John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 1. Hear ye the word which I take up against you , etc.] And which was not his own word, but the word of the Lord; and which he took up, by his direction as a heavy burden as some prophecies are called, and this was; and which, though against them, a reproof for their sins, and denunciation of punishment for them, yet was to be heard; for every word of God is pure, and to be hearkened to, whether for us or against us; since the whole is profitable, either for doctrine and instruction in righteousness, or for reproof and correction. It may be rendered, “which I take up concerning you”, or “over you” f120 : [even] a lamentation, O house of Israel ; a mournful ditty, an elegiac song over the house of Israel, now expiring, and as it were dead. This word was like Ezekiel’s roll, in which were written “lamentation, and mourning, and woe”, ( Ezekiel 2:10); full of mournful matter, misery, and distress, as follows:
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - The convincing, awakening word must be heard and heeded, as well a words of comfort and peace; for whether we hear or forbear, the word of God shall take effect. The Lord still proclaims mercy to men, but the often expect deliverance from such self-invented forms as make their condemnation sure. While they refuse to come to Christ and to see mercy in and by him, that they may live, the fire of Divine wrat breaks forth upon them. Men may make an idol of the world, but wil find it cannot protect.
Original Hebrew שׁמעו8085 את853 הדבר1697 הזה2088 אשׁר834 אנכי595 נשׂא5375 עליכם5921 קינה7015 בית1004 ישׂראל׃3478
