Verse 10. It was written within and without] Contrary to the state of rolls in general, which are written on the inside only. The Hebrew rolls are generally written in this way. There are several of such Hebrew rolls before me, all written on the inside only, consisting of skins of vellum, or parchment, or basil, a sort of half-tanned sheep or goatskin, sewed together, extending to several yards in length. Other Asiatic books were written in the same way. A Sanscrit roll of sixty feet in length, also before me, is written all on the inside; and a Koran, written in exceedingly small characters, about two inches broad and twelve feet long, and weighing but about half an ounce. But the roll presented to the prophet was written on both sides, because the prophecy was long, and to the same effect; that they might see the mind of God wherever they looked.
There was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and wo.] What an awful assemblage! yhw hghw µynyq kinim, vahegeh, vehi, lamentations, and a groan, and alas! Lamentations on all hands; a groan from the dying; and alas, or Wo is me! from the survivors. It was the letter that killeth, and is the ministration of death. What a mercy to have that which is emphatically called to euaggelion, The glad tidinys, the good news! ChristJesus is come into the world to savesinners; and he wills that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Here are rejoicings, thanksgivings, and exultation.
Ezek. 2:1-5 Lest Ezekiel should be lifted up with the abundance of the revelations, he is put in mind that still he is a son of man, a weakmortal creature. As Christ usually called himself the Son of man, it was also an honourable distinction. Ezekiel's posture showed reverence but his standing up would be a posture of greater readiness and fitnes for business. God will speak to us, when we stand ready to do what he commands us. As Ezekiel had not strength of his own, the Spirit entere into him. God is graciously pleased to work in us whatever he require of us. The Holy Spirit sets us upon our feet, by inclining our wills to our duty. Thus, when the Lord calls upon the sinner to awake, an attend to the concerns of his soul, the Spirit of life and grace come with the call. Ezekiel is sent with a message to the children of Israel. Many might treat his message with contempt, yet they shoul know by the event that a prophet had been sent to them. God will be glorified, and his word made honourable, whether it be a savour of lif unto life, or of death unto death.
Ezek. 2:6-10 Those who will do any thing to purpose in the service of God, must not fear men. Wicked men are as briers and thorns; but the are nigh unto cursing, and their end is to be burned. The prophet mus be faithful to the souls of those to whom he was sent. All who spea from God to others, must obey his voice. The discoveries of sin, an the warnings of wrath, should be matter of lamentation. And thos acquainted with the word of God, will clearly perceive it is fille with woe to impenitentsinners; and that all the precious promises of the gospel are for the repenting, believing servants of the Lord __________________________________________________________________
