Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 1. Take thee a tile] A tile, such as we use in covering houses, will give us but a very inadequate notion of those used anciently; and also appear very insufficient for the figures which the prophet was commanded to pourtray on it. A brick is most undoubtedly meant; yet, even the larger dimensions here, as to thickness, will not help us through the difficulty, unless we have recourse to the ancients, who have spoken of the dimensions of the bricks commonly used in building. Palladius, De Re Rustica, lib. vi. c. 12, is very particular on this subject: - Sint vero lateres longitudine pedum duorum, latitudine unius, altitudine quatuor unciarum.
"Let the bricks be two feet long, one foot broad, and four inches thick." Edit. Gesner, vol. iii. p. 144. On such a surface as this the whole siege might be easily pourtrayed. There are some brick-bats before me which were brought from the ruins of ancient Babylon, which have been made of clay and straw kneaded together and baked in the sun; one has been more than four inches thick, and on one side it is deeply impressed with characters; others are smaller, well made, and finely impressed on one side with Persepolitan characters. These have been for inside or ornamental work; to such bricks the prophet most probably alludes.
But the tempered clay out of which the bricks were made might be meant here; of this substance he might spread out a sufficient quantity to receive all his figures. The figures were 1. Jerusalem. 2. A fort. 3. A mount. 4. The camp of the enemy. 5. Battering rams, and such like engines, round about.
6. A wall round about the city, between it and the besieging army.
Matthew Henry Commentary
- The prophet is directed what he is to do. (Ezek. 2:1-5) And encourage to be resolute, faithful, and devoted. (Ezek. 2:6-10)
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 weak mortal 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 impenitent sinners; and that all the precious promises of the gospel are for the repenting, believing servants of the Lord _________________________________________________
Original Hebrew ואתה859 בן1121 אדם120 קח3947 לך לבנה3843 ונתתה5414 אותה853 לפניך6440 וחקות2710 עליה5921 עיר5892 את853 ירושׁלם׃3389
