Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. The nations also heard of him] The king of Egypt, whose subjects were of divers nations, marched against Jerusalem, took Jehoahaz prisoner, and brought him to Egypt. Thus:- He was taken in their pit] Here is an allusion to those trap-pits digged in forests, into which the wild beasts fall, when the huntsmen, surrounding a given portion of the forest, drive the beasts in; by degrees narrowing the inclosure, till the animals come to the place where the pits are, which, being lightly covered over with branches and turf, are not perceived, and the beasts tread on them and fall in. Jehoahaz reigned only three months before he was dethroned by the king of Egypt, against whom it is apparent some craft was used, here signified by the pit, into which he fell.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- A parable showing the first low estate of the Jewish nation, it prosperity, idolatries, and punishment.
Ezek. 16:1-58 In this chapter God's dealings with the Jewish nation and their conduct towards him, are described, and their punishmen through the surrounding nations, even those they most trusted in. Thi is done under the parable of an exposed infant rescued from death educated, espoused, and richly provided for, but afterwards guilty of the most abandoned conduct, and punished for it; yet at last receive into favour, and ashamed of her base conduct. We are not to judge of these expressions by modern ideas, but by those of the times and place in which they were used, where many of them would not sound as they d to us. The design was to raise hatred to idolatry, and such a parabl was well suited for that purpose.
Ezek. 16:59-63 After a full warning of judgments, mercy is remembered mercy is reserved. These closing verses are a precious promise, in par fulfilled at the return of the penitent and reformed Jews out of Babylon, but to have fuller accomplishment in gospel times. The Divin mercy should be powerful to melt our hearts into godly sorrow for sin Nor will God ever leave the sinner to perish, who is humbled for his sins, and comes to trust in His mercy and grace through Jesus Christ but will keep him by his power, through faith unto salvation _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew וישׁמעו8085 אליו413 גוים1471 בשׁחתם7845 נתפשׂ8610 ויבאהו935 בחחים2397 אל413 ארץ776 מצרים׃4714
