Ezek. 21:1-17 Here is an explanation of the parable in the las chapter. It is declared that the Lord was about to cut off Jerusale and the whole land, that all might know it was his decree against wicked and rebellious people. It behoves those who denounce the awfu wrath of God against sinners, to show that they do not desire the wofu day. The example of Christ teaches us to lament over those whose rui we declare. Whatever instruments God uses in executing his judgments he will strengthen them according to the service they are employed in The sword glitters to the terror of those against whom it is drawn. It is a sword to others, a rod to the people of the Lord. God is in earnest in pronouncing this sentence, and the prophet must show himsel in earnest in publishing it.

Ezek. 21:18-27 By the Spirit of prophecy Ezekiel foresa Nebuchadnezzar's march from Babylon, which he would determine by divination. The Lord would overturn the government of Judah, till the coming of Him whose right it is. This seems to foretell the overturnings of the Jewish nation to the present day, and the trouble of states and kingdoms, which shall make way for establishing the Messiah's kingdom throughout the earth. The Lord secretly leads all to adopt his wise designs. And in the midst of the most tremendou warnings of wrath, we still hear of mercy, and some mention of Hi through whom mercy is shown to sinful men.

Ezek. 21:28-32 The diviners of the Ammonites made false prophecies of victory. They would never recover their power, but in time would be wholly forgotten. Let us be thankful to be employed as instruments of mercy; let us use our understandings in doing good; and let us stan aloof from men who are only skilful to destroy __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew