ezek. 35:10-15 When we see the vanity of the world in the disappointments, losses, and crosses,
which others meet with, instead of showing ourselves greedy of worldly things, we should sit more
loose to them. In the multitude of words, not one is unknown to God; not the most idle word; and
the most daring is not above his rebuke. In the destruction of the enemies of the church, God designs
his own glory; and we may be sure that he will not come short of his design. And when the fulness
of the Jews and Gentiles shall come into the church, all antichristian opposers shall be destroyed.
Chapter 36
The land shall be delivered from heathen oppressors. (Ezek. 36:1-15) The people are reminded
of former sins, and promised deliverance. (Ezek. 36:16-24) Also holiness, and gospel blessings.
(Ezek. 36:25-38)
Ezek. 36:1-15 Those who put contempt and reproach on God's people, will have them turned
on themselves. God promises favour to his Israel. We have no reason to complain, if the more
unkind men are, the more kind God is. They shall come again to their own border. It was a type of
the heavenly Canaan, of which all God's children are heirs, and into which they all shall be brought