John Calvin Commentary Ezekiel 5:11

"Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish [thee]; neither shall mine eye spare, and I also will have no pity." — Ezekiel 5:11 (ASV)

Here God again expresses more clearly why he was so eager to take vengeance, namely, because the religion of the Jews was corrupt, and the Temple had been violated, as we shall see tomorrow.

Prayer:

Grant, Almighty God, since at this time you have so familiarly manifested yourself to us in the gospel of Christ our Lord, that we may learn to raise our eyes to the light which has been prepared for us; and grant that we may have them so fixed that we may be directed and urged towards the object of our existence, until, the duties of our calling being finished, we may arrive at length to you, and enjoy also with you that glory which your only-begotten Son acquired for us by his blood. — Amen.

[Exposition continues from previous day's lecture]

Yesterday, after Ezekiel had prophesied concerning the slaughter of Jerusalem, he expressed one reason why God was so angry against that city, which he had formerly chosen for his dwelling. He says, they had violated or polluted his sanctuary.

Now therefore we see how greatly important that true and pure religion is before God, whose pollution he so severely avenges. Indeed, the safety of the city depended solely on the pure worship of God.

Therefore, the profanation of the Temple was just as if they had rejected God himself and renounced his aid. Lastly, that impiety sufficiently shows that they despised whatever God had promised them.

And these words are to be marked, where he says, even I will diminish thee, and my eye shall not spare, and I will not pardon, because nothing is more precious to God than that worship which he has commanded: when his sanctuary is polluted, it is no wonder if he is so angry.