Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 3. Take thou unto thee an iron pan] tbjm machabath, a flat plate or slice, as the margin properly renders it: such as are used in some countries to bake bread on, called a griddle or girdle, being suspended above the fire, and kept in a proper degree of heat for the purpose. A plate like this, stuck perpendicularly in the earth, would show the nature of a wall much better than any pan could do. The Chaldeans threw such a wall round Jerusalem, to prevent the besieged from receiving any succours, and from escaping from the city.
This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.] This shall be an emblematical representation of what shall actually take place.
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 קח3947 לך מחבת4227 ברזל1270 ונתתה5414 אותה853 קיר7023 ברזל1270 בינך996 ובין996 העיר5892 והכינתה3559 את853 פניך6440 אליה413 והיתה1961 במצור4692 וצרת6696 עליה5921 אות226 היא1931 לבית1004 ישׂראל׃3478
