Page 68 - NOTES ON EZEKIEL

*62 NOTES ON EZEKIEL.

outward force or influence. The elders liked these abo­
minations; they ran after idols with secret greediness,
and they gratified their lust after false gods by placing
the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face,
in bold, open, deliberate rebellion against Jehovah.
To come, then, under such circumstances, and profess­
edly inquire into the mind of Jehovah, was but the
-shamelessness of the unjust. “ Should I be enquired
of at all by them ?” To insult God by worshipping
idols, and yet thus to come before His prophet, was too
gross and obdurate, instead of any hopeful sign of re*
pentance. The word for such is that Jehovah would
answer him that comes according to the multitude of
his idols. He is mighty and despises not any; but He
will be no party to His own dishonour; and His judg­
ments He makes salutary to those that fear Him. How
-else could He answer the rebellious elders but in a way
to make His majesty felt ? They sought an answer in
curiosity; He would prove the worthlessness of their
many idols, “ that I may catch the house of Israel by
their heart because they have become all of them
estranged from me by their idols.” Elders and people
they were gone from God who would deal with their
heart—above them wherein they dealt proudly.
Then comes a still more explicit message to the
Jiouse of Israel in verses 6—11, that they should
repent and turn from their idols: otherwise Jehovah
should answer such inquirers by Himself, and this by
cutting them off, whether a deceived prophet or such as
might seek to them. “ Therefore say unto the house
of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Repent, and
‘turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your