mh_parser/vol_split/26 - Ezekiel/Chapter 10.xml

<div2 id="Ez.xi" n="xi" next="Ez.xii" prev="Ez.x" progress="53.32%" title="Chapter X">
<h2 id="Ez.xi-p0.1">E Z E K I E L.</h2>
<h3 id="Ez.xi-p0.2">CHAP. X.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Ez.xi-p1" shownumber="no">The prophet had observed to us (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.8.4" parsed="|Ezek|8|4|0|0" passage="Eze 8:4"><i>ch.</i> viii. 4</scripRef>) that when he was in vision
at Jerusalem he saw the same appearance of the glory of God there
that he had seen by the river Chebar; now, in this chapter, he
gives us some account of the appearance there, as far as was
requisite for the clearing up of two further indications of the
approaching destruction of Jerusalem, which God here gave the
prophet:—I. The scattering of the coals of fire upon the city,
which were taken from between the cherubim, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.1-Ezek.10.7" parsed="|Ezek|10|1|10|7" passage="Eze 10:1-7">ver. 1-7</scripRef>. II. The removal of the glory of
God from the temple, and its being upon the wing to be gone,
<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.8-Ezek.10.22" parsed="|Ezek|10|8|10|22" passage="Eze 10:8-22">ver. 8-22</scripRef>. When God goes
out from a people all judgments break in upon them.</p>
<scripCom id="Ez.xi-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10" parsed="|Ezek|10|0|0|0" passage="Eze 10" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ez.xi-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.1-Ezek.10.7" parsed="|Ezek|10|1|10|7" passage="Eze 10:1-7" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Ez.xi-p1.6">
<h4 id="Ez.xi-p1.7">The Vision of the Cherubim. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xi-p1.8">b. c.</span> 593.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ez.xi-p2" shownumber="no">1 Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament
that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them
as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a
throne.   2 And he spake unto the man clothed with linen, and
said, Go in between the wheels, <i>even</i> under the cherub, and
fill thine hand with coals of fire from between the cherubims, and
scatter <i>them</i> over the city. And he went in in my sight.
  3 Now the cherubims stood on the right side of the house,
when the man went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.  
4 Then the glory of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xi-p2.1">Lord</span> went up
from the cherub, <i>and stood</i> over the threshold of the house;
and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of
the brightness of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xi-p2.2">Lord</span>'s glory.
  5 And the sound of the cherubims' wings was heard
<i>even</i> to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God
when he speaketh.   6 And it came to pass, <i>that</i> when he
had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, Take fire from
between the wheels, from between the cherubims; then he went in,
and stood beside the wheels.   7 And <i>one</i> cherub
stretched forth his hand from between the cherubims unto the fire
that <i>was</i> between the cherubims, and took <i>thereof,</i> and
put <i>it</i> into the hands of <i>him that was</i> clothed with
linen: who took <i>it,</i> and went out.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p3" shownumber="no">To inspire us with a holy awe and dread of
God, and to fill us with his fear, we may observe, in this part of
the vision which the prophet had,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p4" shownumber="no">I. The glorious appearance of his majesty.
Something of the invisible world is here in the visible, some faint
representations of its brightness and beauty, some shadows, but
such as are no more to be compared with the truth and substance
than a picture with the life; yet here is enough to oblige us all
to the utmost reverence in our thoughts of God and approaches to
him, if we will but admit the impressions this discovery of him
will make. 1. He is here <i>in the firmament above the head of the
cherubim,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.1" parsed="|Ezek|10|1|0|0" passage="Eze 10:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>.
He manifests his glory in the upper world, where purity and
brightness are both in perfection; and the vast expanse of the
firmament aims to speak the God that dwells there infinite. It is
<i>the firmament of his power</i> and of his prospect too; for
thence <i>he beholds</i> all <i>the children of men.</i> The divine
nature infinitely transcends the angelic nature, and God is
<i>above the head of the cherubim,</i> in respect not only of his
dignity above them, but of his dominion over them. Cherubim have
great power, and wisdom, and influence, but they are all subject to
God and Christ. 2. He is here upon the throne, or that which had
<i>the appearance of the likeness of a throne</i> (for God's glory
and government infinitely transcend all the brightest ideas our
minds can either form or receive concerning them); and it was <i>as
it were a sapphire-stone,</i> pure and sparkling; such a throne has
God <i>prepared in the heavens,</i> far exceeding the thrones of
any earthly potentates. 3. He is here attended with a glorious
train of holy angels. When God came into his temple <i>the cherubim
stood on the right side of the house</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.3" parsed="|Ezek|10|3|0|0" passage="Eze 10:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), as the prince's life-guard,
attending the gate of his palace. Christ has angels at command. The
orders given to all the angels of God are, to <i>worship him.</i>
Some observe that they <i>stood on the right side of the house,</i>
that is, the south side, because on the north side the image of
jealousy was, and other instances of idolatry, from which they
would place themselves at as great a distance as might be. 4. The
appearance of his glory is veiled with a cloud, and yet out of that
cloud darts forth a dazzling lustre; in <i>the house</i> and
<i>inner court</i> there was <i>a cloud</i> and darkness, which
filled them, and yet either the outer court, or the same court
after some time, <i>was full of the brightness of the Lord's
glory,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.3-Ezek.10.4" parsed="|Ezek|10|3|10|4" passage="Eze 10:3,4"><i>v.</i> 3,
4</scripRef>. There was a darting forth of light and brightness;
but if any over curious eye pried into it, it would find itself
lost in a cloud. His righteousness is conspicuous <i>as the great
mountains,</i> and the brightness of it <i>fills the court;</i> but
<i>his judgments are a great deep,</i> which we cannot fathom, <i>a
cloud</i> which we cannot see through. <i>The brightness</i>
discovers enough to awe and direct our consciences, but the
<i>cloud</i> forbids us to expect the gratifying of our curiosity;
for <i>we cannot order our speech by reasons of darkness.</i> Thus
(<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Hab.3.4" parsed="|Hab|3|4|0|0" passage="Hab 3:4">Hab. iii. 4</scripRef>) <i>he had rays
coming out of his hand, and yet there was the hiding of his
power.</i> Nothing is more clear than that God <i>is,</i> nothing
more dark than <i>what</i> he is. God <i>covers himself with
light,</i> and yet, as to us, <i>makes darkness his pavilion.</i>
God took possession of the tabernacle and the temple in a cloud,
which was always the symbol of his presence. In the temple above
there will be no cloud, but we shall see <i>face to face.</i> 5.
The cherubim, made a dreadful sound with their wings, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.5" parsed="|Ezek|10|5|0|0" passage="Eze 10:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>. The vibration of them,
as of the strings of musical instruments, made a curious melody;
bees, and other winged insects, make a noise with their wings.
Probably this intimated their preparing to remove, by stretching
forth and lifting up their wings, which made this noise as it were
to give warning of it. This noise is said to be <i>as the voice of
the almighty God when he speaks,</i> as the thunder, which is
called <i>the voice of the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p4.6" osisRef="Bible:Ps.29.3" parsed="|Ps|29|3|0|0" passage="Ps 29:3">Ps. xxix. 3</scripRef>), or <i>as the voice of the
Lord</i> when he spoke to Israel on Mount Sinai; and
<i>therefore</i> he then gave the law with abundance of terror, to
signify with what terror he would reckon for the violation of it,
which he was now about to do. This noise of their wings <i>was
heard even to the outer court,</i> the court of the people; for the
Lord's voice, in his judgments, <i>cries in the city,</i> which
those may hear that do not, as Ezekiel, see the visions of
them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p5" shownumber="no">II. The terrible directions of his wrath.
This vision has a further tendency than merely to set forth the
divine grandeur; further orders are to be given for the destruction
of Jerusalem. The greatest devastations are made by fire and sword.
For a general slaughter of the inhabitants of Jerusalem orders were
given in the foregoing chapter; now here we have a command to lay
the city in ashes, by <i>scattering coals of fire</i> upon it,
which in the vision were fetched <i>from between the
cherubim.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p6" shownumber="no">1. For the issuing out of orders to do this
<i>the glory of the Lord</i> was lifted <i>up from the cherub</i>
(as in the chapter before for the giving of orders there, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.3" parsed="|Ezek|10|3|0|0" passage="Eze 10:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>) <i>and stood</i> upon
<i>the threshold of the house,</i> in imitation of the courts of
judgement, which they kept in the gates of their cities. The people
would not hear the oracles which God had delivered to them from his
holy temple, and therefore they shall thence be made to hear their
doom.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p7" shownumber="no">2. <i>The man clothed in linen</i> who had
marked those that were to be preserved is to be employed in this
service; for <i>the same Jesus</i> that is the protector and
Saviour of those that believe, having <i>all judgement committed to
him,</i> that of condemnation as well as that of absolution, will
<i>come in a flaming fire to take vengeance on those that obey not
his gospel.</i> He that sits on the throne calls <i>to the man
clothed in linen</i> to <i>go in between the wheels, and fill his
hand with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them
over the city.</i> This intimates, (1.) That the burning of the
city and temple by the Chaldeans was a consumption determined, and
that therein they executed God's counsel, did what he designed
before should be done. (2.) That the fire of divine wrath, which
kindles judgement upon a people, is just and holy, for it is fire
fetched <i>from between the cherubim.</i> The fire on God's altar,
where atonement was made, had been slighted, to avenge which fire
is here fetched from heaven, like that by which Nadab and Abihu
were killed for offering strange fire. If a city, or town, or
house, be burnt, whether by design or accident, if we trace it in
its original, we shall find that the <i>coals</i> which kindled the
<i>fire</i> came from <i>between the wheels;</i> for there is not
any evil of that kind in the city, but the Lord has done it. (3.)
That Jesus Christ acts by commission from the Father, for from him
he <i>receives authority to execute judgement, because he is the
Son of man.</i> Christ came to <i>send fire on the earth</i>
(<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Luke.12.49" parsed="|Luke|12|49|0|0" passage="Lu 12:49">Luke xii. 49</scripRef>) and in the
great day will speak this world into ashes. By fire from his hand,
the earth, and all the works that are therein, will be burnt
up.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p8" shownumber="no">3. This <i>man clothed with linen</i>
readily attended to this service; though, being <i>clothed with
linen,</i> he was very unfit to go among the burning <i>coals,</i>
yet, being called, he said, <i>Lo, I come;</i> this commandment he
had received of his Father, and he complied with it; the prophet
saw him go in, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.2" parsed="|Ezek|10|2|0|0" passage="Eze 10:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>.
<i>He went in, and stood beside the wheels,</i> expecting to be
furnished there with the coals he was to scatter; for what Christ
was to give he first received, whether for mercy or judgement. He
was directed to take fire, but he staid till he had it given him,
to show how slow he is to execute judgement, and how long-suffering
to us-ward.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p9" shownumber="no">4. One of the cherubim reached him a
handful of fire from the midst of the living creatures. The
prophet, when he first saw this vision, observed that there were
<i>burning coals of fire,</i> and <i>lamps,</i> that <i>went up and
down among the living creatures</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.1.13" parsed="|Ezek|1|13|0|0" passage="Eze 1:13"><i>ch.</i> i. 13</scripRef>); thence this fire was
taken, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.7" parsed="|Ezek|10|7|0|0" passage="Eze 10:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. The
<i>spirit of burning, the refiner's fire,</i> by which Christ
purifies his church, is of a divine original. It is by a celestial
fire, <i>fire</i> from <i>between the cherubim,</i> that wonders
are wrought. <i>The cherubim put it into</i> his <i>hand;</i> for
the angels are ready to be employed by the Lord Jesus and to serve
all his purposes.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p10" shownumber="no">5. When he had taken the fire he <i>went
out,</i> no doubt to <i>scatter</i> it up and down upon <i>the
city,</i> as he was directed. And <i>who can abide the day of his
coming?</i> Who can stand before him when he goes out in his
anger?</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ez.xi-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.8-Ezek.10.22" parsed="|Ezek|10|8|10|22" passage="Eze 10:8-22" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Ez.xi-p10.2">
<h4 id="Ez.xi-p10.3">The Vision of the Divine
Glory. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xi-p10.4">b. c.</span> 593.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ez.xi-p11" shownumber="no">8 And there appeared in the cherubims the form
of a man's hand under their wings.   9 And when I looked,
behold the four wheels by the cherubims, one wheel by one cherub,
and another wheel by another cherub: and the appearance of the
wheels <i>was</i> as the colour of a beryl stone.   10 And
<i>as for</i> their appearances, they four had one likeness, as if
a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel.   11 When they went,
they went upon their four sides; they turned not as they went, but
to the place whither the head looked they followed it; they turned
not as they went.   12 And their whole body, and their backs,
and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, <i>were</i> full
of eyes round about, <i>even</i> the wheels that they four had.
  13 As for the wheels, it was cried unto them in my hearing,
O wheel.   14 And every one had four faces: the first face
<i>was</i> the face of a cherub, and the second face <i>was</i> the
face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the
face of an eagle.   15 And the cherubims were lifted up. This
<i>is</i> the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar.
  16 And when the cherubims went, the wheels went by them: and
when the cherubims lifted up their wings to mount up from the
earth, the same wheels also turned not from beside them.   17
When they stood, <i>these</i> stood; and when they were lifted up,
<i>these</i> lifted up themselves <i>also:</i> for the spirit of
the living creature <i>was</i> in them.   18 Then the glory of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xi-p11.1">Lord</span> departed from off the
threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.   19 And
the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth
in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also <i>were</i> beside
them, and <i>every one</i> stood at the door of the east gate of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xi-p11.2">Lord</span>'s house; and the glory of
the God of Israel <i>was</i> over them above.   20 This
<i>is</i> the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by
the river of Chebar; and I knew that they <i>were</i> the
cherubims.   21 Every one had four faces apiece, and every one
four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a man <i>was</i> under
their wings.   22 And the likeness of their faces <i>was</i>
the same faces which I saw by the river of Chebar, their
appearances and themselves: they went every one straight
forward.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p12" shownumber="no">We have here a further account of the
vision of God's glory which Ezekiel saw, here intended to introduce
that direful omen of the departure of that glory from them, which
would open the door for ruin to break in.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p13" shownumber="no">I. Ezekiel sees the glory of God shining in
the sanctuary, as he had seen it <i>by the river of Chebar,</i> and
gives an account of it, that those who had by their wickedness
provoked God to depart from them might know what they had lost and
might lament after the Lord, groaning out their Ichabod, <i>Where
is the glory?</i> Ezekiel here sees the operations of divine
Providence in the government of the lower world, and the affairs of
it, represented by the <i>four wheels;</i> and the perfections of
the holy angels, the inhabitants of the upper world, and their
ministrations, represented by the <i>four living creatures,</i>
every one of which had <i>four faces.</i> The agency of the angels
in directing the affairs of this world is represented by the close
communication that was between the <i>living creatures</i> and the
<i>wheels,</i> the wheels being guided by them in all their
motions, as the chariot is by him that drives it. But the same
Spirit being both in the <i>living creatures</i> and in the
<i>wheels</i> denoted the infinite wisdom which serves its own
purposes by the ministration of angels and all the occurrences of
this lower world. So that this vision gives out faith a view of
that throne which the Lord has <i>prepared in the heavens,</i> and
that kingdom of which <i>rules over all,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.103.19" parsed="|Ps|103|19|0|0" passage="Ps 103:19">Ps. ciii. 19</scripRef>. The prophet observes that this
was <i>the same vision</i> with that he saw by the river of Chebar
(<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.15 Bible:Ezek.10.22" parsed="|Ezek|10|15|0|0;|Ezek|10|22|0|0" passage="Eze 10:15,22"><i>v.</i> 15, 22</scripRef>), and
yet in one thing there seems to be a material difference, that that
which was there <i>was the face of an ox,</i> and was <i>on the
left side</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.1.10" parsed="|Ezek|1|10|0|0" passage="Eze 1:10"><i>ch.</i> i.
10</scripRef>), is here the <i>face of a cherub,</i> and is the
<i>first face</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.14" parsed="|Ezek|10|14|0|0" passage="Eze 10:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>), whence some have concluded that the peculiar face
of a cherub was that of an ox, which the Israelites had an eye to
when they made the golden calf. I rather think that in this latter
vision the first face was the proper appearance or figure of a
cherub, which Ezekiel knew very well, being a priest, by what he
had seen in the temple of the Lord (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.5" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.29" parsed="|1Kgs|6|29|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:29">1
Kings vi. 29</scripRef>), but which we now have no certainty of at
all; and by this Ezekiel knew assuredly, whereas before he only
conjectured it, that they were all cherubim, though putting on
different faces, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.6" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.20" parsed="|Ezek|10|20|0|0" passage="Eze 10:20"><i>v.</i>
20</scripRef>. And this first appearing in the proper figure of a
cherub, and yet it being proper to retain the number of four, that
of the ox is left out and dropped, because the face of the cherub
had been most abused by the worship of an ox. As sometimes when God
appeared to deliver his people, so now when he appeared to depart
from them, <i>he rode on a cherub, and did fly.</i> Now observe
here, 1. That this world is subject to turns, and changes, and
various revolutions. The course of affairs in it is represented by
<i>wheels</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.7" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.9" parsed="|Ezek|10|9|0|0" passage="Eze 10:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>); sometimes one spoke is uppermost and sometimes
another; they are still ebbing and flowing like the sea, waxing and
waning like the moon, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.8" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.2.4" parsed="|1Sam|2|4|0|0" passage="1Sa 2:4">1 Sam. ii.
4</scripRef>, &amp;c. Nay, their appearance is as if there were a
<i>wheel in the midst of a wheel</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.9" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.10" parsed="|Ezek|10|10|0|0" passage="Eze 10:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>), which intimates the mutual
references of providence to each other, their dependences on each
other, and the joint tendency of all to one common end, while their
motions as to us are intricate, and perplexed, and seemingly
contrary. 2. That there is an admirable harmony and uniformity in
the various occurrences of providence (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.10" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.13" parsed="|Ezek|10|13|0|0" passage="Eze 10:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>): <i>As for the wheels,</i>
though they moved several ways, yet <i>it was cried to them, O
wheel!</i> they were all as one, being guided by one Spirit to one
end; for God works all according to the counsel of his own will,
which is one, for his own glory, which is one. And this makes the
disposal of Providence truly admirable, and to be looked upon with
wonder. As the works of his creation, considered separately, were
<i>good,</i> but all together <i>very good,</i> so the wheels of
Providence, considered by themselves, are wonderful, but put them
together and they are very wonderful. <i>O wheel!</i> 3. That the
motions of Providence are steady and regular, and whatever the Lord
pleases that he does and is never put upon new counsels. <i>The
wheels turned not as they went</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.11" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.11" parsed="|Ezek|10|11|0|0" passage="Eze 10:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>), and the <i>living creatures
went every one straight forward,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.12" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.22" parsed="|Ezek|10|22|0|0" passage="Eze 10:22"><i>v.</i> 22</scripRef>. Whatever difficulties lay in
their way, they were sure to get over them, and were never obliged
to stand still, turn aside, or go back. So perfectly known to God
are all his works that he never put upon to new counsels. 4. That
God makes more use of the ministration of angels in the government
of this lower world than we are aware of: <i>The four wheels were
by the cherubim, one wheel by one cherub and another wheel by
another cherub,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.13" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.9" parsed="|Ezek|10|9|0|0" passage="Eze 10:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>. What has been imagined by some concerning the spheres
above, that every orb has its intelligence to guide it, is here
intimated concerning the wheels below, that every wheel has its
cherub to guide it. We think it a satisfaction to us if under the
wise God there are wise men employed in managing the affairs of the
kingdoms and churches; whether there be so or no, it appears by
this that there are wise angels employed, <i>a cherub to every
wheel.</i> 5. That all the motions of Providence and all the
ministrations of angels are under the government of the great God.
They are all <i>full of eyes,</i> those eyes of the Lord which run
to and fro through the earth and which the angels have always an
eye to, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.14" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.12" parsed="|Ezek|10|12|0|0" passage="Eze 10:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. The
<i>living creatures</i> and <i>the wheels</i> concur in their
motions and rests (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p13.15" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.17" parsed="|Ezek|10|17|0|0" passage="Eze 10:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>); for <i>the Spirit of life,</i> as it may be read,
or <i>the Spirit of the living creatures, is in the wheels.</i> The
Spirit of God directs all the creatures, both upper and lower, so
as to make them serve the divine purpose. Events are not determined
by the <i>wheel of fortune,</i> which is blind, but by the
<i>wheels of Providence,</i> which are full of eyes.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xi-p14" shownumber="no">II. Ezekiel sees the glory of God removing
out of the sanctuary, the place where God's honour had long dwelt,
and this sight is as sad as the other was grateful. It was pleasant
to see that God had not <i>forsaken the earth</i> (as the idolaters
suggested, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.9.9" parsed="|Ezek|9|9|0|0" passage="Eze 9:9"><i>ch.</i> ix.
9</scripRef>), but sad to see that he was forsaking his sanctuary.
The <i>glory of the Lord stood over the threshold,</i> having
thence given the necessary orders for the destruction of the city,
and it <i>stood over the cherubim,</i> not those in the most holy
place, but those that Ezekiel now saw in vision, <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.18" parsed="|Ezek|10|18|0|0" passage="Eze 10:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. It ascended that stately
chariot, as the judge, when he comes off the bench, goes into his
coach and is gone. And immediately <i>the cherubim lifted up their
wings</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p14.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.19" parsed="|Ezek|10|19|0|0" passage="Eze 10:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>),
as they were directed, and they <i>mounted up from the earth,</i>
as birds upon the wing; and, <i>when they went out,</i> the wheels
of this chariot were not drawn, but went by instinct, <i>beside
them,</i> by which it appeared that <i>the Spirit of the living
creatures was in the wheels.</i> Thus, when God is leaving a people
in displeasure, angels above, and all events here below, shall
concur to further his departure. But observe here, In the courts of
the temple where the people of Israel had dishonoured their God,
had cast off his yoke and withdrawn the shoulder from it, blessed
angels appear very ready to serve him, to draw in his chariot, and
to <i>mount upwards</i> with it. God has shown the prophet how the
will of God was disobeyed by men on earth (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p14.4" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.8.1-Ezek.8.18" parsed="|Ezek|8|1|8|18" passage="Eze 8:1-18"><i>ch.</i> viii.</scripRef>); here he shows him how
readily it is obeyed by angels and inferior creatures; and it is a
comfort to us, when we grieve for the wickedness of the wicked, to
think how his angels do his commandments, <i>hearkening to the
voice of his word,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p14.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.103.20" parsed="|Ps|103|20|0|0" passage="Ps 103:20">Ps. ciii.
20</scripRef>. Let us now, 1. Take a view of this chariot in which
<i>the glory of the God of Israel rides triumphantly.</i> He that
is the God of Israel is the God of heaven and earth, and has the
command of all the powers of both. Let the faithful Israelites
comfort themselves with this, that he who is their God is above the
cherubim; their Redeemer is so (<scripRef id="Ez.xi-p14.6" osisRef="Bible:1Pet.3.22" parsed="|1Pet|3|22|0|0" passage="1Pe 3:22">1 Pet.
iii. 22</scripRef>) and has the sole and sovereign disposal of all
events; <i>the living creatures</i> and <i>the wheels</i> agree to
serve him, so that he is <i>head over all things to the church.</i>
The rabbin call this vision that Ezekiel had <i>Mercabah</i>—the
<i>vision of the chariot;</i> and thence they call the more
abstruse part of divinity, which treats concerning God and spirits,
<i>Opus currus</i>—<i>The work of the chariot,</i> as they do the
other part, that is more plain and familiar, <i>Opus
bereshith</i>—<i>The work of the creation.</i>—2. Let us attend
the motions of this chariot: The <i>cherubim, and the glory of God
above them, stood at the door of the east gate of the Lord's
house,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xi-p14.7" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.10.19" parsed="|Ezek|10|19|0|0" passage="Eze 10:19"><i>v.</i> 19</scripRef>.
But observe with how many stops and pauses God departs, as loth to
go, as if to see if there be any that will intercede with him to
return. None of the priests in the inner court, between the temple
and the altar, would court his stay; therefore he leaves their
court, and stands at the <i>east gate,</i> which led into the
<i>court of the people,</i> to see if any of them would yet at
length stand in the gap. Note, God removes by degrees from a
provoking people; and, when he is ready to depart in displeasure,
would return to them in mercy if they were but a repenting praying
people.</p>
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