Ezekiel 40:1--48:35
twenty-fifth <02568> [In the five.]
On Tuesday, April 20.
after <0310> [after.]
very <06106> [selfsame.]
hand <03027> [hand.]
visions <04759> [the visions.]
There can be little doubt, that the grand outlines of the description of the temple, in the following extraordinary vision, were taken from that of Solomon's, with all the additions made to it in after ages; and we may suppose that Zerubbabel and the other Jews had respect to it, as far as circumstances would permit, in rebuilding the temple after the captivity. There are, however, many circumstances which conclusively shew, that something infinitely superior to either the first or second temple was intended; and that the external description must be considered as a figure and emblem of spiritual blessings. Probably the more immediate accomplishment of the prophecy will be subsequent to the conversion and restoration of the Jews, the destruction of Gog and Magog, and the pouring out of the Spirit, mentioned at the close of the last chapter; but whether there will be any external forms analogous to these cannot be determined, though in some respects it seems improbable.
very <03966> [a very.]
structure <04011> [by. or, upon. as the.]
structure <04011> [frame.]
south <05045> [on the south.]
appearance ... like <04758> [whose.]
cord <06616> [with.]
watch ........... show ............. show ............ see <07200> [behold.]
Tell <05046> [declare.]
wall <02346> [a wall.]
feet <0520> [by.]
measured <04058> [so he.]
gate .............. gate <08179> [unto.]
facing <06440> [which looketh. Heb. whose face was the way. stairs.]
climbed ....... threshold <05592> [threshold.]
10½ feet <07070 0259> [one reed.]
jambs <0352> [the posts.]
alcoves <08372> [the little.]
three ........... three <07969> [they three.]
The entrance into the outer court seems to have been through a porch with doors at both ends; and on each side of this porch were three small chambers, or rooms, for the use of the porters, a reed square in size, with a passage of five cubits between them. The common cubit, termed the "cubit of a man," (De 3:11,) was about 18 inches; but the cubit used by the angel was, as we learn from ch. 43:13, "a cubit and a hand breadth," or about three inches more than the common cubit, that is 21 inches. Hence the measuring reed, which was "six cubits long, by the cubit and the hand breadth," (ver. 5,) must have been about 10« feet
barrier <01366> [space. Heb. limit, or bound.]
gateway <08179> [the gate.]
The whole arch of the east gate, measured from the southern extremity of one room to the northern extremity of the opposite room, was 25 cubits; including the dimensions of the two rooms, or twelve cubits, (ver. 7;) the spaces before the rooms, or two cubits, (ver. 12;) and the breadth of the entrance, ten cubits, (ver. 11;) making all 24 cubits, leaving one cubit for the thickness of the walls.
courtyard <02691> [the court.]
front ..... gate ........ gate <08179 06440> [the face of the gate.]
This was the whole length of the porch, from the outward front, (ch. 41:21, 25,) to the inner side which looks into the first court, (ver. 17,) including the thickness of the walls, (ver. 6,) chambers, (ver. 7,) and spaces between them.
closed <0331> [narrow. Heb. closed.]
alcoves <08372> [the little.]
porches <0361> [arches. or, galleries, or porches.]
within ................. inside <06441> [inward. or, within. palm trees.]
outer <02435> [the outward.]
chambers ............. chambers <03957> [there were.]
thirty <07970> [thirty.]
before ....... front <06440> [unto the.]
exterior <02351> [without. or, from without.]
gate <08179> [the gate.]
faces <06440> [that looked. Heb. whose face was.]
alcoves <08372> [the little.]
porches <0361> [arches. or, galleries, or porches.]
measurement <04060> [after.]
decorative palm trees <08561> [palm trees.]
up <05927> [and they.]
faced ............. in front of <06440> [before them.]
Or, "suitable to them," that is, to the arches of the east gate. The north gate into the outward court, and every thing belonging to it, were exactly the same as the east gate.
gate .......... gate .... inner ........ gate ... gate <08179 06442> [the gate of.]
That is, the gate of the inner court was opposite, and exactly answered to the gate of the outward court, both on the north and east side; and between the gates of the outward and inner court was a space of an hundred cubits.
measured <04058> [and he.]
gate <08179> [and behold.]
measured <04058> [and he.]
dimensions <04060> [according.]
That is, according to the measures of the eastern and northern gates. There does not appear to have been any gates on the west, though the courts seem to have extended to the western wall
windows .......... windows <02474> [windows.]
long <0753> [the length.]
seven <07651> [seven.]
decorative palm trees <08561> [palm trees.]
inner <06442> [in the.]
measured <04058> [and he.]
brought <0935> [he brought.]
As the outward court inclosed the inner, the prophet was led from the south gate of the outward court to the south gate of the inner, which was opposite it, and so into the inner court itself.
dimensions <04060> [according.]
alcoves <08372> [the little.]
The entrance into the inner court seems to have been through a portico, exactly like that at each gate of the outward court; but the ascent was by eight steps, instead of seven.
windows <02474> [and there.]
porches <0361> [the arches.]
These are supposed to have been built over the spaces which separated the little chambers, or porters' lodges.
43¾ ..... 8¾ <02568 06242> [five and.]
43¾ feet .... 8¾ feet <0520 02568> [five cubits.]
Instead of five cubits, it seems evident, from the parallel places, that we should read twenty-five: the word {ˆsrim} appears to have been lost out of the text.
wide <07341> [broad. Heb. breadth.]
decorative palm trees <08561> [and palm.]
eight <08083> [eight.]
inner <06442> [into the.]
87½ <02572> [it was.]
decorative palm trees <08561> [palm trees.]
That is, probably, the capital of each pillar was ornamented with sculpture, representing leaves or branches of the palm tree.
eight steps <04609 08083> [eight steps.]
north <06828> [to the.]
measured <04058> [measured.]
The north gate, as well as the east, was built in the same manner, and of the same dimensions, as the south gate. See the parallel passages.
alcoves <08372> [little.]
jambs .............. jambs <0352> [the posts.]
outer court <02691 02435> [the utter court.]
That is, "the outer court," as the word utter primarily denotes.
chamber <03957> [the chambers.]
washed <01740> [where.]
This place, where the legs and entrails of the sacrifices, especially of the burnt offerings, were washed, was just within the portico of the north entrance to the inner court, or court of the priests. An allusion to this is most probably made by the inspired apostle when writing his Epistle to the Hebrews, at the 10th chapter and 22nd verse. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."
tables ........ slaughter <07979 07819> [tables on that.]
burnt offering <05930> [the burnt.]
sin offering <02403> [the sin.]
guilt offering <0817> [the trespass.]
outside ....................... side <03802> [at the side.]
Two tables were on each side, as you come into the porch of the gate; and two on each side of the inner part of the gate that looked towards the altar; in all eight tables, on which they slew and cut up the victims. It does not appear that any such tables were used either in the tabernacle or temple; and this seems to intimate the introduction of a new and more spiritual dispensation: See the referemces.
goes up <05927> [as one goeth up. or, at the step.]
house <01004> [within.]
These were probably for hanging up the victims in order to flay them.
hooks <08240> [hooks. or, end-irons, or, the two hearth-stones. upon.]
inner .......... inner <06442> [the inner.]
chambers <03957> [chambers.]
chamber <03957> [chamber.]
The word chamber probably here denotes a row of chambers, of which there seems to have been three: one for the singers; one for the priests who in their courses took charge of the sacred vessels and treasures; and one for the priests who attended on the altar and sacrifices.
faces <06440> [whose.]
keep <08104> [the keepers.]
charge <04931> [charge. or, ward, or, ordinance, and so ver.]
keep <08104> [the keepers.]
descendants ...... descendants <01121> [these.]
approach <07131> [which come.]
court <02691> [court.]
This was the inner court, or court of the priests, which was of the same dimensions with each division of the outer court; and the altar stood directly before the porch of the temple.
175 ... long ... 175 feet <03967 0520 0753> [an hundred cubits long.]
porch ........... porch <0197> [the porch.]
The length of the porch was twenty cubits, the same as the breadth of the temple, and the breadth eleven cubits, that is, one cubit more than in Solomon's temple. Two bivalve, or folding doors, each leaf of them being three cubits wide, seem to have formed the entrance; which, with five cubits, perhaps of brick or stone work, one each side, called "the post of the porch," amount to sixteen cubits; and the other four cubits may be supposed to have been the distance from these posts to the outside walls of the temple.
steps <04609> [The steps.]
This was a flight of steps which led from the inner court into the temple.
pillars <05982> [pillars.]
brought <0935> [he brought.]
outer sanctuary <01964> [to the temple.]
jambs <0352> [the posts.]
These were probably a sort of door-case on each side of the entrance; and the tabernacle perhaps was a kind of covering to the door, of the same dimensions.
entrance .......... entrance <06607> [the door. or, the entrance.]
This was the door out of the porch into the sanctuary, which seems to have been wider than that from the court to the porch.
length <0753> [the length.]
3½ feet ..... 10½ feet ......... 12¼ feet <08147 0520> [two cubits.]
This was the thickness of the partition wall between the sanctuary (ver. 2) and holy of holies (ver. 4); the breadth of the wall on each side of the gate being seven cubits, and the entrance into the holy place six cubits in width.
35 feet ...... 35 feet <0520 06242> [twenty cubits.]
most holy <06944> [This.]
chambers <06763> [side chamber.]
side chambers ..... stories ........................ side chambers <06763> [one over another. Heb. side chamber over side chamber. thirty in order. or, three and thirty times, or feet.]
We find by Josephus, that around Solomon's temple were chambers three stories high, each story consisting of thirty chambers; which are supposed to have been on the north, south, and east sides of the temple.
offsets <0935> [and they.]
[have held. Heb. be holden.]
supports ......... supports <0270> [but.]
That is, the beams or supporters, of the chambers were not let into the main wall of the temple; but rested on projections of the outer wall, which became a cubit narrower at every story, leaving a ledge of one cubit, to support the beams.
wider <07337> [there was. Heb. it was, made broader, and went round.]
wider <07337> [an enlarging.]
In the same proportion in which the thickness of the wall decreased, the chambers increased, so that the middle story was one cubit larger, and the upper story two cubits larger, than the lower rooms; and a winding staircase, which widened in the same manner as the rooms, ascended from the bottom to the top.
full <04393> [a full.]
8¾ <02568> [was five.]
<03240> [that which.]
This appears to have been a walk, or gallery of communication between the chambers, five cubits broad, into which the doors opened.
chambers <03957> [the chambers.]
As the word rendered chambers is different from that used before, it is supposed there was another row of buildings, parallel with the side chambers, with a passage of twenty cubits between.
width <07341> [and the breadth.]
temple courtyard <01508> [separate.]
wall <07023> [the wall.]
This appears to have been a building erected at the west end of the temple.
measured <04058> [he measured.]
These verses (13-15) seem to intimate, that all the buildings of the temple occupied an area of 100 square cubits.
galleries <0862> [galleries. or, several walks, or walks with pillars.]
interior <06442> [with the.]
narrow <0331> [narrow.]
[ceiled with wood. Heb. ceiling of wood.]
windows .................... ground ..... windows .... windows <02474 0776> [from the ground up to the windows. or, the ground unto the windows. covered.]
Probably either by jutting out of the main wall of the temple; or by lattice work, or curtains, or by both.
entrance <06607> [To that.]
That is, the windows were placed above the height of the door, at the east end of the temple, and thus continued, at the same height, and at measured distances, along both sides of the holy place, to the wall of the inner sanctuary, in which there were no windows.
measurement <04060> [measure. Heb. measures.]
cherubim ............ cherub ... cherub <03742> [with cherubims.]
decorative palm trees .... palm tree <08561> [palm trees.]
cherubim ............ cherub ... cherub <03742> [and every.]
doorposts <04201> [posts. Heb. post.]
altar <04196> [altar.]
This must signify the altar of incense; which, both in the tabernacle and Solomon's temple, was covered with plates of gold. It is very remarkable, that in this temple described by Ezekiel, there is not the least mention of gold or silver, though there was such a profusion of these metals in the former; which may probably imply, that a glory of a more spiritual nature was intended under these emblems.
table <07979> [This is.]
before <06440> [before.]
cherubim <03742> [cherubims.]
out .......... brought <03318 0935> [he brought.]
outer court <02691 02435> [the utter court.]
chamber <03957> [chamber.]
This seems to denote a row of chambers in three stories; which appear to have been situated in the inner court, (here called the outer court in reference to the temple, ver. 13, 14,) just before the separate place, at the entrance from the north.
<06440> [Before.]
Perhaps this means, that the north door was 100 cubits from the entrance into the court; and that the door-way, or portico, was 50 cubits in length; or, that it faced one of the cloisters, the length of which was 100 cubits, and its breadth 50, which was the proportion of all the cloisters.
35 feet ........... pavement <06242 07531> [Over.]
One side of these buildings looked upon the void space about the temple of twenty cubits, and the other toward the pavement belonging to the outer court.
35 feet <06242> [the twenty.]
pavement <07531> [the pavement.]
gallery faced gallery <06440 0862> [gallery against.]
front <06440> [before.]
These seems to have been two rows of these chambers, and a walk between of ten cubits in width; with an entrance into it from the chambers, of one cubit in width.
walkway <04109> [a walk.]
distance <01870> [a way.]
space ... them <0398 02007> [were higher than these. or, did eat of these.]
lower ... middle ..... building <08481 08484 01146> [than the lower, and than the middlemost of the building. or, and the building consisted of the lower and the middlemost.]
# 6
facing <06440> [before.]
Passing from the north to the south side of the temple (ver. 11, 12,) the prophet was shewn that the space of ground, which was before the temple on the east, measured 100 cubits.
chambers <03957> [from under. or, from the place of.]
passage <03996> [the entry. or, he that brought me. as one goeth. or, as he came.]
beginning <07341> [the thickness.]
Rather, "the breadth of the wall," that is, the breadth of ground which it enclosed.
facing <06440> [over against.]
These south chambers were exactly like those on the north.
opening <06607> [was a door.]
holy ............. most holy ........ most holy <06944> [they be holy.]
approach <07138> [approach.]
holy ............. most holy ........ most holy <06944> [the most holy.]
out <03318> [they not go.]
put on <03847> [and shall put.]
measuring <04060> [measuring.]
gate <08179> [gate.]
side <07307> [side. Heb. wind. the measuring reed.]
Estimating the reed at 10« feet, 500 reeds will be nearly equal to a mile; so that from this statement we find the temple, with its outbuildings, was built on a square, nearly an English mile on each side, and four miles in circumference. This not only far exceeds the size of Solomon's temple, or that after the captivity, which was only 500 cubits, or a furlong, on each side, and exactly half a mile in circuit; but is nearly equal to the whole extent of Jerusalem itself, which, when greatest, was but 33 furlongs in circumference, somewhat less than 4¬ miles. This seems clearly to intimate, that the vision cannot be explained of any temple that has hitherto been built, or indeed of any literal temple, but figuratively and mystically of the spiritual temple, the church under the gospel, and its spiritual glory.
wall <02346> [it had.]
875 ..... 875 <02568 03967> [five hundred.]
separate <0914> [a separation.]
gate ... faced <08179 06437> [the gate that.]
glory ........................ glory <03519> [the glory.]
coming <0935> [came.]
sound ...... rushing <06963> [and his voice.]
earth <0776> [the earth.]
like ... vision ............. vision <04758> [according to the appearance.]
destroy ... city <07843 05892> [to destroy the city. or, to prophesy that the city should be destroyed.]
River <05104> [the river.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
Though the personal presence of Immanuel in the second temple rendered it more glorious than that of Solomon, (Hag 2:5-9,) yet this part of the vision rather relates to the times predicted in the whole of this description, those which shall succeed the conversion of the Jews, and their restoration to their own land.
came <0935> [came.]
wind <07307> [the spirit.]
brought <0935> [and brought.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
heard <08085> [I heard.]
man <0376> [the man.]
place .... throne .... place <04725 03678> [the place of my throne.]
place ....... place <04725> [and the place.]
live <07931> [where I.]
profane <02930> [no more.]
pillars <06297> [by the carcases.]
placed <05414> [setting.]
wall ....... profaned <07023 02930> [and the wall between me and them. or, for there was but a wall between me and them.]
put away ... spiritual ......... far ... me <07368> [Now let.]
Rather, "Now shall they put away their whoredom and the carcases of their kings far from me, and I will dwell in the midst of them for ever." It is a prediction and promise, and not an exhortation.
pillars <06297> [the carcases.]
live <07931> [and I.]
describe <05046> [shew.]
ashamed <03637> [that they.]
pattern <08508> [pattern. or, sum, or number.]
design .............. design ....... design .................... design <03045 06699> [shew them.]
statutes ........................... statutes <02708> [all the ordinances.]
done ................................................... do <06213> [and do.]
top <07218> [Upon.]
measurements <04060> [the measures.]
1¾ feet .... 1¾ feet <0520> [The cubit.]
base <02436> [bottom. Heb. bosom. edge. Heb. lip.]
lower edge .............. ledge ..... edge <05835 08481> [the lower settle.]
These settles were ledges by which the altar was narrowed towards the top; and the whole of it may thus be computed:-- Height Cubits Base, ver. 13. . . . . . . . . . 1 To first ledge, ver. 14. . . . . . . 1 To upper ledge, ver. 14. . . . . . . 4 To hearth, ver. 15.. . . . . . . . 4 --- In all 10 Breadth Cubits Upper ledge, ver. 17. . . . . . . . 14 For higher ledge, ver. 14. . . . . . 2 For lower ledge, ver. 14.. . . . . . 2 For base, ver. 13. . . . . . . . . 2 --- In all 20 Hence the upper part of the altar was only twelve cubits square (ver. 16,) the upper settle, or ledge, being in all fourteen cubits, (ver. 17,) deducting two cubits from its dimensions. Though this altar was the same in height, and breadth with that of Solomon, yet it differed materially from it in having settles or ledges; on which the priests walked round the altar, to officiate in offering sacrifices.
altar hearth ....... altar hearth <0741> [the altar. Heb. Harel, that is, the mountain of God.]
Probably so called in opposition to the idolatrous high places.
altar hearth ....... altar hearth <0741> [the altar. Heb. Ariel, that is, the lion of God.]
Rather, "the hearth of God," from the Arabic {irat,} or {iryat,} a hearth, and {ail,} God.
7 feet ....... four horns <07161 0702> [four horns.]
21 ... long ... 21 <08147 0753> [twelve cubits.]
square <07251> [square.]
border <01366> [and the border.]
steps <04609> [his stairs.]
Rather, "its ascents," {m„ƒlothehoo,} probably an inclined plane; for the law ordained that the priest should not ascend by stairs.
face east <06437 06921> [look toward.]
up <05927> [to offer.]
priests <03548> [the priests.]
approach <07138> [which approach.]
young <01121> [a young.]
take <03947> [take.]
four ........ four <0702> [and on the four.]
cleanse <02398> [thus shalt.]
burned <08313> [burn.]
male <08163> [a kid.]
purify ....... purified <02398> [and they.]
them ......... scatter salt ... them .... them <04417 07993> [cast salt.]
consecrate <04390> [they shall.]
consecrate <04390> [consecrate themselves. Heb. fill their hands.]
eighth <08066> [that upon.]
offer up <06213> [make.]
peace offerings <08002> [peace offerings. or, thank offerings. I will accept.]
outer <02435> [the outward.]
So called in opposition to the temple itself, which was the inner sanctuary.
faces <06437> [looketh.]
Lord ........................ Lord <03068> [because.]
prince <05387> [for.]
prince <05387> [the prince.]
It is probable that the prince mentioned here and elsewhere, does not mean the Messiah, but the ruler of the Jewish nation for the time being. For it is not only directed where he should sit in the temple, and eat his portion of the sacrifices, and when and how he should go out; but it is also ordered (ch. 45:22,) that at the passover he shall offer a bullock, a sin offering for himself and the people; and to guard him against any temptation of oppressing the people, he had a provision of land allotted to him, (ch. 45:8,) out of which he is to give an inheritance for his sons, (ch. 46:18.) These appear plainly to be political rules for common princes, and for a succession of them; but as no such rules were observed under the second temple, the fulfilment of it must still be future.
eat .... meal <0398> [to eat.]
enter <0935> [he shall enter.]
way <01870> [the way.]
glory <03519> [the glory.]
threw <05307> [and I fell.]
[mark well. Heb. set thine heart.]
statutes <02708> [concerning.]
pay attention ........................ Pay attention <07760 03820> [and mark well.]
entrances <03996> [the entering.]
Say <0559> [thou shalt say.]
Enough <07227> [let it suffice.]
bring <0935> [ye have brought.]
foreigners <01121> [strangers. Heb. children of a stranger.]
uncircumcised ... heart <06189 03820> [uncircumcised in heart.]
The introduction of uncircumcised persons to eat of the peace offerings and oblations, would have been a gross violation of the Mosaic law; but, as there was no law to exclude "the uncircumcised of heart," who were circumcised and ritually clean, this seems to point out a new and different constitution.
offer <07126> [when.]
fat <02459> [the fat.]
broken <06565> [broken.]
kept ............. keep <08104> [ye have not.]
charge ............. charge <04931> [charge. or, ward, or ordinance, and so ver.]
Levites <03881> [the Levites.]
<05375> [bear.]
ministers .............. serving ....................... minister <08334> [they shall be.]
As few, if any, of those who, before the captivity, had been guilty in these respects, lived to witness the restoration of the temple service; and as it does not appear that their descendants were thus degraded for the idolatry of their ancestors; it is probable that a thorough reformation of the whole church, or the prevalence of pure religion among the converted Jews, is here predicted.
oversight <06486> [having charge.]
slaughter <07819> [shall slay.]
stand <05975> [and they.]
minister <08334> [they ministered.]
sinful obstacle .... house ... Israel ..................... sin <03478 04383 05771 01004> [caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity. Heb. were for a stumbling-block of iniquity unto, etc.]
consequently .............. they .... responsible <05375> [therefore.]
consequently .............. they .... responsible <05375> [and they shall.]
come near ........... come near <05066> [they shall not.]
They ... bear <05375> [bear.]
descendants ............. people <01121> [the sons.]
descendants ............. people <01121> [when.]
stand <05975> [they shall stand.]
fat <02459> [the fat.]
blood <01818> [the blood.]
enter <0935> [They shall enter.]
table <07979> [to my table.]
To place the shew-bread there. It is observable, that the table in the sanctuary is mentioned rather than the altar of incense; perhaps intimating the change in the external institutions of Divine worship which should take place before the accomplishment of the prophecy. It is not easy to determine, whether any external regulations, with respect to Divine ordinances, answerable to these predictions, will be made among the converted Jews, when reinstated in their own land, or not.
keep <08104> [keep.]
wear <03847> [they shall.]
turbans <06287> [bonnets.]
Linen ......... linen undergarments <04370 06593> [linen breeches.]
[with anything that causeth sweat. or, in sweating places.]
Heb. in, or with sweat.
remove ................. put on <06584 03847> [they shall put.]
transmit holiness <06942> [sanctify.]
shave <01548> [shave.]
hair <06545> [nor suffer.]
marry <03947> [Neither.]
This was prohibited only to the high priest under the law; but is here extended to all the priests, perhaps to intimate the superior sanctity of the times to which it refers.
widow .................. widow <0490> [a widow.]
divorcee <01644> [put away. Heb. thrust forth.]
priest's <03548> [that had a priest before. Heb. from a priest.]
controversy <07379> [in controversy.]
This seems to intimate, that controversies, in the period predicted, will be generally decided by arbitration, according to the law of God; and not by litigations before human tribunals, according to the laws of man.
observe <08104> [they shall keep.]
festivals <04150> [in all.]
<06942> [and they shall hallow.]
inner <06442> [unto the inner.]
offer <07126> [he shall offer.]
inheritance ..... inheritance <05159> [I am their inheritance.]
eat <0398> [eat]
devoted <02764> [dedicated. or, devoted.]
first .......................... first portion <07225> [first. or, chief. all the first-fruits.]
blessing <01293> [that he may.]
When ... allot ... land .................. land <05307 0776> [shall divide by lot. Heb. cause the land to fall by lot.]
offer <07311> [ye shall offer.]
holy ........................... holy <06944> [an holy portion. Heb. holiness.]
length ........ miles <0753> [the length.]
That our translators rightly added the word reeds, is evident from the length and breadth of the sanctuary being exactly the same as before, (comp. ver. 2, with ch. 42:16-19.) Estimating the reed at 3« yards, this holy oblation would constitute a square of nearly fifty miles on every side. From the north side a portion of nearly twenty miles in width, and nearly fifty in length, was appointed for the priests; and in the midst of this portion, the area of the sanctuary, about a mile square, to be enclosed by a wall, (ver. 1, 2.) Next to this, on the south, was the Levites' portion, of the same dimensions as that of the priests', (ver. 5;) and south of this was the portion for the city, of the same length as those of the priests and Levites, but only half the width, (ver. 6.) These three formed the square of 25,000 reeds, or nearly fifty miles; and that set apart for the prince, the breadth of which is not mentioned, extended in length from north to south, along the east and west sides of the square. As Canaan would not admit of so large a portion for the sanctuary, etc., this was no doubt intended to intimate the large extent of the church in the glorious times predicted.
875 <02568 03967> [five hundred in length.]
open space <04054> [suburbs. or, void places.]
sanctuary <04720> [and in it.]
holy ..... land <06944 0776> [holy portion.]
approach <07131> [which.]
eight and a quarter miles <02568> [the five.]
minister <08334> [the ministers.]
place <0272> [for a possession.]
city <05892> [the city.]
princes <05387> [and my princes.]
In the predicted period, not only shall the ministers and worshippers of God be liberally provided for, but the princes will be both able and willing to defray the expenses of government, without oppressing their subjects, and will rule over them with equity and clemency, as the vicegerents of God; while the people will submit to them conscientiously, and live in peace, prosperity, and holiness. These things seem to be represented in language taken from the customs of the times in which the prophet wrote. Tithes are not mentioned in part of the vision, which shows that the ritual Mosaic law will not be in force.
tribes <07626> [according.]
Enough <07227> [Let it.]
Put away <05493> [remove.]
do <06213> [execute.]
Put an end <07311> [take away.]
evictions <01646> [exactions. Heb. expulsions.]
dry .................... ephah <0374> [ephah.]
The {ephah} was a dry measure, and the {bath} a liquid measure, containing about seven gallons, four pints, or three pecks, three pints; and the {homer} about seventy-five gallons, five pints.
shekel ...... Sixty shekels <08255> [the shekel.]
shekel .... twenty ... Sixty shekels <06242 08255> [twenty shekels.]
That is, 20 + 25 + 15 = 60; for the {maneh} as a weight was equal to sixty shekels, though as a coin it was only equal to fifty, weighing about 2 lb. 6 oz.; and reckoning the shekel at 2s. 6d. being in value 6Å“. 5s.
one tenth <04643> [the tenth.]
sheep <07716> [lamb. or, kid. out of the fat.]
peace offering <08002> [peace offerings. or, thank offerings.]
atonement <03722> [to make.]
people <05971> [the people.]
offering <08641> [shall give this. Heb. shall be for. for. or, with.]
prince <05387> [the prince's.]
The prince is never mentioned in the ritual appointments of Moses, but here he is required to provide the oblations; and the variations in the Mosaic law, in the number of the several sacrifices, and the proportion of the meat offering to each, being ten times as much as the law prescribed, with several other circumstances, seem more like enacting a new law, than enforcing that of Moses. These variations may intimate a change in the external constitution of the church; and it is probable that they are to be understood emblematically.
festivals <02282> [in the feasts.]
provide <06213> [he shall prepare.]
peace offerings <08002> [peace offerings. or, thank offerings.]
first ..... first <07223 0259> [In the first month.]
This seems to enjoin, not a mere dedication, but an annual purification of the sanctuary; of which there is nothing said in the Mosaic law.
unblemished <08549> [without blemish.]
purify <02398> [and cleanse.]
four corners <0702 06438> [and upon the four corners.]
anyone <0376> [every one.]
ignorance <06612> [that is simple.]
Who wants understanding to conduct himself properly.
atonement <03722> [so shall.]
Passover <06453> [ye shall.]
prince <05387> [the prince.]
bull <06499> [bullock.]
during ... seven days ............... seven .... seven ...... on each .... seven days ...... daily <03117 07651> [seven days.]
burnt offering <05930> [a burnt.]
seven ................ seven bulls ... seven .......... seven <07651 06499> [seven bullocks.]
seventh ................................... seven <07651> [In the seventh.]
The prince shall do at the feast of tabernacles the same thing he was desired to do on the passover.
<0559> [Thus saith.]
Whether the rules for public worship here laid down were designed to be observed in those things wherein they differed from the law of Moses, in the ministrations of the second temple, is not certain. In the latter history of the Jewish church, the law of Moses only was followed, except in the corruption of following the traditions of the fathers.
gate <08179> [The gate.]
The prophet had before observed that the east gate of the outer court was shut, and was told that it must only be opened for the prince; and now he is informed that the gate of the inner court on the east was also shut, and is to be opened only on the sabbath and new moons, till the evening.
closed <05462> [shall be shut.]
six working <04639 08337> [six working.]
Sabbath <07676> [on the sabbath.]
porch <0197> [the porch.]
doorpost <04201> [by the post.]
priests <03548> [the priests.]
provide <06213> [prepare.]
Or, "offer," as the word {Æ’sah} frequently denotes. The whole of this seems to intimate the constant, reverential, and exemplary attendance of kings on the pure ordinances of religion, in the approaching flourishing days of the church.
bow <07812> [he shall worship.]
gate ............. gate ....................... gate ........ gate <08179> [but the gate.]
burnt offering <05930> [the burnt.]
The proportions of the burnt offerings, and also of the meat and drink offerings, are very different here form those prescribed in the Mosaic law. The meat offering, under the law, was only three tenths of an {ephah} to a bullock, two tenths for a ram, and one tenth for a lamb, with the fourth part of a {hin} of oil.
grain offering ........... grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
able ... give <03027 04991> [as he shall be able to give. Heb. the gift of his hand.]
enters .... come ............ go out <0935 03318> [he shall go.]
people <05971> [when the people.]
This may intimate, that every thing should be regulated, in divine worship, so as to prevent disorder and interruption, and also that men should go forward and make progress in religion, and not turn their backs upon God.
come before ......... enters .................... enters ........................... entered <06440 0935> [come before.]
come .......... enters ... way ............ way ....... enters ... way .......... way ........... way ...... entered <0935 01870> [he that entereth in.]
festivals <02282> [in the feasts.]
grain offering <04503> [the meat.]
freewill offering .......... voluntary offering <05071> [a voluntary.]
gate ...... opened ............................. gate <06605 08179> [open him.]
provide ............ did <06213> [as he did.]
daily <03117> [Thou shalt daily.]
It is observable, that there is nothing said about the evening sacrifice, or the additional lamb, morning and evening, on the sabbath, which makes an important difference between this and the old laws; and is probably an intimation of that change in the external forms of religion which the coming of the Messiah should introduce.
a year <01121 08141> [of the first year. Heb. a son of his year.]
morning ... morning <01242> [every morning. Heb. morning by morning.]
sixth <08345> [the sixth.]
perpetual <08548> [a continual.]
prince <05387> [If the prince.]
year <08141> [to the year.]
That is, the year of Jubilee, called the year of liberty, because there was then a general release: all servants had their liberty; and all alienated estates returned to their former owners.
prince <05387> [the prince.]
oppressively <03238> [thrust.]
inheritance ...... from their property ........ inheritance .... own possessions .............. property <05159 05157 0272> [inheritance out.]
people's ........................ people <05971> [my people.]
entrance <03996> [the entry.]
This entry was at the west side of the north gate of the inner court.
place <04725> [a place.]
This place was at the west corners of the inner court, or court of the priests; where they prepared the most holy things, the trespass and sin offering, which none but the priests might eat; that they might not "bear them out into the utter court, to sanctify the people," that is, by touching them incapacitate them from discharging their ordinary occupations.
boil ... guilt offering <01310 0817> [boil the trespass.]
bake ... grain offering <0644 04503> [bake the meat.]
holiness <06942> [to sanctify.]
court ........ corners .... court ....... every corner .... court ..... court <02691 04740> [in every corner of the court there was a court. Heb. a court in the corner of a court; and a court in a corner of a court.]
court .... courts <02691> [courts.]
These courts in the corners of the outer court, or court of the people, appear to have been a kind of uncovered apartments, surrounded with little chambers for the cooks, and used for dressing the peace offerings of the people. On these their families and friends feasted; and portions were sent to the poor, the widow, and the orphan; and thus the spirit of devotion preserved the spirit of mercy, charity, and benevolence, in the land.
small <07000> [joined. or, made with chimneys. corners. Heb. cornered.]
entrance <06607> [the door.]
water .................... water <04325 03318> [waters issued.]
Solomon's temple and the second temple were doubtless well supplied with water, probably conveyed there by means of pipes; but these waters flowed from the temple, not as a common sewer, but as a fertilizing river. A fountain producing abundance of water was not in the temple, and could not be there on the top of such a hill; and consequently these waters, as well as those spoken of by Joel and Zechariah, must be understood figuratively and typically. These waters doubtless were an emblem of the "gospel preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven;" and their gradual rise beautifully represents it progress, from small beginnings to an immensely large increase; and the latter part of the representation may relate to the times when it shall fill the earth, and produce the most extensive and important effects on the state of making in every nation.
threshold <04670> [from under the threshold.]
north <06828> [northward.]
man <0376> [the man.]
water <04325> [waters were to the ancles. Heb. waters of the ancles.]
water ..... knee .............. water <04325 01290> [the waters were to the knees.]
water ......... swim <04325 07813> [waters to swim in. Heb. waters of swimming.]
seen <07200> [hast thou.]
banks <08193> [bank. Heb. lip.]
vast <07227> [many.]
flow down <03381> [and go down.]
Arabah <06160> [desert. or, plain.]
Sea .... sea <03220> [the sea.]
This was the Dead sea, or sea of Sodom, east of Jerusalem, in which it is said no living creature is found; or, at least, from its extreme saltness, it does not abound with fish like other seas. The healing of these waters denotes the calling of the Gentiles.
waters .......................... waters <04325> [the waters.]
creature ........................... live <05315 02425> [every thing.]
river ......................... river <05158> [rivers. Heb. two rivers.]
live ................... live <02421 02425> [shall live.]
many <07227 03966> [a very great.]
[Greek. for they.]
Fishermen <01728> [fishers.]
Apostles and preachers of the gospel.
Engedi <05872> [En-gedi.]
fish .... fish <01710> [the fish.]
Great quantities of all kinds of fish usually caught in the Mediterranean, genuine converts of all nations, kindreds, and people.
Great Sea <03220 01419> [the great sea.]
<03966> [exceeding.]
swamps <01207> [the miry places.]
Those who reject, neglect, or pervert the gospel.
[shall not be healed, they shall be. or, and that which shall not be, shall be, etc.]
<05414> [given.]
river's <05158> [by the river.]
<05927> [grow. Heb. come up. trees for meat.]
Probably, believers, "trees of righteousness," who still bring forth, "fruit unto holiness," and "whose end is eternal life."
leaves ................................. leaves <05929> [whose.]
fruit <01069> [new. or, principal. medicine. or, bruises and sores.]
Here .... borders <01454 01366> [This shall.]
Joseph <03130> [Joseph.]
vowed <03027 05375> [lifted up mine hand. or, swore.]
assigned <05307> [fall.]
border <01366> [And this.]
Hethlon <02855> [Hethlon.]
Zedad <06657> [Zedad.]
Hamath ............... Hamath <02574> [Hamath.]
Berothah <01268> [Berothah.]
[Berothai. Damascus.]
Hazer-hattikon <02694> [Hazar-hatticon. or, the middle village. Hauran.]
The district of Auranitis, now Haouran, S. W. of Damascus.
border ...... sea ...... border .......... border <01366 03220> [the border from.]
The Holy Land, as here described, extended from about 31 degrees to 35 degrees N. lat. and from 34 degrees to 37 degrees E. long.; being bounded on the north by a line drawn from the Mediterranean to Hamath; on the east by Damascus, Hauran, Gilead, and the land of Israel east of Jordan, unto the south of the Dead sea; on the south by Tamar and Kadesh, unto the river of Rhinocorura; and on the west by the Mediterranean sea, from the same point northward "till a man came over against Hamath;" and its length from north to south would be about 280 miles, and its breadth about 150 miles. The ten tribes, as well as Judah and Benjamin, were to be admitted to a full share in this inheritance, which seems to imply, that the future restoration to the promised land is predicted; while the admission of strangers who sojourned in the land to a share in the inheritance, as if native Israelites, plainly intimates the calling of the Gentiles into the church, and their joint inheritance of its privileges, and of the heavenly felicity.
Hazar-enan <02703> [Hazarenan.]
between ...... between ................. border <0996 01366> [from. Heb. from between. from Gilead.]
[Galead.]
Jordan <03383> [Jordan.]
Tamar <08559> [Tamar.]
Meribath <04808> [strife. or, Meribah.]
river <05158> [river. or, valley.]
south ....................... south <08486 05045> [southward. or, toward Teman.]
allot .................................... allotted <05307> [ye shall divide.]
foreigners <01616> [and to the strangers.]
allot .................................... allotted <05307> [they shall have.]
names <08034> [the names.]
northern ....................... north <06828> [From.]
[a portion. Heb. one portion. Dan.]
Asher <0836> [Asher.]
Naphtali <05321> [Naphtali.]
border <01366> [by the border.]
In this division of the Holy Land, a portion is laid out for each of the twelve tribes directly across the country, from east to west; and deducting the square of 25,000 reeds, or nearly fifty miles on each side, between Judah and Benjamin, for the priests, Levites, city, and temple, with the inheritance of the prince to the east and west, (see on ch. 45:1,) from 280 miles, the length of the country from north to south, there will remain for each tribe a portion of less than twenty miles in width, and 150 in length. This division of the land entirely differs from that which was made in the days of Joshua, in which the tribes were not only differently placed, but confused and inter-mixed; while here distinct lots are assigned to each of the twelve tribes, in a regular mathematical form. Literally such a division never took place: it seems to denote the equality of privileges which subsists among all the tribes of Believers, of whatever nation, and whatever their previous character may have been.
Manasseh <04519> [Manasseh.]
Ephraim <0669> [Ephraim.]
Reuben <07205> [Reuben.]
Judah <03063> [Judah.]
allotment <08641> [the offering.]
sanctuary <04720> [the sanctuary.]
priests <03548> [for the priests.]
sanctuary <04720> [and the sanctuary.]
priests ..... apart <03548 06942> [It shall be for the priests that are sanctified. or, The sanctified portion shall be for the priests. the sons]
charge <04931> [charge. or, ward, or ordinance.]
Levites <03881> [as the Levites.]
most holy <06944> [a thing.]
eight and a quarter miles ..... three and one-third .......... eight and a quarter miles ..... three and one-third miles <06242 0505 02568> [five and twenty thousand in.]
sell <04376> [they shall.]
set apart <06944> [for.]
common <02455> [a profane.]
city ......... city <05892> [for the city.]
The holy oblation of 25,000 square reeds, or near fifty square miles, was divided into three parts from north to south (see on ch. 45:1): a portion on the north of 10,000 reeds in width, and 25,000 in length, for the priests, in the midst of which was the sanctuary or temple, surrounded by a wall 500 reeds square, (ver. 9, 10; see on ch. 42:15;) next to this another portion of the same dimensions for the Levites, (ver. 13, 14;) and on the south another portion of the same length, but only 5,000 reeds in breadth, for the city (ver. 15.) The city was situated in the midst of this portion, being 4,500 reeds, or about nine miles square, (see on ver. 30,) having a suburb of 250 reeds, or about half a mile, on each side, (ver. 17,) leaving 10,000 reeds or nearly ten miles, on the east side, and the same on the west side, for the profit of those who serve the city out of all the tribes, (ver. 18, 19.) On the east and west sides of this square of 25,000 reeds, is the portion of the prince; each of which, estimating the breadth of the land at 150 miles, would form a square of fifty miles. Thus the whole plan of the division of the country, laying out of the city, temple, and all its appendages, is perfectly regular and uniform; and would therefore convey to the minds of the Jews the most complete idea they were capable of conceiving of the most perfect church, commonwealth, city, temple, and conveniences, on the largest and grandest scale for the Divine worship; and it doubtless ultimately points out the land of Immanuel, the city of the New Jerusalem, and his temple, the Christian church, the house of the living God.
workers <05647> [that serve.]
workers ............ cultivate <05647> [shall serve.]
square <07243> [four-square.]
rest <03498> [the residue.]
westward ........... west <03220> [and westward.]
Benjamin <01144> [Benjamin.]
[a portion. Heb. one portion.]
Simeon <08095> [Simeon.]
Issachar <03485> [Issachar.]
Zebulun <02074> [Zebulun.]
Gad <01410> [Gad.]
Tamar <08559> [from Tamar.]
Meribath Kadesh <06946 04808> [strife in Kadesh. Heb. Meribah-kadesh.]
Stream <05158> [the river.]
Great Sea <03220 01419> [the great sea.]
exits <08444> [the goings.]
one and one-half miles <0702> [four.]
It is certainly most obvious to interpret these measures, not of cubits, but of the measuring reed which the prophet's conductor had in his hand; according to which, the city would be about thirty-six miles in circumference, and nine miles on each side of the square; which was nearly nine times larger than the greatest extent to which Jerusalem ever attained, (See on ver. 15; ch. 42:16.) The large dimensions of the city and land were perhaps intended to intimate the extensive and glorious propagation of the gospel in the times predicted; and the land was not called Canaan, nor the city Jerusalem, probably because they were figurative of spiritual blessings to the church and to Israel.
name <08034> [and the name.]
<03074> [The Lord. Heb. JEHOVAH shammah.]
CONCLUDING REMARKS ON THE BOOK OF EZEKIEL. The character of Ezekiel, as a Writer and Poet, is thus admirably drawn by the masterly hand of Bishop Lowth: "Ezekiel is much inferior to Jeremiah in elegance; in sublimity he is not even excelled by Isaiah; but his sublimity is of a totally different kind. He is deep, vehement, tragical; his sentiments are elevated, animated, full of fire and indignation; his imagery is crowded, magnificent, terrific; his language is grand, solemn, austere, rough, and at times unpolished; he abounds in repetitions, not for the sake of grace or elegance, but from vehemence and indignation. Whatever subject he treats of, that he sedulously puruses; from that he rarely departs, but cleaves, as it were, to it; whence the connexion is in general evident and well preserved. In other respects he may perhaps be exceeded by the other prophets; but, for that species of composition to which he seems adapted by natural gifts, the forcible, impetuous, grave, and grand, not one of the sacred writers is superior to him. His diction is sufficiently perspicuous; all his obscurity arises from the nature of his subjects. Visions (as for instance, among others, those of Hosea, Amos, and Zechariah,) are necessarily dark and confused. The greater part of Ezekiel, particularly towards the middle of the book, is poetical, whether we regard the matter of the language." Abp. Newcombe judiciously observes, The Prophet is not to be considered merely as a poet, or as a framer of those august and astonishing visions, and of those admirable poetical representations, which he committed to writing; but as an instrument in the hands of God, who vouchsafed to reveal himself, through a long succession of ages, not only in divers parts constituting a magnificant and uniform whole, but also in different manners, as by voice, by dreams, by inspiration, and by plain or enigmatical vision. "Ezekiel is a great poet, full of originality; and, in my opinion, whoever censures him as if he were only an imitator of the old prophets, can never have felt his power. He must not, in general, be compared with Isaiah, and the rest of the old prophets. Those are great, Ezekiel is also great; those in their manner of poetry, Ezekiel in his." To justify this character the learned prelate descends to particulars, and gives apposite examples, not only of the clear, flowing, and nervous, but also of the sublime; and concludes his observations on his style, by stating it to be his deliberate opinion, that if his "style is the old age of Hebrew language and composition, (as has been alleged,) it is a firm and vigorous one, and should induce us to trace its youth and manhood with the most assiduous attention." As a Prophet, Ezekiel must ever be allowed to occupy a very high rank; and few of the prophets have left a more valuable treasure to the church of God than he has. It is true, he is in several places obscure; but this resulted either from the nature of his subjects, or the events predicted being still unfulfilled; and, when time has rolled away the mist of futurity, successive generations will then perceive with what heavenly wisdom this much neglected prophet has spoken. There is, however, a great proportion of his work which is free from every obscurity, and highly edifying. He has so accurately and minutely foretold the fate and condition of various nations and cities, that nothing can be more interesting than to trace the exact accomplishment of these prophecies in the accounts furnished by historians and travellers; while, under the elegant type of a new temple to be erected, a new worship to be introduced, and a new Jerusalem to be built, with new land to be allotted to the twelve tribes, may be discovered the vast extent and glory of the New Testament Church.
