4. Another symbolical act performed at the same time as the former,
in vision, not in external action, wherein it would have been only
puerile: narrated as a thing ideally done, it would make a vivid
impression. The second action is supplementary to the first, to bring
out more fully the same prophetic idea.
left side--referring to the position of the ten tribes, the
northern kingdom, as Judah, the southern, answers to "the right
side"
(Eze 4:6).
The Orientals facing the east in their mode, had the north on their
left, and the south on their right
(Eze 16:46).
Also the right was more honorable than the left: so Judah as being the
seat of the temple, was more so than Israel.
bear the iniquity--iniquity being regarded as a burden; so it
means, "bear the punishment of their iniquity"
(Nu 14:34).
A type of Him who was the great sin-bearer, not in mimic show as
Ezekiel, but in reality
(Isa 53:4, 6, 12).
JFB.
Picture Study Bible