And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
The kingdom of Israel was already gone when Ezekiel spoke, yet the prophecy is not out of place: God sent word partly to explain why the ten tribes had been dragged into exile, and partly to teach the remnant still scattered in the land why they suffered. Punishment without understanding of its cause does no good; the people needed to know their obstinacy and idolatry brought this ruin.
AI summary
The prophet must set his face against those mountains as a judge pronounces sentence on a prisoner. The mountains of Israel once were holy, but now polluted with idolatry; God's controversy will have a hearing whether men listen or refuse. Better to speak to the hills than to a people who stretch out their hands in vain and contradict the Lord's own messengers.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 6:1-7
The prophet directs his face toward the mountains because idolatry was practised there, but also to shame the people: they had grown so stupid, so unwilling to hear God's word, that He speaks to stones instead. Since they put away His word and were unworthy of it, the prophecy comes with a degree of indignation and resentment.
AI summary