BibleTools.info

Verses 45-49

This paragraph is in the Hebrew text, Septuagint and Vulgate the beginning of Ezekiel 20:46

In this verse occur three Hebrew synonyms for “south,” denoting:

(1) the region on the right, Teman 1 Samuel 23:24;

(2) the region of dryness, Negeb Joshua 15:4;

(3) the region of brightness, Darom Deuteronomy 33:23.

The variety of terms helps the force of the application. Chebar is in the north of Babylonia; from the north the Chaldaeans came upon Judaea (see the Ezekiel 1:4 note).

Ezekiel 20:47

Forest of the south - The land of Israel. See Ezekiel 21:1-2.

Ezekiel 20:49

Parables - Compare Ezekiel 17:2. The meaning of the prophet was clear enough, if those whom he addressed had chosen to understand.

Judah and Jerusalem had been full of people, as a forest of trees, but empty of fruit. God's word prophesies against those who bring not forth the fruits of righteousness. When He will ruin a nation, who or what can save it? The plainest truths were as parables to the people. It is common for those who will not be wrought upon by the word, to blame it.