Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Ezekiel Ch.19 / 48 Ch.s
EZE:19
* A parable lamenting the ruin of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim. (1-9)
Another describing the desolation of the people. (10-14)
#1-9 Ezekiel is to compare the kingdom of Judah to a lioness. He
must compare the kings of Judah to a lion's whelps; they were
cruel and oppressive to their own subjects. The righteousness of
God is to be acknowledged, when those who have terrified and
enslaved others, are themselves terrified and enslaved. When
professors of religion form connexions with ungodly persons,
their children usually grow up following after the maxims and
fashions of a wicked world. Advancement to authority discovers
the ambition and selfishness of men's hearts; and those who
spend their lives in mischief, generally end them by violence.
#10-14 Jerusalem was a vine, flourishing and fruitful. This vine
is now destroyed, though not plucked up by the roots. She has by
wickedness made herself like tinder to the sparks of God's
wrath, so that her own branches serve as fuel to burn her.
Blessed be God, one Branch of the vine here alluded to, is not
only become a strong rod for the sceptre of those that rule, but
is Himself the true and living Vine. This shall be for a
rejoicing to all the chosen people of God throughout all
generations.