Historical chapter commentary
Verse 1. Face, to adore God. Menochius.—Son of man. Our Saviour, out of humility, takes this title, which no other gave him; as the angel does commonly to this prophet, who was his figure: few else have received it, (Daniel 8:17) but the reason is not known. Worthington.—God here teaches Ezechiel not to boast of the honour shewn to him, since he must always remember that he is but a feeble mortal. Calmet.
Verse 2. Spirit of prophecy; (Saint Jerome Tirinus.) or, I revived, and took courage.
Verse 3. Israel. His commission was chiefly to them. Calmet.
Verse 5. Forbear to sin. Bible.—He thus insinuates free-will. Saint Jerome—If they refuse to hear my prophet, they will at least perceive that hey are inexcusable. Calmet.
Verse 6. Scorpions. This people is no less destructive ( Bible.) and hardened. Psalms 117:12.—For might be better rendered, “though.” Calmet.
Verse 8. Eat. “If we do not eat the open book, we cannot teach.” Saint Jerome
Verse 9. Without. This was only done when the work was long. Calmet.—
Scriptus et in tergo, necdum finitus Orestes. Juv. 1.
—Septuagint “past and present things were written in it.” Bible.—Woe, or the words of the penitent, of the blessed, and of the damned. Worthington.—The canticles were of a mournful nature, and the prophet had sorrows to announce. Calmet.
The word translated “Lord” is “Adonai.”