Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:12
A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.
Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And I put a jewel on thy forehead, &c.] The same with the nose jewel, which was hung upon the forehead, and reached down to the nose and mouth; and, however disagreeable it may seem to us, was reckoned very ornamental in the eastern countries, (<230321>Isaiah 3:21 <012422>Genesis 24:22,47); and where now, as in Persia, as well as in all the Levant, the women put rings through their noses, which they pierce with needles, as Monsieur Thevenotf214 relates; so Dr. Shawf215 says that nose jewels are used still by the Levant Arabs. The Targum applies it to the ark, thus, “and I put the ark of my covenant among you;” but may be better applied a public profession of religion, which every good man ought to make, and take up from principles of grace received; this is bearing the name of Christ and the name of his Father in their foreheads; which is very ornamental to the believer, and well pleasing to Christ, (<451009>Romans 10:9,10 <661401>Revelation 14:1 <401032>Matthew 10:32); and earrings in thine ears. The Targum is, “and the clouds of my glory overshadowed you;” but it may be better interpreted of the spiritual ears God gives his people in conversion; by which they hear his word, so as to understand it; hear the voice of Christ, so as to distinguish it from the voice of a stranger; and hear his Gospel, so as to believe and receive it, approve of it, and love it, and act in conformity to it: and a beautiful crown upon thine head. The Targum paraphrases it thus, “and an angel, sent from before me, led at the head of you:” referring to (<022320>Exodus 23:20); with which Jarchi compares (<330213>Micah 2:13) but may be better illustrated by the beautiful crown of twelve stars, the doctrine of the twelve apostles of Christ, said to he upon the head of the church; and is upon the head of every believer that holds the mystery of the faith in pure conscience; that holds fast the faithful word, and will not let it go, that so no man may take away his crown, (<661201>Revelation 12:1 3:11).
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