Ezekiel:11

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* Verse 1-13 - Where Satan cannot persuade men to look upon the judgment to come as uncertain , he gains his point by persuading them to look upon it as at a distance . These wretched rulers dare to say , We are as safe in this city as flesh in a boiling pot ; the walls of the city shall be to us as walls of brass , we shall receive no more damage from the besiegers than the caldron does from the fire . When sinners flatter themselves to their own ruin , it is time to tell them they shall have no peace if they go on . None shall remain in possession of the city but those who are buried in it . Those are least safe who are most secure . God is often pleased to single out some sinners for warning to others . Whether Pelatiah died at that time in Jerusalem , or when the fulfilment of the prophecy drew near , is uncertain . Like Ezekiel , we ought to be much affected with the sudden death of others , and we should still plead with the Lord to have mercy on those who remain . * Verse 14-21 - The pious captives in Babylon were insulted by the Jews who continued in Jerusalem ; but God made gracious promises to them . It is promised , that God will give them one heart ; a heart firmly fixed for God , and not wavering . All who are made holy have a new spirit , a new temper and dispositions ; they act from new principles , walk by new rules , and aim at new ends . A new name , or a new face , will not serve without a new spirit . If any man be in Christ , he is a new creature . The carnal heart , like a stone , cannot be made to feel . Men live among the dead and dying , and are neither concerned nor humbled . He will make their hearts tender and fit to receive impressions : this is God 's work , it is his gift by promise ; and a wonderful and happy change is wrought by it , from death to life . Their practices shall be agreeable to those principles . These two must and will go together . When the sinner feels his need of these blessings , let him present the promises as prayers in the name of Christ , they will be performed . * Verse 22-25 - Here is the departure of God 's presence from the city and temple . It was from the Mount of Olives that the vision went up , typifying the ascension of Christ to heaven from that very mountain . Though the Lord will not forsake his people , yet he may be driven away from any part of his visible church by their sins , and woe will be upon them when He withdraws his presence , glory , and protection . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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