Unbelief finds difficulties where faith bows with adoring reverence. As I write not for skeptics, but for those who truly know Christ whose sufferings and glories Isaiah foretold, I shall pay but slight attention to the objections of those unbelieving, natural men, albeit distinguished in the world of letters and in the Christless religious circles of the day. Many professing Christians pay little or no attention to the prophetic word, but in neglecting that which formed so large a part of the Holy Scriptures, they wrong their own souls and dishonor Him who gave His Word for our edification and comfort. The real value of prophecy is that it occupies us with a Person, not merely with events. That Person is our Lord Jesus Christ who came once to suffer and is coming again to reign. Of both these advents Isaiah treats, and that In a way more plain and full than do any of the other Old Testament seers.
For many years it has been on my heart to try to produce a running commentary on the book of Ezekiel, but until the present, circumstances have not permitted this. During the last few months it has brought great blessing to my own soul as I have given many hours daily to meditation upon and study of this remarkable book, of which the present work is the result. No one can be more conscious than I of its many imperfections, and yet it is my hope that there may be enough in it of a truly spiritual character that it will prove a means of blessing and edification to those who take the time to read it thoughtfully and prayerfully. H. A. Ironside
Much of the material embodied in this volume has appeared in the course of the past nine years, in The Sunday School Times, and is used here in accordance with an understanding had with, and permission given by, the owners of that periodical when I assumed responsibility for the leading article on the weekly International Lesson. With so much matter already in print and available for use, it was thought best not to wait until circumstances permitted me to give a series of lectures on Matthew to be stenographically reported and edited for publication, but rather to write a connected exposition, filling in with new material what was lacking in the notes from The Sunday School Times. This accounts for the different form in which this book appears to those on the other Gospels for which I have been responsible. I send the book out with the earnest prayer that it may prove helpful to many. —H. A. Ironside