Ezekiel a sign.
This prophet was commissioned to utter many words and to perform many actions which were of the nature of signs to Israel. But in this verse, by God's own instruction, Ezekiel is directed, not to show, but to be, a sign to the people. In his own person, in his own remarkable experience, he typified great truths.
I. IN THE AFFLICTION WHICH BEFELL HIM.
II. IN THE ANGUISH WHICH HE EXPERIENCED.
III. IN HIS SILENT SUBMISSION TO DIVINE APPOINTMENTS.
IV. IN HIS UNCOMPLAINING OBEDIENCE TO DIVINE BEHESTS.
V. IN HIS DESIRE AND RESOLUTION, BY ALL HIS EXPERIENCE AND ACTION, TO GLORIFY GOD.
APPLICATION. There are occasions when a good man can do little in the way of directly benefiting or influencing the ungodly by whom he may be surrounded. But even in such circumstances he may be a witness to God, and he may render service to his fellow-men, by his own life, and especially by his demeanor in times of affliction and trial.—T.