Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. Lie thou also upon thy left side] It appears that all that is mentioned here and in the following verses was done, not in idea, but in fact. The prophet lay down on his left side upon a couch to which he was chained, ver. 6, for three hundred and ninety days; and afterwards he lay in the same manner, upon his right side, for forty days. And thus was signified the state of the Jews, and the punishment that was coming upon them. 1. The prophet himself represents the Jews. 2. His lying, their state of depression. 3. His being bound, their helplessness and captivity. 4. The days signify years, a day for a year; during which they were to bear their iniquity, or the temporal punishment due to their sins. 5. The three hundred and ninety days, during which he was to lie on his left side, and bear the iniquity of the house of Israel, point out two things: the first, The duration of the siege of Jerusalem. Secondly, The duration of the captivity off the ten tribes, and that of Judah. 6. The prophet lay three hundred and ninety days upon his left side, and forty days upon his right side, in all four hundred and thirty days. Now Jerusalem was besieged the ninth year of the reign of Zedekiah, 2 Kings xxv. 1, 2, and was not taken till the eleventh year of the same prince, 2 Kings xxv. 2. But properly speaking, the siege did not continue the whole of that time; it was interrupted; for Nebuchadnezzar was obliged to raise it, and go and meet the Egyptians, who were coming to its succour. This consumed a considerable portion of time. After he had defeated the Egyptians, he returned and recommenced the siege, and did not leave it till the city was taken. We may, therefore, conclude that the four hundred and thirty days only comprise the time in which the city was actually besieged, when the city was encompassed with walls of circumvallation, so that the besieged were reduced to a state of the utmost distress. The siege commenced the tenth day of the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah; and it was taken on the ninth day of the fourth month of the eleventh year of the same king. Thus the siege had lasted, in the whole, eighteen months, or five hundred and ten days.
Subtract for the time that Nebuchadnezzar was obliged to interrupt the siege, in order to go against the Egyptians, four months and twenty days, or one hundred and forty days, and there will remain four hundred and thirty days, composed of 390+40=430. See Calmet on this place. See also at the end of this chapter.
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 שׁכב7901 על5921 צדך6654 השׂמאלי8042 ושׂמת7760 את853 עון5771 בית1004 ישׂראל3478 עליו5921 מספר4557 הימים3117 אשׁר834 תשׁכב7901 עליו5921 תשׂא5375 את853 עונם׃5771
