Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Ezekiel Ch.16 / 48 Ch.s
EZE:16
* A parable showing the first low estate of the Jewish nation,
its prosperity, idolatries, and punishment.
#1-58 In this chapter God's dealings with the Jewish nation, and
their conduct towards him, are described, and their punishment
through the surrounding nations, even those they most trusted
in. This is done under the parable of an exposed infant rescued
from death, educated, espoused, and richly provided for, but
afterwards guilty of the most abandoned conduct, and punished
for it; yet at last received into favour, and ashamed of her
base conduct. We are not to judge of these expressions by modern
ideas, but by those of the times and places in which they were
used, where many of them would not sound as they do to us. The
design was to raise hatred to idolatry, and such a parable was
well suited for that purpose.
#59-63 After a full warning of judgments, mercy is remembered,
mercy is reserved. These closing verses are a precious promise,
in part fulfilled at the return of the penitent and reformed
Jews out of Babylon, but to have fuller accomplishment in gospel
times. The Divine mercy should be powerful to melt our hearts
into godly sorrow for sin. Nor will God ever leave the sinner to
perish, who is humbled for his sins, and comes to trust in His
mercy and grace through Jesus Christ; but will keep him by his
power, through faith unto salvation.