A pagan artisan once...
Illustration
A pagan artisan once manufactured a goblet, in the bottom of which was fixed the model of a serpent. Coiled for the cruel spring, a pair of burning eyes in its head, its fangs ready to strike, it bay beneath the ruby wine. The cup was of gold, and chastely-wrought without. Never did the thirsty man, who lifted the cup to quench his thirst and drink the delicious wine, suspect what lay below; till, as he reached the dregs, that dreadful head rose and gleamed with terror and menace before his eyes. It is not when you look on the brimming cup of temptation and sin that you see its power to hurt you. It is when the cup is empty that the serpent of remorse, guilt, despair, and punishment rises with its ghastly menace upon the astounded soul.
Pharaoh and his Egypt had enjoyed pleasures and prosperity for a long time. But because of their continual fall into sin and wickedness, Ezekiel here pronounces God's judgment upon them. Indeed, their cup had come up empty. There would be remorse, guilt, despair, and punishment to pay.
- Miller
