REJECTION OF THE ELDERS' APPLICATION TO THE PROPHET: EXPOSURE OF ISRAEL'S PROTRACTED REBELLIONS, NOTWITHSTANDING GOD'S LONG-SUFFERING GOODNESS: YET WILL GOD RESTORE HIS PEOPLE AT LAST. (Eze. 20:1-49) seventh year, &c.…
1Aconteció en el año séptimo, en el mes quinto, a los diez días del mes, que vinieron algunos de los ancianos de Israel a consultar a Jehová, y se sentaron delante de mí.
2Y vino a mí palabra de Jehová, diciendo:
3Hijo de hombre, habla a los ancianos de Israel, y diles: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: ¿A consultarme venís vosotros? Vivo yo, que no os responderé, dice Jehová el Señor.
4¿Quieres tú juzgarlos? ¿Los quieres juzgar tú, hijo de hombre? Hazles conocer las abominaciones de sus padres,
5y diles: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: El día que escogí a Israel, y que alcé mi mano para jurar a la descendencia de la casa de Jacob, cuando me di a conocer a ellos en la tierra de Egipto, cuando alcé mi mano y les juré diciendo: Yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios;
6aquel día que les alcé mi mano, jurando así que los sacaría de la tierra de Egipto a la tierra que les había provisto, que fluye leche y miel, la cual es la más hermosa de todas las tierras;
7entonces les dije: Cada uno eche de sí las abominaciones de delante de sus ojos, y no os contaminéis con los ídolos de Egipto. Yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios.
8Mas ellos se rebelaron contra mí, y no quisieron obedecerme; no echó de sí cada uno las abominaciones de delante de sus ojos, ni dejaron los ídolos de Egipto; y dije que derramaría mi ira sobre ellos, para cumplir mi enojo en ellos en medio de la tierra de Egipto.
9Con todo, a causa de mi nombre, para que no se infamase ante los ojos de las naciones en medio de las cuales estaban, en cuyos ojos fui conocido, actué para sacarlos de la tierra de Egipto.
10Los saqué de la tierra de Egipto, y los traje al desierto,
11y les di mis estatutos, y les hice conocer mis decretos, por los cuales el hombre que los cumpliere vivirá.
12Y les di también mis días de reposo, para que fuesen por señal entre mí y ellos, para que supiesen que yo soy Jehová que los santifico.
13Mas se rebeló contra mí la casa de Israel en el desierto; no anduvieron en mis estatutos, y desecharon mis decretos, por los cuales el hombre que los cumpliere, vivirá; y mis días de reposo profanaron en gran manera; dije, por tanto, que derramaría sobre ellos mi ira en el desierto para exterminarlos.
14Pero actué a causa de mi nombre, para que no se infamase a la vista de las naciones ante cuyos ojos los había sacado.
15También yo les alcé mi mano en el desierto, jurando que no los traería a la tierra que les había dado, que fluye leche y miel, la cual es la más hermosa de todas las tierras;
16porque desecharon mis decretos, y no anduvieron en mis estatutos, y mis días de reposo profanaron, porque tras sus ídolos iba su corazón.
17Con todo, los perdonó mi ojo, pues no los maté, ni los exterminé en el desierto;
18antes dije en el desierto a sus hijos: No andéis en los estatutos de vuestros padres, ni guardéis sus leyes, ni os contaminéis con sus ídolos.
19Yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios; andad en mis estatutos, y guardad mis preceptos, y ponedlos por obra;
20y santificad mis días de reposo, y sean por señal entre mí y vosotros, para que sepáis que yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios.
21Mas los hijos se rebelaron contra mí; no anduvieron en mis estatutos, ni guardaron mis decretos para ponerlos por obra, por los cuales el hombre que los cumpliere vivirá; profanaron mis días de reposo. Dije entonces que derramaría mi ira sobre ellos, para cumplir mi enojo en ellos en el desierto.
22Mas retraje mi mano a causa de mi nombre, para que no se infamase a la vista de las naciones ante cuyos ojos los había sacado.
23También les alcé yo mi mano en el desierto, jurando que los esparciría entre las naciones, y que los dispersaría por las tierras,
24porque no pusieron por obra mis decretos, sino que desecharon mis estatutos y profanaron mis días de reposo, y tras los ídolos de sus padres se les fueron los ojos.
25Por eso yo también les di estatutos que no eran buenos, y decretos por los cuales no podrían vivir.
26Y los contaminé en sus ofrendas cuando hacían pasar por el fuego a todo primogénito, para desolarlos y hacerles saber que yo soy Jehová.
27Por tanto, hijo de hombre, habla a la casa de Israel, y diles: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: Aun en esto me afrentaron vuestros padres cuando cometieron rebelión contra mí.
28Porque yo los traje a la tierra sobre la cual había alzado mi mano jurando que había de dársela, y miraron a todo collado alto y a todo árbol frondoso, y allí sacrificaron sus víctimas, y allí presentaron ofrendas que me irritan, allí pusieron también su incienso agradable, y allí derramaron sus libaciones.
29Y yo les dije: ¿Qué es ese lugar alto adonde vosotros vais? Y fue llamado su nombre Bama hasta el día de hoy.
30Di, pues, a la casa de Israel: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: ¿No os contamináis vosotros a la manera de vuestros padres, y fornicáis tras sus abominaciones?
31Porque ofreciendo vuestras ofrendas, haciendo pasar vuestros hijos por el fuego, os habéis contaminado con todos vuestros ídolos hasta hoy; ¿y he de responderos yo, casa de Israel? Vivo yo, dice Jehová el Señor, que no os responderé.
32Y no ha de ser lo que habéis pensado. Porque vosotros decís: Seamos como las naciones, como las demás familias de la tierra, que sirven al palo y a la piedra.
33Vivo yo, dice Jehová el Señor, que con mano fuerte y brazo extendido, y enojo derramado, he de reinar sobre vosotros;
34y os sacaré de entre los pueblos, y os reuniré de las tierras en que estáis esparcidos, con mano fuerte y brazo extendido, y enojo derramado;
35y os traeré al desierto de los pueblos, y allí litigaré con vosotros cara a cara.
36Como litigué con vuestros padres en el desierto de la tierra de Egipto, así litigaré con vosotros, dice Jehová el Señor.
37Os haré pasar bajo la vara, y os haré entrar en los vínculos del pacto;
38y apartaré de entre vosotros a los rebeldes, y a los que se rebelaron contra mí; de la tierra de sus peregrinaciones los sacaré, mas a la tierra de Israel no entrarán; y sabréis que yo soy Jehová.
39Y a vosotros, oh casa de Israel, así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: Andad cada uno tras sus ídolos, y servidles, si es que a mí no me obedecéis; pero no profanéis más mi santo nombre con vuestras ofrendas y con vuestros ídolos.
40Pero en mi santo monte, en el alto monte de Israel, dice Jehová el Señor, allí me servirá toda la casa de Israel, toda ella en la tierra; allí los aceptaré, y allí demandaré vuestras ofrendas, y las primicias de vuestros dones, con todas vuestras cosas consagradas.
41Como incienso agradable os aceptaré, cuando os haya sacado de entre los pueblos, y os haya congregado de entre las tierras en que estáis esparcidos; y seré santificado en vosotros a los ojos de las naciones.
42Y sabréis que yo soy Jehová, cuando os haya traído a la tierra de Israel, la tierra por la cual alcé mi mano jurando que la daría a vuestros padres.
43Y allí os acordaréis de vuestros caminos, y de todos vuestros hechos en que os contaminasteis; y os aborreceréis a vosotros mismos a causa de todos vuestros pecados que cometisteis.
44Y sabréis que yo soy Jehová, cuando haga con vosotros por amor de mi nombre, no según vuestros caminos malos ni según vuestras perversas obras, oh casa de Israel, dice Jehová el Señor.
45Vino a mí palabra de Jehová, diciendo:
46Hijo de hombre, pon tu rostro hacia el sur, derrama tu palabra hacia la parte austral, profetiza contra el bosque del Neguev.
47Y dirás al bosque del Neguev: Oye la palabra de Jehová: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: He aquí que yo enciendo en ti fuego, el cual consumirá en ti todo árbol verde y todo árbol seco; no se apagará la llama del fuego; y serán quemados en ella todos los rostros, desde el sur hasta el norte.
48Y verá toda carne que yo Jehová lo encendí; no se apagará.
49Y dije: ¡Ah, Señor Jehová! ellos dicen de mí: ¿No profiere este parábolas?
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 3
I. The chapter falls into two great parts: Eze. 20:1-32, the recital of the people's rebellions duri…
The chapter falls into two great parts: Eze. 20:1-32, the recital of the people's rebellions during five distinct periods: in Egypt, the wilderness, on the borders of Canaan when a new generation arose, in Canaan, and in the time of the prophet.
I will not be inquired of by you--because their moral state precluded them from capability of knowing the will of God (Psa 66:18; Pro 28:9; Joh 7:17).
II
Versículo 4
II. Wilt thou judge? . . . judge--The emphatical repetition expresses, "Wilt thou not judge? yes, jud…
Wilt thou judge? . . . judge--The emphatical repetition expresses, "Wilt thou not judge? yes, judge them. There is a loud call for immediate judgment." The Hebrew interrogative here is a command, not a prohibition [MAURER]. Instead of spending time in teaching them, tell them of the abomination of their fathers, of which their own are the complement and counterpart, and which call for judgment.
III
Versículo 5
III. The thrice lifting up of God's hand (the sign of His oath, Rev 10:5-6; Exo 6:8, Margin; Num 14:30…
The thrice lifting up of God's hand (the sign of His oath, Rev 10:5-6; Exo 6:8, Margin; Num 14:30; to which passages the form of words here alludes) implies the solemn earnestness of God's purpose of grace to them.
made myself known unto them--proving Myself faithful and true by the actual fulfilment of My promises (Exo 4:31; Exo 6:3); revealing Myself as "Jehovah," that is, not that the name was unknown before, but that then first the force of that name was manifested in the promises of God then being realized in performances.
IV
Versículo 6
IV. espied for them--as though God had spied out all other lands, and chose Canaan as the best of all…
espied for them--as though God had spied out all other lands, and chose Canaan as the best of all lands (Deu 8:7-8). See Dan 8:9; Dan 11:16, Dan 11:41, "the glorious land"; see Margin, "land of delight," or, ornament"; "the pleasant land," or "land of desire," Zac 7:14, Margin.
glory of all lands--that is, Canaan was "the beauty of all lands"; the most lovely and delightful land; "milk and honey" are not the antecedents to "which."
V
Versículo 7
V. Moses gives no formal statement of idolatries practised by Israel in Egypt. But it is implied in …
Moses gives no formal statement of idolatries practised by Israel in Egypt. But it is implied in their readiness to worship the golden calf (resembling the Egyptian ox, Apis) (Exo 32:4), which makes it likely they had worshipped such idols in Egypt. Also, in Lev 17:7, "They shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils (literally, seirim, 'he-goats,' the symbol of the false god, Pan), after whom they have gone awhoring." The call of God by Moses was as much to them to separate from idols and follow Jehovah, as it was to Pharaoh to let them go forth. Exo 6:6-7 and Jos 24:14, expressly mention their idolatry "in Egypt." Hence the need of their being removed out of the contagion of Egyptian idolatries by the exodus.
every man--so universal was the evil.
of his eyes--It was not fear of their Egyptian masters, but their own lust of the eye that drew them to idols (Eze 6:9; Eze 18:6).
VI
Versículo 8
VI. then I said, I will . . . But, &c.--that is, (God speaking in condescension to human modes of con…
then I said, I will . . . But, &c.--that is, (God speaking in condescension to human modes of conception) their spiritual degradation deserved I should destroy them, "but I wrought (namely, the deliverance 'out of . . . Egypt') for My name's sake"; not for their merits (a rebuke to their national pride). God's "name" means the sum-total of His perfections. To manifest these, His gratuitous mercy abounding above their sins, yet without wrong to His justice, and so to set forth His glory, was and is the ultimate end of His dealings (Eze 20:14, Eze 20:22; Sa2 7:23; Isa 63:12; Rom 9:17).
VII
Versículo 11
VII. which if a man do, he shall . . . five in them--not "by them," as though they could justify a man…
which if a man do, he shall . . . five in them--not "by them," as though they could justify a man, seeing that man cannot render the faultless obedience required (Lev 18:5; Gal 3:12). "By them" is the expression indeed in Rom 10:5; but there the design is to show that, if man could obey all God's laws, he would be justified "by them" (Gal 3:21); but he cannot; he therefore needs to have justification by "the Lord our righteousness" (Jer 23:6); then, having thus received life, he "lives," that is, maintains, enjoys, and exercises this life only in so far as he walks "in" the laws of God. So Deu 30:15-16. The Israelites, as a nation, had life already freely given to them by God's covenant of promise; the laws of God were designed to be the means of the outward expression of their spiritual life. As the natural life has its healthy manifestation in the full exercise of its powers, so their spiritual being as a nation was to be developed in vigor, or else decay, according as they did, or did not, walk in God's laws.
VIII
Versículo 12
VIII. sabbaths, . . . a sign between me and them--a kind of sacramental pledge of the covenant of adopt…
sabbaths, . . . a sign between me and them--a kind of sacramental pledge of the covenant of adoption between God and His people. The Sabbath is specified as a sample of the whole law, to show that the law is not merely precepts, but privileges, of which the Sabbath is one of the highest. Not that the Sabbath was first instituted at Sinai, as if it were an exclusively Jewish ordinance (Gen 2:2-3), but it was then more formally enacted, when, owing to the apostasy of the world from the original revelation, one people was called out (Deu 5:15) to be the covenant-people of God.
sanctify them--The observance of the Sabbath contemplated by God was not a mere outward rest, but a spiritual dedication of the day to the glory of God and the good of man. Otherwise it would not be, as it is made, the pledge of universal sanctification (Exo 31:13-17; Isa 58:13-14). Virtually it is said, all sanctity will flourish or decay, according as this ordinance is observed in its full spirituality or not.
IX
Versículo 13
IX. in the wilderness--They "rebelled" in the very place where death and terror were on every side an…
in the wilderness--They "rebelled" in the very place where death and terror were on every side and where they depended on My miraculous bounty every moment!
X
Versículo 15
X. I swore against them (Psa 95:11; Psa 106:26) that I would not permit the generation that came out…
I swore against them (Psa 95:11; Psa 106:26) that I would not permit the generation that came out of Egypt to enter Canaan.
XI
Versículo 16
XI. The special reason is stated by Moses (Num 13:32-33; Num 14:4) to be that they, through fear aris…
The special reason is stated by Moses (Num 13:32-33; Num 14:4) to be that they, through fear arising from the false report of the spies, wished to return to Egypt; the general reasons are stated here which lay at the root of their rejection of God's grace; namely, contempt of God and His laws, and love of idols.
their heart--The fault lay in it (Psa 78:37).
XII
Versículo 17
XII. Nevertheless--How marvellous that God should spare such sinners! His everlasting covenant explain…
Nevertheless--How marvellous that God should spare such sinners! His everlasting covenant explains it, His long-suffering standing out in striking contrast to their rebellions (Psa 78:38; Jer 30:11).
XIII
Versículo 18
XIII. I said unto their children--being unwilling to speak any more to the fathers as being incorrigible.
I said unto their children--being unwilling to speak any more to the fathers as being incorrigible.
Walk ye not in . . . statutes of . . . fathers--The traditions of the fathers are to be carefully weighed, not indiscriminately followed. He forbids the imitation of not only their gross sins, but even their plausible statutes [CALVIN].
XIV
Versículo 19
XIV. It is an indirect denial of God, and a robbing Him of His due, to add man's inventions to His pre…
It is an indirect denial of God, and a robbing Him of His due, to add man's inventions to His precepts.
XV
Versículo 20
XV. (Jer 17:22).
(Jer 17:22).
16
Versículo 21
16. Though warned by the judgment on their fathers, the next generation also rebelled against God. Th…
Though warned by the judgment on their fathers, the next generation also rebelled against God. The "kindness of Israel's youth and love of her espousals in the wilderness" (Jer 2:2-3) were only comparative (the corruption in later times being more general), and confined to the minority; as a whole, Israel at no time fully served God. The "children" it was that fell into the fearful apostasy on the plains of Moab at the close of the wilderness sojourn (Num 25:1-2; Deu 31:27).
17
Versículo 23
17. It was to that generation the threat of dispersion was proclaimed (Deu 28:64; compare Eze 29:4).
It was to that generation the threat of dispersion was proclaimed (Deu 28:64; compare Eze 29:4).
18
Versículo 25
18. I gave them . . . statutes . . . not good--Since they would not follow My statutes that were good…
I gave them . . . statutes . . . not good--Since they would not follow My statutes that were good, "I gave them" their own (Eze 20:18) and their fathers' "which were not good"; statutes spiritually corrupting, and, finally, as the consequence, destroying them. Righteous retribution (Psa 81:12; Hos 8:11; Rom 1:24; Th2 2:11). Eze 20:39 proves this view to be correct (compare Isa 63:17). Thus on the plains of Moab (Num. 25:1-18), in chastisement for the secret unfaithfulness to God in their hearts, He permitted Baal's worshippers to tempt them to idolatry (the ready success of the tempters, moreover, proving the inward unsoundness of the tempted); and this again ended necessarily in punitive judgments.
19
Versículo 26
19. I polluted them--not directly; "but I judicially gave them up to pollute themselves." A just retr…
I polluted them--not directly; "but I judicially gave them up to pollute themselves." A just retribution for their "polluting My sabbaths" (Eze 20:24). This Eze 20:26 is explanatory of Eze 20:25. Their own sin I made their punishment.
caused to pass through the fire--FAIRBAIRN translates, "In their presenting (literally, 'the causing to pass over') all their first-born," namely, to the Lord; referring to the command (Exo 13:12, Margin, where the very same expression is used). The lustration of children by passing through the fire was a later abomination (Eze 20:31). The evil here spoken of was the admixture of heathenish practices with Jehovah's worship, which made Him regard all as "polluted." Here, "to the Lord" is omitted purposely, to imply, "They kept up the outward service indeed, but I did not own it as done unto Me, since it was mingled with such pollutions." But English Version is supported by the similar phraseology in Eze 20:31, see on Eze 20:31. They made all their children pass through the fire; but he names the first-born, in aggravation of their guilt; that is, "I had willed that the first-born should be redeemed as being Mine, but they imposed on themselves the cruel rites of offering them to Molech" (Deu 18:10).
might know . . . the Lord--that they may be compelled to know Me as a powerful Judge, since they were unwilling to know Me as a gracious Father.
20
Versículo 27
20. The next period, namely, that which followed the settlement in Canaan: the fathers of the generat…
The next period, namely, that which followed the settlement in Canaan: the fathers of the generation existing in Ezekiel's time walked in the same steps of apostasy as the generation in the wilderness.
Yet in this--Not content with past rebellions, and not moved with gratitude for God's goodness, "yet in this," still further they rebelled.
blasphemed--"have insulted me" [CALVIN]. Even those who did not sacrifice to heathen gods have offered "their sacrifices" (Eze 20:28) in forbidden places.
21
Versículo 28
21. provocation of their offering--an offering as it were purposely made to provoke God.
provocation of their offering--an offering as it were purposely made to provoke God.
sweet savour--What ought to have been sweet became offensive by their corruptions. He specifies the various kinds of offerings, to show that in all alike they violated the law.
22
Versículo 29
22. What is the high place whereunto ye go?--What is the meaning of this name? For My altar is not so…
What is the high place whereunto ye go?--What is the meaning of this name? For My altar is not so called. What excellence do ye see in it, that ye go there, rather than to My temple, the only lawful place of sacrificing? The very name, "high place," convicts you of sinning, not from ignorance but perverse rebellion.
is called . . . unto this day--whereas this name ought to have been long since laid aside, along with the custom of sacrificing on high places which it represents, being borrowed from the heathen, who so called their places of sacrifice (the Greeks, for instance, called them by a cognate term, Bomoi), whereas I call mine Mizbeaach, "altar." The very name implies the place is not that sanctioned by Me, and therefore your sacrifices even to ME there (much more those you offer to idols) are only a "provocation" to Me (Eze 20:28; Deu 12:1-5). David and others, it is true, sacrificed to God on high places, but it was under exceptional circumstances, and before the altar was set up on Mount Moriah.
23
Versículo 30
23. The interrogation implies a strong affirmation, as in Eze 20:4, "Are ye not polluted . . . ? Do y…
The interrogation implies a strong affirmation, as in Eze 20:4, "Are ye not polluted . . . ? Do ye not commit?" &c. Or, connecting this verse with Eze 20:31, "Are ye thus polluted . . . and yet (do ye expect that) I shall be inquired of by you?"
24
Versículo 31
24. through the fire--As "the fire" is omitted in Eze 20:26, FAIRBAIRN represents the generation here…
through the fire--As "the fire" is omitted in Eze 20:26, FAIRBAIRN represents the generation here referred to (namely, that of Ezekiel's day) as attaining the climax of guilt (see on Eze 20:26), in making their children pass through the fire, which that former generation did not. The reason, however, for the omission of "the fire" in Eze 20:26 is, perhaps, that there it is implied the children only "passed through the fire" for purification, whereas here they are actually burnt to death before the idol; and therefore "the fire" is specified in the latter, not in the former case (compare Kg2 3:27).
25
Versículo 32
25. We will be as the heathen--and so escape the odium to which we are exposed, of having a peculiar …
We will be as the heathen--and so escape the odium to which we are exposed, of having a peculiar God and law of our own. "We shall live on better terms with them by having a similar worship. Besides, we get from God nothing but threats and calamities, whereas the heathen, Chaldeans, &c., get riches and power from their idols." How literally God's words here ("that . . . shall not be at all") are fulfilled in the modern Jews! Though the Jews seemed so likely (had Ezekiel spoken as an uninspired man) to have blended with the rest of mankind and laid aside their distinctive peculiarities, as was their wish at that time, yet they have remained for eighteen centuries dispersed among all nations and without a home, but still distinct: a standing witness for the truth of the prophecy given so long ago.
26
Versículo 33
26. Here begins the second division of the prophecy. Lest the covenant people should abandon their di…
Here begins the second division of the prophecy. Lest the covenant people should abandon their distinctive hopes and amalgamate with the surrounding heathen, He tells them that, as the wilderness journey from Egypt was made subservient to discipline and also to the taking from among them the rebellious, so a severe discipline (such as the Jews are now for long actually undergoing) should be administered to them during the next exodus for the same purpose (Eze 20:38), and so to prepare them for the restored possession of their land (Hos 2:14-15). This was only partially fulfilled before, and at the return from Babylon: its full and final accomplishment is future.
with a mighty hand, . . . will I rule over you--I will assert My right over you in spite of your resistance (Eze 20:32), as a master would in the case of his slave, and I will not let you be wrested from Me, because of My regard to My covenant.
27
Versículo 34
27. The Jews in exile might think themselves set free from the "rule" of God (Eze 20:33); therefore, …
The Jews in exile might think themselves set free from the "rule" of God (Eze 20:33); therefore, He intimates, He will reassert His right over them by chastening judgments, and these, with an ultimate view, not to destroy, but to restore them.
people--rather, "peoples."
28
Versículo 35
28. wilderness of the people--rather, "peoples," the various peoples among whom they were to be scatt…
wilderness of the people--rather, "peoples," the various peoples among whom they were to be scattered, and about whom God saith (Eze 20:34), "I will bring you out." In contrast to the literal "wilderness of Egypt" (Eze 20:36), "the wilderness of the peoples" is their spiritual wilderness period of trial, discipline, and purification while exiled among the nations. As the state when they are "brought into the wilderness of the peoples" and that when they were among the peoples "from" which God was to "bring them out" (Eze 20:34) are distinguished, the wilderness state probably answers partially to the transition period of discipline from the first decree for their restoration by Cyrus to the time of their complete settlement in their land, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. But the full and final fulfilment is future; the wilderness state will comprise not only the transition period of their restoration, but the beginning of their occupancy of Palestine, a time in which they shall endure the sorest of all their chastisements, to "purge out the rebels" (Eze 20:38; Dan 12:1); and then the remnant (Zac 13:8-9; Zac 14:2-3) shall "all serve God in the land" (Eze 20:40). Thus the wilderness period does not denote locality, but their state intervening between their rejection and future restoration.
plead--bring the matter in debate between us to an issue. Image is from a plaintiff in a law court meeting the defendant "face to face." Appropriate, as God in His dealings acts not arbitrarily, but in most righteous justice (Jer 2:9; Mic 6:2).
29
Versículo 36
29. (Num 14:21-29). Though God saved them out of Egypt, He afterwards destroyed in the wilderness the…
(Num 14:21-29). Though God saved them out of Egypt, He afterwards destroyed in the wilderness them that believed not (Jde 1:5); so, though He brought the exiles out of Babylon, yet their wilderness state of chastening discipline continued even after they were again in Canaan.
30
Versículo 37
30. pass under the rod--metaphor from a shepherd who makes his sheep pass under his rod in counting t…
pass under the rod--metaphor from a shepherd who makes his sheep pass under his rod in counting them (Lev 27:32; Jer 33:13). Whether you will or not, ye shall be counted as Mine, and so shall be subjected to My chastening discipline (Mic 7:14), with a view to My ultimate saving of the chosen remnant (compare Joh 10:27-29).
bond of . . . covenant--I will constrain you by sore chastisements to submit yourselves to the covenant to which ye are lastingly bound, though now you have cast away God's bond from you. Fulfilled in part, Neh 9:8, Neh 9:26, Neh 9:32-38; Neh. 10:1-39; fully hereafter (Isa 54:10-13; Isa 52:1-2).
31
Versículo 38
31. (Zac 13:9; Zac 14:2).
(Zac 13:9; Zac 14:2).
purge out--or, "separate." Hebrew, barothi, forming a designed alliteration with "berith," the covenant; not a promise of grace, but a threat against those Jews who thought they could in exile escape the observation and "rule" of God.
land of Israel--Though brought out of the country of their sojourn or exile (Babylon formerly, and the various lands of their exile hereafter) into the literal land of Palestine, even it shall be to them an exile state, "they shall not enter into the land of Israel," that is, the spiritual state of restored favor of God to His covenant people, ,which shall only be given to the remnant to be saved (Zac 13:8-9).
32
Versículo 39
32. Equivalent to, "I would rather have you open idolaters than hypocrites, fancying you can worship …
Equivalent to, "I would rather have you open idolaters than hypocrites, fancying you can worship Me and yet at the same time serve idols" (Amo 5:21-22, Amo 5:25-26; compare Kg1 18:21; Kg2 17:41; Mat 6:24; Rev 3:15-16).
Go ye, serve--This is not a command to serve idols, but a judicial declaration of God's giving up of the half-idol, half-Jehovah worshippers to utter idolatry, if they will not serve Jehovah alone (Psa 81:12; Rev 22:11).
hereafter also--God anticipates the same apostasy afterwards, as now.
33
Versículo 40
33. For--Though ye, the rebellious portion, withdraw from My worship, others, even the believing remn…
For--Though ye, the rebellious portion, withdraw from My worship, others, even the believing remnant, will succeed after you perish, and will serve Me purely.
in mine holy mountain-- (Isa 2:2-3). Zion, or Moriah, "the height of Israel" (pre-eminent above all mountains because of the manifested presence of God there with Israel), as opposed to their "high places," the worship on which was an abomination to God.
all--not merely individuals, such as constitute the elect Church now; but the whole nation, to be followed by the conversion of the Gentile nations (Isa 2:2, "all nations;" Rom 11:26; Rev 11:15).
with--rather, "in all your holy things" [MAURER].
34
Versículo 41
34. with--that is, in respect to your sweet savor (literally, "savor of rest," see on Eze 16:19). Or,…
with--that is, in respect to your sweet savor (literally, "savor of rest," see on Eze 16:19). Or, I will accept you (your worship) "as a sweet savor" [MAURER], (Eph 5:2; Phi 4:18). God first accepts the person in Messiah, then the offering (Eze 20:40; Gen 4:4).
bring . . . out from . . . people, &c.--the same words as in Eze 20:34; but there applied to the bringing forth of the hypocrites, as well as the elect; here restricted to the saved remnant, who alone shall be at last restored literally and spiritually in the fullest sense.
sanctified in you before . . . heathen-- (Jer 33:9). All the nations will acknowledge My power displayed in restoring you, and so shall be led to seek Me (Isa 66:18; Zac 14:16-19).
35
Versículo 43
35. there--not merely in exile when suffering punishment which makes even reprobates sorry for sin, b…
there--not merely in exile when suffering punishment which makes even reprobates sorry for sin, but when received into favor in your own land.
remember-- (Eze 16:61, Eze 16:63). The humiliation of Judah (Neh. 9:1-38) is a type of the future penitence of the whole nation (Hos 5:15; Hos 6:1; Zac 12:10-14). God's goodness realized by the sinner is the only thing that leads to true repentance (Hos 3:5; Luk 7:37-38).
36
Versículo 44
36. The English Version chapter ought to have ended here, and the twenty-first chapter begun with "Mo…
The English Version chapter ought to have ended here, and the twenty-first chapter begun with "Moreover," &c., as in the Hebrew Bible.
for my name's sake-- (Eze 36:22). Gratuitously; according to My compassion, not your merits. After having commented on this verse, CALVIN was laid on his death bed, and his commentary ended.
37
Versículo 45
37. An introductory brief description in enigma of the destruction by fire and sword, detailed more e…
An introductory brief description in enigma of the destruction by fire and sword, detailed more explicitly in Eze. 21:1-32.
38
Versículo 46
38. south . . . south . . . south--three different Hebrew words, to express the certainty of the divi…
south . . . south . . . south--three different Hebrew words, to express the certainty of the divine displeasure resting on the region specified. The third term is from a root meaning "dry," referring to the sun's heat in the south; representing the burning judgments of God on the southern parts of Judea, of which Jerusalem was the capital.
set thy face--determinately. The prophets used to turn themselves towards those who were to be the subjects of their prophecies.
drop--as the rain, which flows in a continuous stream, sometimes gently (Deu 32:2), sometimes violently (Amo 7:16; Mic 2:6, Margin), as here.
forest--the densely populated country of Judea; trees representing people.
39
Versículo 47
39. fire--every kind of judgment (Eze 19:12; Eze 21:3, "my sword"; Jer 21:14).
fire--every kind of judgment (Eze 19:12; Eze 21:3, "my sword"; Jer 21:14).
green tree . . . dry--fit and unfit materials for fuel alike; "the righteous and the wicked," as explained in Eze 21:3-4; Luk 23:31. Unsparing universality of the judgment!
flaming flame--one continued and unextinguished flame. "The glowing flame" [FAIRBAIRN].
faces--persons; here the metaphor is merged in the reality.
40
Versículo 49
40. Ezekiel complains that by this parabolic form of prophecy he only makes himself and it a jest to …
Ezekiel complains that by this parabolic form of prophecy he only makes himself and it a jest to his countrymen. God therefore in Eze. 21:1-32 permits him to express the same prophecy more plainly.
Next: Ezekiel Chapter 21
Antiguo Testamento
Ezekiel — Capítulo 20
REJECTION OF THE ELDERS' APPLICATION TO THE PROPHET: EXPOSURE OF ISRAEL'S PROTRACTED REBELLIONS, NOTWITHSTANDING GOD'S LONG-SUFFERING GOODNESS: YET WILL GOD RESTORE HIS PEOPLE AT LAST. (Eze. 20:1-49) seventh year, &c.…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Aconteció en el año séptimo, en el mes quinto, a los diez días del mes, que vinieron algunos de los ancianos de Israel a consultar a Jehová, y se sentaron delante de mí.
2Y vino a mí palabra de Jehová, diciendo:
3Hijo de hombre, habla a los ancianos de Israel, y diles: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: ¿A consultarme venís vosotros? Vivo yo, que no os responderé, dice Jehová el Señor.
4¿Quieres tú juzgarlos? ¿Los quieres juzgar tú, hijo de hombre? Hazles conocer las abominaciones de sus padres,
5y diles: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: El día que escogí a Israel, y que alcé mi mano para jurar a la descendencia de la casa de Jacob, cuando me di a conocer a ellos en la tierra de Egipto, cuando alcé mi mano y les juré diciendo: Yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios;
6aquel día que les alcé mi mano, jurando así que los sacaría de la tierra de Egipto a la tierra que les había provisto, que fluye leche y miel, la cual es la más hermosa de todas las tierras;
7entonces les dije: Cada uno eche de sí las abominaciones de delante de sus ojos, y no os contaminéis con los ídolos de Egipto. Yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios.
8Mas ellos se rebelaron contra mí, y no quisieron obedecerme; no echó de sí cada uno las abominaciones de delante de sus ojos, ni dejaron los ídolos de Egipto; y dije que derramaría mi ira sobre ellos, para cumplir mi enojo en ellos en medio de la tierra de Egipto.
9Con todo, a causa de mi nombre, para que no se infamase ante los ojos de las naciones en medio de las cuales estaban, en cuyos ojos fui conocido, actué para sacarlos de la tierra de Egipto.
10Los saqué de la tierra de Egipto, y los traje al desierto,
11y les di mis estatutos, y les hice conocer mis decretos, por los cuales el hombre que los cumpliere vivirá.
12Y les di también mis días de reposo, para que fuesen por señal entre mí y ellos, para que supiesen que yo soy Jehová que los santifico.
13Mas se rebeló contra mí la casa de Israel en el desierto; no anduvieron en mis estatutos, y desecharon mis decretos, por los cuales el hombre que los cumpliere, vivirá; y mis días de reposo profanaron en gran manera; dije, por tanto, que derramaría sobre ellos mi ira en el desierto para exterminarlos.
14Pero actué a causa de mi nombre, para que no se infamase a la vista de las naciones ante cuyos ojos los había sacado.
15También yo les alcé mi mano en el desierto, jurando que no los traería a la tierra que les había dado, que fluye leche y miel, la cual es la más hermosa de todas las tierras;
16porque desecharon mis decretos, y no anduvieron en mis estatutos, y mis días de reposo profanaron, porque tras sus ídolos iba su corazón.
17Con todo, los perdonó mi ojo, pues no los maté, ni los exterminé en el desierto;
18antes dije en el desierto a sus hijos: No andéis en los estatutos de vuestros padres, ni guardéis sus leyes, ni os contaminéis con sus ídolos.
19Yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios; andad en mis estatutos, y guardad mis preceptos, y ponedlos por obra;
20y santificad mis días de reposo, y sean por señal entre mí y vosotros, para que sepáis que yo soy Jehová vuestro Dios.
21Mas los hijos se rebelaron contra mí; no anduvieron en mis estatutos, ni guardaron mis decretos para ponerlos por obra, por los cuales el hombre que los cumpliere vivirá; profanaron mis días de reposo. Dije entonces que derramaría mi ira sobre ellos, para cumplir mi enojo en ellos en el desierto.
22Mas retraje mi mano a causa de mi nombre, para que no se infamase a la vista de las naciones ante cuyos ojos los había sacado.
23También les alcé yo mi mano en el desierto, jurando que los esparciría entre las naciones, y que los dispersaría por las tierras,
24porque no pusieron por obra mis decretos, sino que desecharon mis estatutos y profanaron mis días de reposo, y tras los ídolos de sus padres se les fueron los ojos.
25Por eso yo también les di estatutos que no eran buenos, y decretos por los cuales no podrían vivir.
26Y los contaminé en sus ofrendas cuando hacían pasar por el fuego a todo primogénito, para desolarlos y hacerles saber que yo soy Jehová.
27Por tanto, hijo de hombre, habla a la casa de Israel, y diles: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: Aun en esto me afrentaron vuestros padres cuando cometieron rebelión contra mí.
28Porque yo los traje a la tierra sobre la cual había alzado mi mano jurando que había de dársela, y miraron a todo collado alto y a todo árbol frondoso, y allí sacrificaron sus víctimas, y allí presentaron ofrendas que me irritan, allí pusieron también su incienso agradable, y allí derramaron sus libaciones.
29Y yo les dije: ¿Qué es ese lugar alto adonde vosotros vais? Y fue llamado su nombre Bama hasta el día de hoy.
30Di, pues, a la casa de Israel: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: ¿No os contamináis vosotros a la manera de vuestros padres, y fornicáis tras sus abominaciones?
31Porque ofreciendo vuestras ofrendas, haciendo pasar vuestros hijos por el fuego, os habéis contaminado con todos vuestros ídolos hasta hoy; ¿y he de responderos yo, casa de Israel? Vivo yo, dice Jehová el Señor, que no os responderé.
32Y no ha de ser lo que habéis pensado. Porque vosotros decís: Seamos como las naciones, como las demás familias de la tierra, que sirven al palo y a la piedra.
33Vivo yo, dice Jehová el Señor, que con mano fuerte y brazo extendido, y enojo derramado, he de reinar sobre vosotros;
34y os sacaré de entre los pueblos, y os reuniré de las tierras en que estáis esparcidos, con mano fuerte y brazo extendido, y enojo derramado;
35y os traeré al desierto de los pueblos, y allí litigaré con vosotros cara a cara.
36Como litigué con vuestros padres en el desierto de la tierra de Egipto, así litigaré con vosotros, dice Jehová el Señor.
37Os haré pasar bajo la vara, y os haré entrar en los vínculos del pacto;
38y apartaré de entre vosotros a los rebeldes, y a los que se rebelaron contra mí; de la tierra de sus peregrinaciones los sacaré, mas a la tierra de Israel no entrarán; y sabréis que yo soy Jehová.
39Y a vosotros, oh casa de Israel, así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: Andad cada uno tras sus ídolos, y servidles, si es que a mí no me obedecéis; pero no profanéis más mi santo nombre con vuestras ofrendas y con vuestros ídolos.
40Pero en mi santo monte, en el alto monte de Israel, dice Jehová el Señor, allí me servirá toda la casa de Israel, toda ella en la tierra; allí los aceptaré, y allí demandaré vuestras ofrendas, y las primicias de vuestros dones, con todas vuestras cosas consagradas.
41Como incienso agradable os aceptaré, cuando os haya sacado de entre los pueblos, y os haya congregado de entre las tierras en que estáis esparcidos; y seré santificado en vosotros a los ojos de las naciones.
42Y sabréis que yo soy Jehová, cuando os haya traído a la tierra de Israel, la tierra por la cual alcé mi mano jurando que la daría a vuestros padres.
43Y allí os acordaréis de vuestros caminos, y de todos vuestros hechos en que os contaminasteis; y os aborreceréis a vosotros mismos a causa de todos vuestros pecados que cometisteis.
44Y sabréis que yo soy Jehová, cuando haga con vosotros por amor de mi nombre, no según vuestros caminos malos ni según vuestras perversas obras, oh casa de Israel, dice Jehová el Señor.
45Vino a mí palabra de Jehová, diciendo:
46Hijo de hombre, pon tu rostro hacia el sur, derrama tu palabra hacia la parte austral, profetiza contra el bosque del Neguev.
47Y dirás al bosque del Neguev: Oye la palabra de Jehová: Así ha dicho Jehová el Señor: He aquí que yo enciendo en ti fuego, el cual consumirá en ti todo árbol verde y todo árbol seco; no se apagará la llama del fuego; y serán quemados en ella todos los rostros, desde el sur hasta el norte.
48Y verá toda carne que yo Jehová lo encendí; no se apagará.
49Y dije: ¡Ah, Señor Jehová! ellos dicen de mí: ¿No profiere este parábolas?
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 3
I. The chapter falls into two great parts: Eze. 20:1-32, the recital of the people's rebellions duri…
Versículo 4
II. Wilt thou judge? . . . judge--The emphatical repetition expresses, "Wilt thou not judge? yes, jud…
Versículo 5
III. The thrice lifting up of God's hand (the sign of His oath, Rev 10:5-6; Exo 6:8, Margin; Num 14:30…
Versículo 6
IV. espied for them--as though God had spied out all other lands, and chose Canaan as the best of all…
Versículo 7
V. Moses gives no formal statement of idolatries practised by Israel in Egypt. But it is implied in …
Versículo 8
VI. then I said, I will . . . But, &c.--that is, (God speaking in condescension to human modes of con…
Versículo 11
VII. which if a man do, he shall . . . five in them--not "by them," as though they could justify a man…
Versículo 12
VIII. sabbaths, . . . a sign between me and them--a kind of sacramental pledge of the covenant of adopt…
Versículo 13
IX. in the wilderness--They "rebelled" in the very place where death and terror were on every side an…
Versículo 15
X. I swore against them (Psa 95:11; Psa 106:26) that I would not permit the generation that came out…
Versículo 16
XI. The special reason is stated by Moses (Num 13:32-33; Num 14:4) to be that they, through fear aris…
Versículo 17
XII. Nevertheless--How marvellous that God should spare such sinners! His everlasting covenant explain…
Versículo 18
XIII. I said unto their children--being unwilling to speak any more to the fathers as being incorrigible.
Versículo 19
XIV. It is an indirect denial of God, and a robbing Him of His due, to add man's inventions to His pre…
Versículo 20
XV. (Jer 17:22).
Versículo 21
16. Though warned by the judgment on their fathers, the next generation also rebelled against God. Th…
Versículo 23
17. It was to that generation the threat of dispersion was proclaimed (Deu 28:64; compare Eze 29:4).
Versículo 25
18. I gave them . . . statutes . . . not good--Since they would not follow My statutes that were good…
Versículo 26
19. I polluted them--not directly; "but I judicially gave them up to pollute themselves." A just retr…
Versículo 27
20. The next period, namely, that which followed the settlement in Canaan: the fathers of the generat…
Versículo 28
21. provocation of their offering--an offering as it were purposely made to provoke God.
Versículo 29
22. What is the high place whereunto ye go?--What is the meaning of this name? For My altar is not so…
Versículo 30
23. The interrogation implies a strong affirmation, as in Eze 20:4, "Are ye not polluted . . . ? Do y…
Versículo 31
24. through the fire--As "the fire" is omitted in Eze 20:26, FAIRBAIRN represents the generation here…
Versículo 32
25. We will be as the heathen--and so escape the odium to which we are exposed, of having a peculiar …
Versículo 33
26. Here begins the second division of the prophecy. Lest the covenant people should abandon their di…
Versículo 34
27. The Jews in exile might think themselves set free from the "rule" of God (Eze 20:33); therefore, …
Versículo 35
28. wilderness of the people--rather, "peoples," the various peoples among whom they were to be scatt…
Versículo 36
29. (Num 14:21-29). Though God saved them out of Egypt, He afterwards destroyed in the wilderness the…
Versículo 37
30. pass under the rod--metaphor from a shepherd who makes his sheep pass under his rod in counting t…
Versículo 38
31. (Zac 13:9; Zac 14:2).
Versículo 39
32. Equivalent to, "I would rather have you open idolaters than hypocrites, fancying you can worship …
Versículo 40
33. For--Though ye, the rebellious portion, withdraw from My worship, others, even the believing remn…
Versículo 41
34. with--that is, in respect to your sweet savor (literally, "savor of rest," see on Eze 16:19). Or,…
Versículo 43
35. there--not merely in exile when suffering punishment which makes even reprobates sorry for sin, b…
Versículo 44
36. The English Version chapter ought to have ended here, and the twenty-first chapter begun with "Mo…
Versículo 45
37. An introductory brief description in enigma of the destruction by fire and sword, detailed more e…
Versículo 46
38. south . . . south . . . south--three different Hebrew words, to express the certainty of the divi…
Versículo 47
39. fire--every kind of judgment (Eze 19:12; Eze 21:3, "my sword"; Jer 21:14).
Versículo 49
40. Ezekiel complains that by this parabolic form of prophecy he only makes himself and it a jest to …