Verse 1

CONTENTS

In this chapter comes in the threatened overthrow of Egypt. The Lord is reckoning with the nations, and Israel's ancient foe must not go unpunished.

Verses 1-12

Here are sad things to be done for the humbling of Egypt, and which God will certainly accomplish. But what I particularly beg the Reader to observe, because it is indeed the general cause the Lord assigns for his judgments upon those various nations, is, that it is to punish Egypt for the having done evil to his people. They have been, saith the Lord, a staff of reed to the house of Israel. The Reader will not need, I should hope, any observation from me to show the importance of this doctrine, neither the graciousness of it. Here again, as before, I beg the Reader to make a right calculation, if he can, of the greatness of the mercy.

Verses 13-16

Remark, I pray you, Reader, the blessedness of this promise. Egypt, as a Gentile nation, is to be gathered; and though ever after she is to be kept in the greatest humbleness, yea, as a base nation, but this seems to be spoken of as no disadvantage, it is blessed to be vile in our own eyes, if lovely in Christ Jesus before God. For God hath chosen base things of the world, and things which are despised, to bring to nought things that are. 1 Corinthians 1:28. Read that sweet promise, Isaiah 19:18-25.

Verses 17-21

There was a long interval, even of seventeen years, between the first part of this chapter and the prophecy here delivered, and it should seem to have been the last of Ezekiel's prophecies. But there is certainly a great reason for its being placed here, because it is a confirmation of what was said before, so that the prediction and fulfillment of it might be read together. Reader! how beautiful and blessed the chapter ends. Is it not a gracious promise concerning the Lord Jesus Christ? Who but Christ can be said to be the horn of his people? And what is the opening of the mouth, spiritually considered, but the Lord Jesus bringing redemption to his Church? Precious Jesus! well may thy people so often join in holy Zacharias's hymn, and say with him, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. Luke 1:68-69.

Verse 21

REFLECTIONS

READER! behold Egypt here humbled for all her sins, and all her oppressions over Israel. Think how long and grievous were her cruelties exercised over the Lord's heritage! But her time is come, and woe to the oppressor when God ariseth. Oh! how sure and certain it is, that Jesus will account with all the enemies of his people; sooner or later the Lord will recompense sevenfold into their bosom.

Reader! do not overlook, however, God's grace in man's humblings. If Egypt be visited by grace, Egypt shall be brought from her captivity. The Lord can, and the Lord hath said he will, raise up an altar to the Lord in the midst of Egypt: and when they cry by reason of the oppressors, the Lord will send them a Saviour, and a great one, and he shall deliver them. Precious Lord Jesus! what may we not hope from thee and thy great salvation? When the Lord Jehovah causeth the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and Jesus shall arise to bless his redeemed, then shall Israel be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, whom the Lord of Hosts shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt my people, and Assyria the work of mine hands, and Israel mine inheritance! Amen.