Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Ezekiel
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 31
Overview:
The
Glory of
Assyria.
(1-9) Its fall, and the like for
Egypt.
(10-18)
1-9 The falls of others, both into
Sin and ruin, warn us not to
be secure or high-minded. The
Prophet is to show an instance of
one whom the
King of
Egypt resembled in greatness, the Assyrian,
compared to a stately
Cedar. Those who excel others, make
themselves the objects of envy; but the blessings of the
heavenly
Paradise are not liable to such alloy. The utmost
security that any
Creature can give, is but like the
Shadow of a
tree, a scanty and slender protection. But let us flee to
God
for protection, there we shall be safe. His
Hand must be owned
in the rising of the great men of the
Earth, and we must not
envy them. Though worldly people may seem to have firm
prosperity, yet it only seems
So.
10-18 The
King of
Egypt resembled the
King of
Assyria in his
greatness: here we see he resembles him in his pride. And he
shall resemble him in his fall. His own
Sin brings his ruin.
None of our comforts are ever lost, but what have been a
thousand times forfeited. When great men fall, many fall with
them, as many have fallen before them. The fall of proud men is
for warning to others, to keep them humble. See how low
Pharaoh
lies; and see what all his pomp and pride are come to. It is
best to be a lowly tree of
Righteousness, yielding
Fruit to the
Glory of
God, and to the good of men. The wicked
Man is often
seen flourishing like the
Cedar, and spreading like the green
Bay tree, but he soon passes away, and his place is
No more
found. Let us then
Mark the perfect
Man, and behold the upright,
for the
End of that
Man is peace.