30. Not only the remnant in Judea, but those at the Chebar, though
less flagrantly, betrayed the same unbelieving spirit.
talking against thee--Though going to the prophet to hear the word
of the Lord, they criticised, in an unfriendly spirit, his
peculiarities of manner and his enigmatical style
(Eze 20:49);
making these the excuse for their impenitence. Their talking was not
directly "against" Ezekiel, for they professed to like his
ministrations; but God's word speaks of things as they really are, not
as they appear.
by the walls--in the public haunts. In the East groups assemble under
the walls of their houses in winter for conversation.
in the doors--privately.
what is the word--Their motive was curiosity, seeking pastime and
gratification of the ear
(2Ti 4:3);
not reformation of the heart. Compare Johanan's consultation of
Jeremiah, to hear the word of the Lord without desiring to do it
(Jer 42:1-43:13).
JFB.
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