HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

EZECHIEL 8

CHAPTER VIII.

Ver. 1. Sixth of the prophet's captivity, (C.) in August, A. 3411. Usher --- He had rested on his left or right side, whenever he slept during 430 days, and on the following had this vision. W. --- He was stationed in spirit at the northern gate leading to the court of the priests, and beheld the glory of God and the idol of jealousy. He saw the people, men and women, adoring idols, and priests worshipping the sun. C. ix. God rests on the gate of the temple, and orders a man to sign those who were to live, and six others to destroy the rest. The prophet prays. C. x. God orders the man clothed in linen to take coals from the cherubim, and sprinkle them through the city. The throne goes to receive the Lord. C. xi. Ezechiel prophesies against many, at the eastern gate; and God informs him that the former captives shall return, but that the wicked at Jerusalem shall perish. His chariot then rests on the mountain to the east of the city. Thus his reasons for punishing the people become evident.

Ver. 2. Likeness. Sept. add, "of a man," as it had appeared C. i. 27.

Ver. 3. Lock, like Habacuc; (Dan. xiv. 35.) or by a bandage, on which parts of the law were written. Heb. C. --- Of jealousy; Baal, (S. Jer.) or any other idol, (H.) particularly Adonis. v. 14. He fell a victim to the jealousy of Mars.

Ver. 10. About. This was the council chamber. Jer. xxvi. 10. They durst not publicly adore the Egyptian, &c. idols. C. --- They denied Providence. v. 12. H. --- The wicked do not regard it, and hence fall into idolatry. W.

Ver. 11. Jezonias. He probably was over the temple, as his father had been. 4 K. xxii. 3. C.

Ver. 14. Adonis, the favourite of Venus, slain by a wild boar, as feigned by the heathen poets, and which being here represented by an idol, is lamented by the female worshippers of that goddess. In Heb. the name is Tammuz, (Ch.) which means "concealed," as Adonis signifies "my lord." This idol, which the Egyptians called Osiris, was placed in a coffin, and bewailed till it was pretended he was come to life, when rejoicings took place. Obscene pictures were carried about; and the more honest pagans were ashamed of these practices, which began in Egypt, and became almost general. Moses alludes to them, Lev. xix. 27. Deut. xiv. 1. C. --- David and Solomon say that the image was made of brass, with eyes of lead, which seemed to weep, melting when it was hot. W. --- But this is destitute of proof.

Ver. 16. Men. Twelve priests and as many Levites officiated daily. The high priest made the twenty fifth. 1 Par. xxiv. --- Sun. They prayed to God, turning their faces to the west: but here they despised him, and adored the sun. Job xxxi. 26. C. --- This posture was common. Illi ad surgentem conversi lumina solum. Ã†n. xii. Serv. --- Christians did the like, though the reason is not ascertained. C. --- It might be because Christ is the orient, and not to resemble the Jews. There was no danger of their being taken for idolaters. H.

Ver. 17. Nose, to hide their faces respectfully, (C.) when they look at the sun rising. H. --- A thyrsus was used in honour of Bacchus, who is often confounded with the sun. Various improbable versions of this text are given. It may signify Heb. "they threw their instruments down before their faces," like the twenty-four elders. Apoc. v. 8. C.