Ezekiel 16

Ezekiel 16:2

Returned - Probably upon the king of Babylon’s first invading Judah, many fled, and more as he went on his conquests, over - running the country; and it is likely at the taking of the city, many escaped, and fled into several countries, as they had opportunity, or judged this or that country would be safest; some fled to Moab, some to Ammon some to Edom, some one way, and some another: but when they heard that the king of Babylon had set a governor of their own religion and country over them, they came back to him; and there being few people left in the land, which was wonderfully fruitful, they gathered plenty of grapes, and other summer fruits.

Ezekiel 16:3

Moreover - They had been with him before, but now they come to discover a conspiracy against his life.

Ezekiel 16:8

Now - Three months after the city was taken. Ishmael - The same Ishmael that came to Gedaliah, ver.8,9, to whom he sware protection; only here we are told he was of the royal blood, which might both raise his spirits, as having a more legal pretence to the government, and rendered him a fitter instrument, for Baalis the king or queen of the Ammonites to make use of. The princes - Some of the princes, who had escaped the army of the king of Babylon.

Ezekiel 16:10

Slew - All those who were about the court of Gedaliah.

Ezekiel 16:11

No man - No man who lived at any distance from Mizpah.

Ezekiel 16:12

There came men - Who possibly had not heard of the temple being burnt. Cut themselves - With all indications of mourning used in those countries.

Ezekiel 16:15

He forebare - His covetousness prevailed over his cruelty.

Ezekiel 16:32

Good or evil - Whether grateful or ungrateful to us.

Ezekiel 16:36

I repent - I am satisfied with the punishment your nation hath undergone, and as to the remainder, will change the course of my providence.

Ezekiel 16:56

Tahpanhes - It was at this time the place where the king of Egypt made his residence.

Ezekiel 16:61

Carry them - He shall carry away both the idols, and the inhabitants of Egypt captive. With the land - With the spoils of the land of Egypt, he shall clothe his army.

Ezekiel 16:62

Beth - shemesh - Beth - shemesh is the name of a city, which had its name from a famous temple of the sun.