I will cause the fish-to stick unto thy scales] Most fish are sorely troubled with a species of insect which bury their heads in their flesh, under their scales, and suck out the vital juices. The allusion seems to be to this. Pharaoh was the crocodile; the fish, the common people; and the sticking to his scales, the insurrection by which he was wasted and despoiled of his kingdom.

Ezek. 29:1-16 Worldly, carnal minds pride themselves in their property forgetting that whatever we have, we received it from God, and shoul use it for God. Why, then, do we boast? Self is the great idol whic all the world worships, in contempt of God and his sovereignty. God can force men out of that in which they are most secure and easy. Such one, and all that cleave to him, shall perish together. Thus end men' pride, presumption, and carnal security. The Lord is against those wh do harm to his people, and still more against those who lead them int sin. Egypt shall be a kingdom again, but it shall be the basest of the kingdoms; it shall have little wealth and power. History shows the complete fulfilment of this prophecy. God, not only in justice, but in wisdom and goodness to us, breaks the creature-stays on which we lean that they may be no more our confidence.

Ezek. 29:17-21 The besiegers of Tyre obtained little plunder. But when God employs ambitious or covetous men, he will recompense the according to the desires of their hearts; for every man shall have his reward. God had mercy in store for the house of Israel soon after. The history of nations best explains ancient prophecies. All events fulfi the Scriptures. Thus, in the deepest scenes of adversity, the Lord sow the seed of our future prosperity. Happy are those who desire his favour, grace, and image; they will delight in his service, and no covet any earthly recompence; and the blessings they have chosen shal be sure to them for ever __________________________________________________________________

Original Hebrew