37 I will take note of you as you pass under my rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.
37 And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond
37 I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant.
37 I'll scrutinize and search every person as you arrive, and I'll bring you under the bond of the covenant.
37 "I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant;
37 I will examine you carefully and hold you to the terms of the covenant.
10 See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried
10 Do you see what I've done? I've refined you, but not without fire. I've tested you like silver in the furnace of affliction.
10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
10 I have refined you, but not as silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering.
(Read Isaiah 48:9-15)
We have nothing ourselves to plead with God, why he should have mercy upon us. It is for his praise, to the honour of his mercy, to spare. His bringing men into trouble was to do them good. It was to refine them, but not as silver; not so thoroughly as men refine silver. If God should take that course, they are all dross, and, as such, might justly be put away. He takes them as refined in part only. Many have been brought home to God as chosen vessels, and a good work of grace begun in them, in the furnace of affliction. It is comfort to God's people, that God will secure his own honour, therefore work deliverance for them. And if God delivers his people, he cannot be at a loss for instruments to be employed. God has formed a plan, in which, for his own sake, and the glory of his grace, he saves all that come to Him.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 20:37
Commentary on Ezekiel 20:33-44
(Read Ezekiel 20:33-44)
The wicked Israelites, notwithstanding they follow the sinful ways of other nations, shall not mingle with them in their prosperity, but shall be separated from them for destruction. There is no shaking off God's dominion; and those who will not yield to the power of his grace, shall sink under the power of his wrath. But not one of God's jewels shall be lost in the lumber of this world. He will bring the jews to the land of Israel again; and will give them true repentance. They will be overcome with his kindness: the more we know of God's holiness, the more we see the hateful nature of sin. Those who remain unaffected amidst means of grace, and would live without Christ, like the world around them, may be sure it is the way to destruction.