MPV Commentary

This eighth chapter marks a new stage of Ezekiel's prophecies and continues until the end of the eleventh chapter. The connected visions in chapters 3-7 focused on Judah and Israel, but the visions from this point forward refer specifically to Jerusalem and the remnant of Judah under Zedekiah, distinguishing them from the Babylonian exiles.

1. In the sixth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin (as mentioned in Ezekiel 1:2), which was a significant event for the exiles, Ezekiel had already completed his period of lying on his sides for 390 days (Ezekiel 4:5-6). This computation of years from the exile served to humble the Jews and highlight their unrepentant state despite prolonged chastisement.

elders - those who were taken captive with Jehoiachin and now residing at Chebar. They sat before Ezekiel, eager to hear God's word in the absence of temple worship during the exile (Ezekiel 33:30-31). Their presence was a deliberate act by God, leaving them without excuse.

The hand of the Lord God came upon me - a powerful and mighty operation that fell upon Ezekiel like a thunderbolt. Whatever he was about to utter was not his own words, but rather the result of God's power reigning in him (Ezekiel 1:3).

2. The likeness I saw was that of a man, representing Messiah, the Angel of the covenant, through whom God manifests Himself (Ezekiel 1:26; John 1:18). The fire from his loins downward symbolized God's vengeance against the wicked Jews, while purifying and sparing the remnant. The brightness upward represented His unapproachable majesty (1 Timothy 6:16).

The color of amber - a glittering appearance like polished brass (Ezekiel 1:4).

3. Instead of addressing the elders directly, the Spirit carried Ezekiel away in vision to the temple at Jerusalem. He reports what he witnessed, dividing his message into two parts: first, the abominations he observed...