Ezekiel 7:23

“Make a chain, &c.] To bind them; not the robbers, the Chaldeans, but the Jews; in order either to bring them to the bar to be tried for capital crimes hereafter mentioned, or to be led bound in chains into captivity; (see <160310> Nehemiah 3:10); for the land is full of bloody crimes; or, “judgment of bloods”f107; capital crimes, such as are deserving of death, particularly murder, or shedding of innocent blood; so the Targum interprets it of sins of murder: and the city is full of violence; rapine, oppression, and injury done to the poor, the widow, and the fatherless; meaning the city of Jerusalem, where was the great court of judicature, and where justice ought to have been administered.”

“chain--symbol of the captivity (compare Jer 27:2). As they enchained the land with violence, so shall they be chained themselves. It was customary to lead away captives in a row with a chain passed from the neck of one to the other. Therefore translate as the Hebrew requires, "the chain," namely, that usually employed on such occasions. CALVIN explains it, that the Jews should be dragged, whether they would or no, before God's tribunal to be tried as culprits in chains. The next words favor this: "bloody crimes," rather, "judgment of bloods," that is, with blood sheddings deserving the extreme judicial penalty. Compare Jer 51:9 : "Her judgment reacheth unto heaven."”

“Make a chain - Forge the chain, the chain of imprisonment determined for them. return to 'Top of Page'”

“A chain - To bind the captives. Ezekiel 7:24”

“7:23-27 Neither religious authorities (prophets and priests) nor civil leaders (king or prince) could bring the peace the people were looking for. High-born and low-born alike would be helpless in facing their judgment. In the complete absence of guidance and direction, no hope would be left for the people.”

“a chain: Eze 19:3-6; Jer 27:2, Jer 40:1; Lam 3:7; Nah 3:10 for: Eze 9:9, Eze 11:6, Eze 22:3-6, Eze 22:9, Eze 22:13, Eze 22:27; Kg2 21:16, Kg2 24:4; Isa 1:15, Isa 59:3, Isa 59:7; Jer 2:34, Jer 7:6, Jer 22:17; Hos 4:2; Mic 2:2, Mic 7:2; Zep 3:3, Zep 3:4 Ezekiel 7:24”

“Fourth Strophe Still worse is coming, namely, the captivity of the people, and overthrow of the kingdom. - Eze 7:23. Make the chain, for the land is full of capital crime, and the city full of outrage. Eze 7:24. I shall bring evil ones of the nations, that they may take possession of their houses; and I shall put an end to the pride of the strong, that their sanctuaries may be defiled. Eze 7:25. Ruin has come; they seek salvation, but there is none. Eze 7:26. Destruction upon destruction cometh, and report upon report ariseth; they seek visions from prophets, but the law will vanish away from the priest, and counsel from the elders. Eze 7:27. The king will mourn, and the prince will clothe…”