Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
Ver. 2. Son of man, put forth a riddle.] Acue acumen, sharpen a sharpening, or whet a whetting. The prophet might have expressed God's mind in fewer words; but then it would not have taken so deep an impression. Parents must whet God's word upon their children, Deu 6:7 ministers upon their people, and Christians upon one another for the increase of love and good works. Heb 10:24 Riddles exercise the wit, and parables help the memory, and excite both attention and affection.