Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to:
Ezekiel
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 29
Overview:
The
Desolation of
Egypt.
(1-16) Also a promise of
Mercy to
Israel.
(17-21)
1-16 Worldly,
Carnal minds pride themselves in their property,
forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from
God, and
should use it for
God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great
Idol which all the world worships, in contempt of
God and his
Sovereignty.
God can force men out of that in which they are
most secure and easy. Such a one, and all that cleave to him,
shall perish together. Thus
End men's pride, presumption, and
Carnal security. The
Lord is against those who do harm to his
people, and still more against those who lead them into
Sin.
Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of
the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History
shows the complete fulfilment of this
Prophecy.
God, not only in
Justice, but in
Wisdom and
Goodness to us, breaks the
Creature-stays
On which we lean, that they may be
No more our
confidence.
17-21 The besiegers of
Tyre obtained little plunder. But when
God employs ambitious or covetous men, he will recompense them
according to the desires of their hearts; for every
Man shall
have his reward.
God had
Mercy in store for the
House of
Israel
soon after. The history of nations best explains ancient
prophecies. All events fulfil the Scriptures. Thus, in the
deepest scenes of adversity, the
Lord sows the seed of our
future prosperity. Happy are those who desire his favour,
Grace,
and image; they will delight in his service, and not covet any
earthly recompence; and the blessings they have
Chosen shall be
sure to them for ever.