He that is far off shall die of the pestilence; and he that is near shall fall by the sword; and he that remaineth and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my fury upon them.
Now the Prophet explains himself how the Israelites were to be destroyed by famine, the sword, and pestilence, namely, those who shall be far off shall die by pestilence; that is, after they think themselves hidden in secret places, so that no danger nor inconvenience can overtake them, they shall die there by pestilence. For when they were dragged into distant exile, they thought themselves altogether remote from all harm.
The Prophet must show by gesture that he believes what he says and grieves over it deeply. Those who know the worth of souls will endure ridicule to edify the weak. We are bound to lament not only our own sins but the evil abominations of others and the ruin they bring upon themselves.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 6:11-14
Then shall ye know that I am the Lord,.... Whom they had denied, by serving other gods; but now by those punishments their eyes would be opened to see, and be obliged to acknowledge, that there was no God but the Lord: when their slain men shall be among their idols round about their altars; as is threatened, Eze 6:5; by which it will appear...