mh_parser/vol_split/26 - Ezekiel/Chapter 40.xml

<div2 id="Ez.xli" n="xli" next="Ez.xlii" prev="Ez.xl" progress="65.10%" title="Chapter XL">
<h2 id="Ez.xli-p0.1">E Z E K I E L.</h2>
<h3 id="Ez.xli-p0.2">CHAP. XL.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Ez.xli-p1" shownumber="no">The waters of the sanctuary which this prophet saw
in vision (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.47.1" parsed="|Ezek|47|1|0|0" passage="Eze 47:1"><i>ch.</i> xlvii.
1</scripRef>) are a proper representation of this prophecy.
Hitherto the waters have been sometimes but to the ankles, in other
places to the knees, or to the loins, but now the waters have
risen, and have become "a river which cannot be passed over." Here
is one continued vision, beginning at this chapter, to the end of
the book, which is justly looked upon to be one of the most
difficult portions of scripture in all the book of God. The Jews
will not allow any to read it till they are thirty years old, and
tell those who do read it that, though they cannot understand every
thing in it, "when Elias comes he will explain it." Many
commentators, both ancient and modern, have owned themselves at a
loss what to make of it and what use to make of it. But because it
is hard to be understood we must not therefore throw it by, but
humbly search concerning it, get as far as we can into it and as
much as we can out of it, and, when we despair of satisfaction in
every difficulty we meet with, bless God that our salvation does
not depend upon it, but that things necessary are plain enough, and
wait till God shall reveal even this unto us. These chapters are
the more to be regarded because the last two chapters of the
Revelation seem to have a plain allusion to them, as <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.20.1-Rev.20.15" parsed="|Rev|20|1|20|15" passage="Re 20:1-15">Rev. xx.</scripRef> has to the foregoing
prophecy of Gog and Magog. Here is the vision of a glorious temple
(in this chapter and <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.41.1-Ezek.42.20" parsed="|Ezek|41|1|42|20" passage="Eze 41:1-42:20"><i>ch.</i>
xli. and xlii.</scripRef>), of God's taking possession of it
(<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.43.1-Ezek.43.27" parsed="|Ezek|43|1|43|27" passage="Eze 43:1-27"><i>ch.</i> xliii.</scripRef>),
orders concerning the priests that are to minister in this temple
(<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.44.1-Ezek.44.31" parsed="|Ezek|44|1|44|31" passage="Eze 44:1-31"><i>ch.</i> xliv.</scripRef>), the
division of the land, what portion should be allotted for the
sanctuary, what for the city, and what for the prince, both in his
government of the people and his worship of God (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.45.1-Ezek.45.25" parsed="|Ezek|45|1|45|25" passage="Eze 45:1-25"><i>ch.</i> xlv.</scripRef>), and further instructions
for him and the people, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.46.1-Ezek.46.24" parsed="|Ezek|46|1|46|24" passage="Eze 46:1-24"><i>ch.</i>
xlvi.</scripRef> After the vision of the holy waters we have the
borders of the holy land, and the portions assigned to the tribes,
and the dimensions and gates of the holy city, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.47.1-Ezek.48.35" parsed="|Ezek|47|1|48|35" passage="Eze 47:1-48:35"><i>ch.</i> xlvii., xlviii.</scripRef> Some make
this to represent what had been during the flourishing state of the
Jewish church, how glorious Solomon's temple was in its best days,
that the captives might see what they had lost by sin and might be
the more humbled. But that seems not probable. The general scope of
it I take to be, 1. To assure the captives that they should not
only return to their own land, and be settled there, which had been
often promised in the foregoing chapters, but that they should
have, and therefore should be encouraged to build, another temple,
which God would own, and where he would meet them and bless them,
that the ordinances of worship should be revived, and the sacred
priesthood should there attend; and, though they should not have a
king to live in such splendour as formerly, yet they should have a
prince or ruler (who is often spoken of in this vision), who should
countenance the worship of God among them and should himself be an
example of diligent attendance upon it, and that prince, priests,
and people, should have a very comfortable settlement and
subsistence in their own land. 2. To direct them to look further
than all this, and to expect the coming of the Messiah, who had
before been prophesied of under the name of David because he was
the man that projected the building of the temple and that should
set up a spiritual temple, even the gospel-church, the glory of
which should far exceed that of Solomon's temple, and which should
continue to the end of time. The dimensions of these visionary
buildings being so large (the new temple more spacious than all the
old Jerusalem and the new Jerusalem of greater extent than all the
land of Canaan) plainly intimates, as Dr. Lightfoot observes, that
these things cannot be literally, but must spiritually, understood.
At the gospel-temple, erected by Christ and his apostles, was so
closely connected with the second material temple, was erected so
carefully just at the time when that fell into decay, that it might
be ready to receive its glories when it resigned them, that it was
proper enough that they should both be referred to in one and the
same vision. Under the type and figure of a temple and altar,
priests and sacrifices, is foreshown the spiritual worship that
should be performed in gospel times, more agreeable to the nature
both of God and man, and that perfected at last in the kingdom of
glory, in which perhaps these visions will have their full
accomplishment, and some think in some happy and glorious state of
the gospel-church on this side heaven, in the latter days.</p>
<p class="intro" id="Ez.xli-p2" shownumber="no">In this chapter we have, I. A general account of
this vision of the temple and city, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.1-Ezek.40.4" parsed="|Ezek|40|1|40|4" passage="Eze 40:1-4">ver. 1-4</scripRef>. II. A particular account of it
entered upon; and a description given, 1. Of the outside wall,
<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.5" parsed="|Ezek|40|5|0|0" passage="Eze 40:5">ver. 5</scripRef>. 2. Of the east
gate, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.6-Ezek.40.19" parsed="|Ezek|40|6|40|19" passage="Eze 40:6-19">ver. 6-19</scripRef>. 3. Of
the north gate, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.4" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.20-Ezek.40.23" parsed="|Ezek|40|20|40|23" passage="Eze 40:20-23">ver.
20-23</scripRef>. 4. Of the south gate (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.5" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.24-Ezek.40.31" parsed="|Ezek|40|24|40|31" passage="Eze 40:24-31">ver. 24-31</scripRef>) and the chambers and other
appurtenances belonging to these gates. 5. Of the inner court, both
towards the east and towards the south, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.6" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.32-Ezek.40.38" parsed="|Ezek|40|32|40|38" passage="Eze 40:32-38">ver. 32-38</scripRef>. 6. Of the tables, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.7" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.39-Ezek.40.43" parsed="|Ezek|40|39|40|43" passage="Eze 40:39-43">ver. 39-43</scripRef>. 7. Of the lodgings
for the singers and the priests, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.8" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.44-Ezek.40.47" parsed="|Ezek|40|44|40|47" passage="Eze 40:44-47">ver. 44-47</scripRef>. 8. Of the porch of the house,
<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p2.9" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.48-Ezek.40.49" parsed="|Ezek|40|48|40|49" passage="Eze 40:48,49">ver. 48, 49</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Ez.xli-p2.10" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40" parsed="|Ezek|40|0|0|0" passage="Eze 40" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ez.xli-p2.11" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.1-Ezek.40.4" parsed="|Ezek|40|1|40|4" passage="Eze 40:1-4" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Ez.xli-p2.12">
<h4 id="Ez.xli-p2.13">The Vision of the Temple. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xli-p2.14">b. c.</span> 574.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ez.xli-p3" shownumber="no">1 In the five and twentieth year of our
captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth <i>day</i> of
the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was smitten,
in the selfsame day the hand of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xli-p3.1">Lord</span> was upon me, and brought me thither.  
2 In the visions of God brought he me into the land of Israel, and
set me upon a very high mountain, by which <i>was</i> as the frame
of a city on the south.   3 And he brought me thither, and,
behold, <i>there was</i> a man, whose appearance <i>was</i> like
the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand, and a
measuring reed; and he stood in the gate.   4 And the man said
unto me, Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine
ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to
the intent that I might shew <i>them</i> unto thee <i>art</i> thou
brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of
Israel.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p4" shownumber="no">Here is, 1. The date of this vision. It was
in the twenty-fifth year of Ezekiel's captivity (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.1" parsed="|Ezek|40|1|0|0" passage="Eze 40:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>), which some compute to be the
thirty-third year of the first captivity, and is here said to be
the <i>fourteenth year after the city was smitten.</i> See how
seasonably the clearest and fullest prospects of their deliverance
were given, when they were in the depth of their distress, and an
assurance of the return of the morning when they were in the
midnight of their captivity: "Then <i>the hand of the Lord was upon
me</i> and <i>brought me thither</i> to Jerusalem, now that it was
in ruins, desolate and deserted"—a pitiable sight to the prophet.
2. The scene where it was laid. The prophet was brought, <i>in the
visions of God, to the land of Israel,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.2" parsed="|Ezek|40|2|0|0" passage="Eze 40:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>. And it was not the first time
that he had been brought thither in vision. We had him carried to
Jerusalem to see it in its iniquity and shame (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.8.3" parsed="|Ezek|8|3|0|0" passage="Eze 8:3"><i>ch.</i> viii. 3</scripRef>); here he is carried
thither to have a pleasing prospect of it in its glory, though its
present aspect, now that it was quite depopulated, was dismal. He
was set <i>upon a very high mountain,</i> as Moses upon the top of
Pisgah, to view this land, which was now a second time a <i>land of
promise,</i> not yet in possession. From the top of this mountain
he saw <i>as the frame of a city,</i> the plan and model of it; but
this city was a temple as large as a city. The <i>New Jerusalem</i>
(<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.4" osisRef="Bible:Rev.21.22" parsed="|Rev|21|22|0|0" passage="Re 21:22">Rev. xxi. 22</scripRef>) had <i>no
temple therein;</i> this which we have here is <i>all temple,</i>
which comes much to one. It is a city for men to dwell in; it is a
temple for God to dwell in; for in the church on earth God dwells
with men, in that in heaven men dwell with God. Both these are
framed in the counsel of God, framed by infinite wisdom, and all
very good. 3. The particular discoveries of this city (which he had
at first a general view of) were made to him by <i>a man whose
appearance was like the appearance of brass</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.5" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.3" parsed="|Ezek|40|3|0|0" passage="Eze 40:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), not a created angel, but Jesus
Christ, who should be found in fashion as a man, that he might both
discover and build the gospel-temple. He brought him to this city,
for it is through Christ that we have both acquaintance with and
access to the benefits and privileges of God's house. He it is that
<i>shall build the temple of the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.6" osisRef="Bible:Zech.6.13" parsed="|Zech|6|13|0|0" passage="Zec 6:13">Zech. vi. 13</scripRef>. His appearing like brass
intimates both his brightness and his strength. John, in vision,
saw <i>his feet like unto fine brass,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.7" osisRef="Bible:Rev.1.15" parsed="|Rev|1|15|0|0" passage="Re 1:15">Rev. i. 15</scripRef>. 4. The dimensions of this city or
temple, and the several parts of it, were taken with a <i>line of
flax</i> and a <i>measuring reed,</i> or <i>rod</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.8" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.3" parsed="|Ezek|40|3|0|0" passage="Eze 40:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), as carpenters have both
their line and a wooden measure. The temple of God is built by line
and rule; and those that would let others into the knowledge of it
must do it by that line and rule. The church is formed according to
the scripture, <i>the pattern in the mount.</i> That is the line
and the measuring reed that is in the hand of Christ. With that
doctrine and laws ought to be measured, and examined by that; for
then peace is upon the Israel of God when they <i>walk according to
that rule.</i> 5. Directions are here given to the prophet to
receive this revelation from the Lord and transmit it pure and
entire to the church, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.9" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.4" parsed="|Ezek|40|4|0|0" passage="Eze 40:4"><i>v.</i>
4</scripRef>. (1.) He must carefully observe every thing that was
said and done in this vision. His attention is raised and engaged
(<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.10" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.4" parsed="|Ezek|40|4|0|0" passage="Eze 40:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>): "<i>Behold
with thy eyes</i> all that is <i>shown thee</i> (do not only see
it, but look intently upon it), and <i>hear with thy ears</i> all
that is <i>said to thee;</i> diligently hearken to it, and be sure
<i>to set thy heart upon it;</i> attend with a fixedness of thought
and a close application of mind." What we see of the works of God,
and what we hear of the word of God, will do us no good unless we
set out hearts upon it, as those that reckon ourselves nearly
concerned in it, and expect advantage to our souls by it. (2.) He
must faithfully <i>declare it to the house of Israel,</i> that they
may have the comfort of it. Therefore he receives, that he may
give. Thus the <i>Revelation of Jesus Christ</i> was lodged in the
hands of John, that he might signify it to the churches, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p4.11" osisRef="Bible:Rev.1.1" parsed="|Rev|1|1|0|0" passage="Re 1:1">Rev. i. 1</scripRef>. And, because he is to
declare it as a message from God, he must therefore be fully
apprised of it himself and much affected with it. Note, Those who
are to preach God's word to others ought to study it well
themselves and set their hearts upon it. Now the reason given why
he must both observe it himself and declare it to the house of
Israel is because to this intent he is brought hither, and has it
shown to him. Note, When the things of God are shown to us it
concerns us to consider to what intent they are shown to us, and,
when we are sitting under the ministry of the word, to consider to
what intent we are brought thither, that we may answer the end of
our coming, and may not receive the grace of God, in showing us
such things, in vain.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ez.xli-p4.12" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.5-Ezek.40.26" parsed="|Ezek|40|5|40|26" passage="Eze 40:5-26" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Ez.xli-p4.13">
<h4 id="Ez.xli-p4.14">The Vision of the Temple. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xli-p4.15">b. c.</span> 574.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ez.xli-p5" shownumber="no">5 And behold a wall on the outside of the house
round about, and in the man's hand a measuring reed of six cubits
<i>long</i> by the cubit and a hand breadth: so he measured the
breadth of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.  
6 Then came he unto the gate which looketh toward the east, and
went up the stairs thereof, and measured the threshold of the gate,
<i>which was</i> one reed broad; and the other threshold <i>of the
gate, which was</i> one reed broad.   7 And <i>every</i>
little chamber <i>was</i> one reed long, and one reed broad; and
between the little chambers <i>were</i> five cubits; and the
threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate within <i>was</i>
one reed.   8 He measured also the porch of the gate within,
one reed.   9 Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight
cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the
gate <i>was</i> inward.   10 And the little chambers of the
gate eastward <i>were</i> three on this side, and three on that
side; they three <i>were</i> of one measure: and the posts had one
measure on this side and on that side.   11 And he measured
the breadth of the entry of the gate, ten cubits; <i>and</i> the
length of the gate, thirteen cubits.   12 The space also
before the little chambers <i>was</i> one cubit <i>on this
side,</i> and the space <i>was</i> one cubit on that side: and the
little chambers <i>were</i> six cubits on this side, and six cubits
on that side.   13 He measured then the gate from the roof of
<i>one</i> little chamber to the roof of another: the breadth
<i>was</i> five and twenty cubits, door against door.   14 He
made also posts of threescore cubits, even unto the post of the
court round about the gate.   15 And from the face of the gate
of the entrance unto the face of the porch of the inner gate
<i>were</i> fifty cubits.   16 And <i>there were</i> narrow
windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate
round about, and likewise to the arches: and windows <i>were</i>
round about inward: and upon <i>each</i> post <i>were</i> palm
trees.   17 Then brought he me into the outward court, and,
lo, <i>there were</i> chambers, and a pavement made for the court
round about: thirty chambers <i>were</i> upon the pavement.  
18 And the pavement by the side of the gates over against the
length of the gates <i>was</i> the lower pavement.   19 Then
he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate unto
the forefront of the inner court without, a hundred cubits eastward
and northward.   20 And the gate of the outward court that
looked toward the north, he measured the length thereof, and the
breadth thereof.   21 And the little chambers thereof
<i>were</i> three on this side and three on that side; and the
posts thereof and the arches thereof were after the measure of the
first gate: the length thereof <i>was</i> fifty cubits, and the
breadth five and twenty cubits.   22 And their windows, and
their arches, and their palm trees, <i>were</i> after the measure
of the gate that looketh toward the east; and they went up unto it
by seven steps; and the arches thereof <i>were</i> before them.
  23 And the gate of the inner court <i>was</i> over against
the gate toward the north, and toward the east; and he measured
from gate to gate a hundred cubits.   24 After that he brought
me toward the south, and behold a gate toward the south: and he
measured the posts thereof and the arches thereof according to
these measures.   25 And <i>there were</i> windows in it and
in the arches thereof round about, like those windows: the length
<i>was</i> fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty cubits.
  26 And <i>there were</i> seven steps to go up to it, and the
arches thereof <i>were</i> before them: and it had palm trees, one
on this side, and another on that side, upon the posts thereof.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p6" shownumber="no">The measuring-reed which was in the hand of
the surveyor-general was mentioned before, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.3" parsed="|Ezek|40|3|0|0" passage="Eze 40:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. Here we are told (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.5" parsed="|Ezek|40|5|0|0" passage="Eze 40:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>) what was the exact
length of it, which must be observed, because the house was
measured by it. It was <i>six cubits long,</i> reckoning, not by
the common cubit, but the <i>cubit of the sanctuary,</i> the sacred
cubit, by which it was fit that this holy house should be measured,
and that was a hand-breadth (that it, four inches) longer than the
common cubit: the common cubit was eighteen inches, this
twenty-two, see <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.43.13" parsed="|Ezek|43|13|0|0" passage="Eze 43:13"><i>ch.</i> xliii.
13</scripRef>. Yet some of the critics contend that this
<i>measuring-reed</i> was but six common cubits in length, and one
handbreadth added to the whole. The former seems more probable.
Here is an account,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p7" shownumber="no">I. Of the outer wall of the house, which
encompassed it round, which was three yards thick and three yards
high, which denotes the separation between the church and the world
on every side and the divine protection which the church is under.
If a wall of this vast thickness will not secure it, God himself
will be <i>a wall of fire round about it;</i> whoever attack it
will do so at their peril.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p8" shownumber="no">II. Of the several gates with the chambers
adjoining to them. Here is no mention of the outer court of all,
which was called the <i>court of the Gentiles,</i> some think
because in gospel-times there should be such a vast confluence of
Gentiles to the church that their court should be left unmeasured,
to signify that the worshippers in that court should be unnumbered,
<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Rev.7.9 Bible:Rev.7.11 Bible:Rev.7.12" parsed="|Rev|7|9|0|0;|Rev|7|11|0|0;|Rev|7|12|0|0" passage="Re 7:9,11,12">Rev. vii. 9, 11,
12</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p9" shownumber="no">1. He begins with the <i>east gate,</i>
because that was the usual way of entering into the lower end of
the temple, the holy of holies being at the west end, in opposition
to the idolatrous heathen that worshipped towards the east. Now, in
the account of this gate, observe, (1.) That he went up to it by
<i>stairs</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.6" parsed="|Ezek|40|6|0|0" passage="Eze 40:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>), for the gospel-church was exalted above that of the
Old Testament, and when we go to worship God we must ascend; so is
the call, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Rev.4.1" parsed="|Rev|4|1|0|0" passage="Re 4:1">Rev. iv. 1</scripRef>. Come up
hither. <i>Sursum corda—Up with your hearts.</i> (2.) That the
chambers adjoining to the gates were but <i>little chambers,</i>
about ten feet square, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.7" parsed="|Ezek|40|7|0|0" passage="Eze 40:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>. These were for those to lodge in who attended the
service of the house. And it becomes such as are made spiritual
priests to God to content themselves with little chambers and not
to seek great things to themselves; so that we may but have a place
within the verge of God's court we have reason to be thankful
though it be in a little chamber, a mean apartment, though we be
but door-keepers there. (3.) The chambers, as they were each of
them four-square, denoting their stability and due proportion and
their exact agreement with the rule (for they were each of them one
reed long and one reed broad), so they were all of <i>one
measure,</i> that there might be an equality among the attendants
on the service of the house. (4.) The chambers were very many; for
in our Father's house there are <i>many mansions</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:John.14.2" parsed="|John|14|2|0|0" passage="Joh 14:2">John xiv. 2</scripRef>), in his house above, and
in that here on earth. In the secret of his tabernacle shall those
be hid, and in a safe pavilion, whose desire is to dwell in the
house of the Lord all the days of their life, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.27.4-Ps.27.5" parsed="|Ps|27|4|27|5" passage="Ps 27:4,5">Ps. xxvii. 4, 5</scripRef>. Some make these chambers to
represent the particular congregations of believers, which are
parts of the great temple, the universal church, which are, and
must be, framed by the scripture-line and rule, and which Jesus
Christ takes the measure of, that is, takes cognizance of, for he
walks in the midst of the seven golden candle-sticks. (5.) It is
said (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.6" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.14" parsed="|Ezek|40|14|0|0" passage="Eze 40:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>), <i>He
made also the posts.</i> He that now measured them was the same
that made them; for Christ is the builder of his church and
therefore is best able to give us the knowledge of it. And his
reducing them to the rule and standard is called his making them,
for no account is made of them further than they agree with that.
<i>To the law and to the testimony.</i> (6.) Here are posts of
sixty cubits, which, some think, was literally fulfilled when
Cyrus, in his edict for rebuilding the temple at Jerusalem, ordered
that the height thereof should be sixty cubits, that is, thirty
yards and more, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.7" osisRef="Bible:Ezra.6.3" parsed="|Ezra|6|3|0|0" passage="Ezr 6:3">Ezra vi. 3</scripRef>.
(7.) Here were windows to the little chambers, and windows to
<i>the posts and arches</i> (that is, to the cloisters below), and
<i>windows round about</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.8" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.16" parsed="|Ezek|40|16|0|0" passage="Eze 40:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>), to signify the light from heaven with which the
church is illuminated; divine revelation is let into it for
instruction, direction, and comfort, to those that dwell in God's
house, light to work by, light to walk by, light to see themselves
and one another by. There were lights to the little chambers; even
the least, and least considerable, parts and members of the church,
shall have light afforded them. <i>All thy children shall be taught
of the Lord.</i> But they are <i>narrow windows,</i> as those in
the temple, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.9" osisRef="Bible:1Kgs.6.4" parsed="|1Kgs|6|4|0|0" passage="1Ki 6:4">1 Kings vi. 4</scripRef>.
The discoveries made to the church on earth are but narrow and
scanty compared with what shall be in the future state, when we
shall no longer <i>see through a glass darkly.</i> (8.) Divers
courts are here spoken of, an outermost of all, then an outer
court, then an inner, and then the innermost of all, into which the
priests only entered, which (some think) may put us in mind "of the
diversities of gifts, and graces, and offices, in the several
members of Christ's mystical body here, as also of the several
degrees of glory in the courts and mansions of heaven, as there are
stars in several spheres and stars of several magnitudes in the
fixed firmament." <i>English Annotations.</i> Some draw nearer to
God than others and have a more intimate acquaintance with divine
things; but to a child of God a day in any of his courts is
<i>better than a thousand</i> elsewhere. These courts had porches,
or piazzas, round them, for the shelter of those that attended in
them from wind and weather; for when we are in the way of our duty
to God we may believe ourselves to be under his special protection,
that he will graciously provide for us, nay, that he will himself
be to us <i>a covert from the storm and tempest,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.10" osisRef="Bible:Isa.4.5-Isa.4.6" parsed="|Isa|4|5|4|6" passage="Isa 4:5,6">Isa. iv. 5, 6</scripRef>. (9.) On the posts
were palm-trees engraven (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.11" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.16" parsed="|Ezek|40|16|0|0" passage="Eze 40:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>), to signify that <i>the righteous shall flourish
like the palm-tree</i> in the courts of God's house, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.12" osisRef="Bible:Ps.92.12" parsed="|Ps|92|12|0|0" passage="Ps 92:12">Ps. xcii. 12</scripRef>. The more they are
depressed with the burden of affliction the more strongly do they
grow, as they say of the palm-trees. It likewise intimates the
saints' victory and triumph over their spiritual enemies; they have
<i>palms in their hands</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.13" osisRef="Bible:Rev.7.9" parsed="|Rev|7|9|0|0" passage="Re 7:9">Rev. vii.
9</scripRef>); but lest they should drop these, or have them
snatched out of their hands, they are here engraven upon the posts
of the temple as perpetual monuments of their honour. <i>Thanks be
to God, who always causes us to triumph.</i> Nay, believers shall
themselves be made pillars in the temple of our God, and shall
<i>go no more out,</i> and shall have his name engraven on them,
which will be their brightest ornament and honour, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.14" osisRef="Bible:Rev.3.12" parsed="|Rev|3|12|0|0" passage="Re 3:12">Rev. iii. 12</scripRef>. (10.) Notice is here
taken of the pavement of the court, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p9.15" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.17-Ezek.40.18" parsed="|Ezek|40|17|40|18" passage="Eze 40:17,18"><i>v.</i> 17, 18</scripRef>. The word intimates that
the pavement was made of <i>porphyry—stone,</i> which was of the
colour of <i>burning coals;</i> for the brightest and most
sparkling glories of this world should be put and kept under our
feet when we draw near to God and are attending upon him. The stars
are, as it were, the <i>burning coals,</i> or stones of a <i>fiery
colour,</i> with which the pavement of God's celestial temple is
laid; and, if the pavement of the court be so bright and
glittering, how glorious must we conclude the mansions of that
house to be!</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p10" shownumber="no">2. The gates that looked towards the north
(<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.20" parsed="|Ezek|40|20|0|0" passage="Eze 40:20"><i>v.</i> 20</scripRef>) and towards
the south (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.24" parsed="|Ezek|40|24|0|0" passage="Eze 40:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>),
with their appurtenances, are much the same with that towards the
east, <i>after the measure of the first gate,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.21" parsed="|Ezek|40|21|0|0" passage="Eze 40:21"><i>v.</i> 21</scripRef>. But the description is
repeated very particularly. And thus largely was the structure of
the tabernacle related in Exodus, and of the temple in the books of
Kings and Chronicles, to signify the special notice God does take,
and his ministers should take, of all that belong to his church.
His delight is in them; his eye is upon them. He knows all that are
his, all his living temples and all that belongs to them. Observe,
(1.) This temple had not only a gate towards the east, to let into
it the <i>children of the east,</i> that were famous for their
wealth and wisdom, but it had a gate to the north, and another to
the south, for the admission of the poorer and less civilized
nations. The new Jerusalem has <i>twelve gates,</i> three towards
each quarter of the world (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:Rev.21.13" parsed="|Rev|21|13|0|0" passage="Re 21:13">Rev. xxi.
13</scripRef>); for many shall come from all parts to sit down
there, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p10.5" osisRef="Bible:Matt.8.11" parsed="|Matt|8|11|0|0" passage="Mt 8:11">Matt. viii. 11</scripRef>. (2.)
To those gates they went up by steps, <i>seven steps</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p10.6" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.22-Ezek.40.26" parsed="|Ezek|40|22|40|26" passage="Eze 40:22-26"><i>v.</i> 22-26</scripRef>), which, as some
observe, may remind us of the necessity of advancing in grace and
holiness, adding one grace to another, going from step to step,
<i>from strength to strength,</i> still pressing forward towards
perfection—upward, upward, towards heaven, the temple above.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ez.xli-p10.7" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.27-Ezek.40.38" parsed="|Ezek|40|27|40|38" passage="Eze 40:27-38" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Ez.xli-p10.8">
<h4 id="Ez.xli-p10.9">The Vision of the Temple. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xli-p10.10">b. c.</span> 574.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ez.xli-p11" shownumber="no">27 And <i>there was</i> a gate in the inner
court toward the south: and he measured from gate to gate toward
the south a hundred cubits.   28 And he brought me to the
inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate
according to these measures;   29 And the little chambers
thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, according
to these measures: and <i>there were</i> windows in it and in the
arches thereof round about: <i>it was</i> fifty cubits long, and
five and twenty cubits broad.   30 And the arches round about
<i>were</i> five and twenty cubits long, and five cubits broad.
  31 And the arches thereof <i>were</i> toward the utter
court; and palm trees <i>were</i> upon the posts thereof: and the
going up to it <i>had</i> eight steps.   32 And he brought me
into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate
according to these measures.   33 And the little chambers
thereof, and the posts thereof, and the arches thereof, <i>were</i>
according to these measures: and <i>there were</i> windows therein
and in the arches thereof round about: <i>it was</i> fifty cubits
long, and five and twenty cubits broad.   34 And the arches
thereof <i>were</i> toward the outward court; and palm trees
<i>were</i> upon the posts thereof, on this side, and on that side:
and the going up to it <i>had</i> eight steps.   35 And he
brought me to the north gate, and measured <i>it</i> according to
these measures;   36 The little chambers thereof, the posts
thereof, and the arches thereof, and the windows to it round about:
the length <i>was</i> fifty cubits, and the breadth five and twenty
cubits.   37 And the posts thereof <i>were</i> toward the
utter court; and palm trees <i>were</i> upon the posts thereof, on
this side, and on that side: and the going up to it <i>had</i>
eight steps.   38 And the chambers and the entries thereof
<i>were</i> by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt
offering.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p12" shownumber="no">In these verses we have a delineation of
the inner court. The survey of the outer court ended with the south
side of it. This of the inner court begins with the south side
(<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.27" parsed="|Ezek|40|27|0|0" passage="Eze 40:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>), proceeds
to the east (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.32" parsed="|Ezek|40|32|0|0" passage="Eze 40:32"><i>v.</i>
32</scripRef>), and so to the north (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.35" parsed="|Ezek|40|35|0|0" passage="Eze 40:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>); for here is no gate either of
the outer or inner court towards the <i>west.</i> It should seem
that in Solomon's temple there were gates westward, for we find
porters towards the west, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:1Chr.9.24 Bible:1Chr.26.8" parsed="|1Chr|9|24|0|0;|1Chr|26|8|0|0" passage="1Ch 9:24,26:8">1
Chron. ix. 24; xxvi. 8</scripRef>. But Josephus says that in the
second temple there was no gate on the west side. Observe, 1. These
gates into the inner court were exactly uniform with those into the
outer court, the dimensions the same, the chambers adjoining the
same, the galleries or rows round the court the same, and the very
engravings on the posts the same. The work of grace, and its
workings, are the same, for substance, in grown Christians that
they are in young beginners, only that the former have got so much
nearer their perfection. The faith of all the saints is alike
precious, though it be not alike strong. There is a great
resemblance between one child of God and another; for <i>all they
are brethren</i> and bear the same image. 2. The ascent into the
outer court at each gate was by <i>seven steps,</i> but the ascent
into the inner court at each gate was by <i>eight steps.</i> This
is expressly taken notice of (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.31 Bible:Ezek.40.34 Bible:Ezek.40.37" parsed="|Ezek|40|31|0|0;|Ezek|40|34|0|0;|Ezek|40|37|0|0" passage="Eze 40:31,34,37"><i>v.</i> 31, 34, 37</scripRef>), to signify that
the nearer we approach to God the more we should rise above this
world and the things of it. The people, who worshipped in the outer
court, must rise seven steps above other people, but the priests,
who attended in the inner court, must rise eight steps above them,
must exceed them at least one step more than they exceed other
people.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ez.xli-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.39-Ezek.40.49" parsed="|Ezek|40|39|40|49" passage="Eze 40:39-49" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Ez.xli-p12.7">
<h4 id="Ez.xli-p12.8">The Vision of the Temple. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xli-p12.9">b. c.</span> 574.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ez.xli-p13" shownumber="no">39 And in the porch of the gate <i>were</i> two
tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to slay thereon
the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.
  40 And at the side without, as one goeth up to the entry of
the north gate, <i>were</i> two tables; and on the other side,
which <i>was</i> at the porch of the gate, <i>were</i> two tables.
  41 Four tables <i>were</i> on this side, and four tables on
that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they
slew <i>their sacrifices.</i>   42 And the four tables
<i>were</i> of hewn stone for the burnt offering, of a cubit and a
half long, and a cubit and a half broad, and one cubit high:
whereupon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the
burnt offering and the sacrifice.   43 And within <i>were</i>
hooks, a hand broad, fastened round about: and upon the tables
<i>was</i> the flesh of the offering.   44 And without the
inner gate <i>were</i> the chambers of the singers in the inner
court, which <i>was</i> at the side of the north gate; and their
prospect <i>was</i> toward the south: one at the side of the east
gate <i>having</i> the prospect toward the north.   45 And he
said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect <i>is</i> toward the
south, <i>is</i> for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the
house.   46 And the chamber whose prospect <i>is</i> toward
the north <i>is</i> for the priests, the keepers of the charge of
the altar: these <i>are</i> the sons of Zadok among the sons of
Levi, which come near to the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ez.xli-p13.1">Lord</span> to
minister unto him.   47 So he measured the court, a hundred
cubits long, and an hundred cubits broad, four-square; and the
altar <i>that was</i> before the house.   48 And he brought me
to the porch of the house, and measured <i>each</i> post of the
porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and
the breadth of the gate <i>was</i> three cubits on this side, and
three cubits on that side.   49 The length of the porch
<i>was</i> twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; and <i>he
brought me</i> by the steps whereby they went up to it: and
<i>there were</i> pillars by the posts, one on this side, and
another on that side.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p14" shownumber="no">In these verses we have an account,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p15" shownumber="no">I. Of the tables that were in the porch of
the gates of the inner court. We find no description of the altars
of burnt-offerings in the midst of that court till <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.43.13" parsed="|Ezek|43|13|0|0" passage="Eze 43:13"><i>ch.</i> xliii. 13</scripRef>. But,
because the one altar under the law was to be exchanged for a
multitude of tables under the gospel, here is <i>early notice</i>
taken of the tables, at our entrance into the inner court; for till
we come to partake of the <i>table of the Lord</i> we are but
professors at large; our admission to that is our entrance into the
inner court. But in this gospel-temple we meet with no altar till
after the glory of the Lord has taken possession of it, for Christ
is our altar, that sanctifies every gift. Here were eight tables
provided, whereon to <i>slay the sacrifices,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.41" parsed="|Ezek|40|41|0|0" passage="Eze 40:41"><i>v.</i> 41</scripRef>. We read not of any tables for
this purpose either in the tabernacle or in Solomon's temple. But
here they are provided, to intimate the multitude of spiritual
sacrifices that should be brought to God's house in gospel-times,
and the multitude of hands that should be employed in offering up
those sacrifices. Here were the shambles for the altar; here were
the dressers on which they laid the flesh of the sacrifice, the
knives with which they cut it up, and the hooks on which they hung
it up, that it might be ready to be offered on the altar (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p15.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.43" parsed="|Ezek|40|43|0|0" passage="Eze 40:43"><i>v.</i> 43</scripRef>), and there also they
washed the burnt-offerings (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p15.4" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.38" parsed="|Ezek|40|38|0|0" passage="Eze 40:38"><i>v.</i>
38</scripRef>), to intimate that before we draw near to God's altar
we must have every thing in readiness, must wash our hands, our
hearts, those spiritual sacrifices, and so <i>compass God's
altar.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p16" shownumber="no">II. The use that some of the chambers
mentioned before were put to. 1. Some were for the <i>singers,</i>
<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.44" parsed="|Ezek|40|44|0|0" passage="Eze 40:44"><i>v.</i> 44</scripRef>. It should
seem they were first provided for before any other that attended
this temple-service, to intimate, not only that the singing of
psalms should still continue a gospel-ordinance, but that the
gospel should furnish all that embrace it with abundant matter for
joy and praise, and give them occasion to <i>break forth into
singing,</i> which is often foretold concerning gospel times,
<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.96.1 Bible:Ps.98.1" parsed="|Ps|96|1|0|0;|Ps|98|1|0|0" passage="Ps 96:1,98:1">Ps. xcvi. 1; xcviii. 1</scripRef>.
Christians should be singers. <i>Blessed are those that dwell in
God's house,</i> they will be <i>still praising him.</i> 2. Others
of them were for <i>the priests,</i> both those that kept <i>the
charge of the house,</i> to cleanse it, and to see that none came
into it to pollute it, and to keep it in good repair (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.45" parsed="|Ezek|40|45|0|0" passage="Eze 40:45"><i>v.</i> 45</scripRef>), and those that
<i>kept the charge of the altar</i> (<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.46" parsed="|Ezek|40|46|0|0" passage="Eze 40:46"><i>v.</i> 46</scripRef>), that <i>came near to the Lord
to minister to him.</i> God will find convenient lodging for all
his servants. Those that do the work of his house shall enjoy the
comforts of it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p17" shownumber="no">III. Of the inner court, the court of the
priests, which was fifty yards square, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.47" parsed="|Ezek|40|47|0|0" passage="Eze 40:47"><i>v.</i> 47</scripRef>. The altar that <i>was before
the house</i> was placed in the midst of this court, over-against
the three gates, and, standing in a direct line with the three
gates of the outer court, when the gates were set open all the
people in the outer court might through them be spectators of the
service done at the altar. Christ is both our altar and our
sacrifice, to whom we must look with an eye of faith in all our
approaches to God, and he is salvation in the midst of the earth
(<scripRef id="Ez.xli-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.74.12" parsed="|Ps|74|12|0|0" passage="Ps 74:12">Ps. lxxiv. 12</scripRef>), to be
looked unto from all quarters.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ez.xli-p18" shownumber="no">IV. Of the porch of the house. The temple
is called the house, emphatically, as if no other house were worthy
to be called so. Before this house there was a porch, to teach us
not to rush hastily and inconsiderately into the presence of God,
but gradually, that is, gravely, and with solemnity, passing first
through the outer court, then the inner, then the porch, ere we
enter into the house. Between this porch and the altar was a place
where the priests used to pray, <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Joel.2.17" parsed="|Joel|2|17|0|0" passage="Joe 2:17">Joel
ii. 17</scripRef>. In the porch, besides the posts on which the
doors were hung, there were pillars, probably for state and
ornament, like <i>Jachin</i> and <i>Boaz—He will establish; in him
is strength,</i> <scripRef id="Ez.xli-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.40.49" parsed="|Ezek|40|49|0|0" passage="Eze 40:49"><i>v.</i>
49</scripRef>. In the gospel church every thing is strong and firm,
and every thing ought to be kept in its place and to be done
decently and in order.</p>
</div></div2>