Ezekiel 40
DortA Preface to the nine following Chapters
1. In the five and twentieth year of our captive-carrying away, [With King Jojachin See above c. 1.3 and 24.1 and 33.21] in the beginning of the year, [Heb. The head of the year: this is held by the Jews to be the beginning of the civil year. Others understand it is Ecclesiastical year] on the tenth (day) of the month, [Meaning the fifth month] in the fourtenth year after the city [Jerusalem] was smitten: [see above chapter 33.21 and 24.1,2. With the annotat. There] even on the same day, [see above chapter 2.3 and 24.2 with the annotata. Heb. In the bone, or in vigour of that day] was the hand of the LORD upon me, [See Above Chap.1. on vers.3] and he brought me thith. R. [to wit, into the land of Israel. Understand in a vision as followeth]
2. In the vision of God [see above chap.1. on verse 1. and 8 on vers.3.] brought he [the Lord] into the land of Israel: and he set me upon a very high mountain; [compare Revel. 21.10. See of the Hebrews word rendered here set, above chap 37.1] and by it it was as the fabric of a city toward the south: [Ezekiel standing in the north, (where the temple had been. See Psalms 48 on verse 3.) Saw a city before him in the south. It is worth our observation that neither mountain, nor city, is named both here and in the sequel, save onely with the particle as, covertly as it were with the finger, pointing at Zion or Moria and Jerusalem: which might save to draw away our thoughts the more from the earthly Zion and Jerusalem, and to lead them to heavenly and spiritual Zion or Jerusalema to with the Church of God the mother of us all, Galatians 4:26. Whole name shall be, the LORD is there, below chapter 48.35. to the like purpose might serve the difference that is between the whole fabric and the former Temple of Solomon, and the other that was built after the return of the Jews from Babel. Therefore also, it is no where found in Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zachariah that they regulated themselves in the reedification of the temple according to the vision, which even diyers Jewish Rabbines are said to confess that it looketh at the time of the Messias.]
3. when he had brought me [or, had caused me to go in, had brought me in]thither, behold then there was a man whose form was like the form of copper; [or steel being dry, hard and durable compare Revelations 1.15 also above chapter 1.7 and further, Pslams 45.3 and 102.27,28. Yet here not like burning Hasmel, above chapter 1.4, 27.] And in his hand was linen [like a land meter. For in those times there were wont measure and divide land with lines r rods. See below Chapter 47.3,13 with the annotat. And compare Revelations21.15 Zachariah 2.1. it is called a measuring or meting-line] and a measuring reed: [as having the measure exactly this fabric which in those times there wer’nt to do much with the reeds, (being very fit for that purpose) for which we may well use the word in asuring-rod, see Revelations 11.1. in like manner must the house of God be formed and squared according to his counsel and word as according to the onely rule and direction and the principal square of all institution: thereunto harth respect the phase that is used, Isa.28.10, Gal.6.16, Philippians 3:16 and hence the books of the Holy scripture are called Cannonical. Compare Exodus 25:9,40, acts 77.44, Hebrews 8:5. We may likewise concerning the whole measuring of this spiritual building compare Ezekiel 3:17,18,19. We may hereby this man so describe,9as aforefaid)understand with most interpreters, the Lord Jesus Christ, as the supreme builder of his house, who doth not here appeal in dreadful majesty as a judge, but kindly and friendly as a Master-Builder: or at least an angel, whom the son Of God was pleased to use the purpose. Compare above Chapter 1.26 and 9 and 10.2.zachariah 6.12, &c and Revelation 11:1. Likewise below chapter 43.6 where it seemed that this man distin-guished from the Lord, that spake out of the Tempe] and he flood the gate. [As Lord of the house and heir of all, opening and shutting: or at least as one having charge and commission from him. See Hebrews 1:2 and 3.3,6 and Job 10:2,3, Revelation3.7 others, by the gate or in the gate]
4. And the man said unto me, child of man, [see above chapter 2 on ver.11] behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall cause the to see; [This, is consider diligently and with singular attention all that thou seeth and hearth, to the intent that thou mayest faithfullysheew the fame unto the people of GOD, as followeth compare Matthew 10:27. luke 12.5. Acts 20:20, 27. 1 Corinthians 12:7 So chapter 43.10,11.] for the intent that I might cause thee to see (them) art thou brought hither: declare (afterwards) all that thou seeth to the house of Israel.
5. And behold there was a wall on the outside of the house round about, [Hebrews round about, round about: and so into the sequel. This wall is foursquare by compass about the whole place of all this building. Compare Isa.26.1. Zachariah 2.4, 5. See of the circumference of this wall below chapter 42.15, 16,17,18,19,20] and in the man’s hand was a measuring reedof fix ells (or cubits) (every ell) of an ell and band breadth; [the measure of every ell was a common ell and a and breadth, so that the measuring reed was fix common ells and fix hand breadths long: one had-breadth is counted to be the breadth of four fingers oined together, or three thumbs] and he measured the breadth of the building [That is the thickness of the wall] One reed and the height one reed [the depth of the outer wall some take as if it were to be as if it were representation; first, of Christ’s utmost humiliation, from whence he went on and increased, until he having finished the work of our redemption was exalted and entered into the Holy of Holies, see Philippians 2:7, & John 3:30. Hebrews 9:11,12,24, Secondly, of the first beginning and so consequently of the progress and increase of Christendom, and the divers measures of the gift of all members of Christ in this life, till he bring them to be with him in the heavenly places, which he hath prepared for them. See 1 Corinthians 13:9,10,12. Elijah 4.12,13,14,16. Also Luke 17:5, Revelation 12 .11]
6. Then came he unto the gate, [meaning the first gate] which looked the way toward the east; [Hebrews whose face (was) the way, etc.] and he went up to the steps thereof, [how many they might have been is not here mentioned, as indeed there is mention made of others in the sequel] all measured the threshold of the gate, one read the breadth, and the other threshold, one read the breadth.
7. And (every) little chamber, [Hebrews, the little chamber that is , very one of the little chambers, or little cells, which were on both sides in the north and south part, between the first and second gate over against one another for an abode of keepers o the gate and threshold and those that came in from abroad; which some hold to be a type and figure of the coming, entrance , admission, and receiving of members Of Christ into his house or (in a manner) under his roof, custody and protection on earth, and afterwards in the heavenly mansions. See Psalms 22:31 and 87,4,5,6 Isaiah 54:3 etc and 60.4, etc. Acts 2:41,42 etc. Matthew 25:10. Luke 16:9.] One reed the length, and one reed the breadth; and between the little chambers, [That is the place, one room, space between the little chambers] five ells, and the threshold [that is, both the thresholds] (as some) as Verse 6.] of the gate, by porch [or portal; and so in the sequel, as some do take this] of the gate within one reed.
8. He measured also the porch of the house within [Or inward] one reed. [Others, and when he had measured etc and then Verse 9 then measured him, c.]
9. Then Measured he the (other) porch of the gate, eight ells, and posts thereof [To wit, of the gate, or of the porch or portal] two ells: and the porch of the gate was within. [Others to wit, the porch of the gate within]
10. And the little chambers of the gate of the way towards the east were three from this (side) and three from that side; [Hebrews three from hence, and three hence that is, from thence, the meaning whereof (according to the nature of the Hebrew language) is the fame that is here set down in the text: and so in the sequel] those three had one kind of measure: also posts on both (sides) and on that side, had one kind of measure.
11. Moreover, he measured the wideness of the door of the gate thirteen ells.
12. And there was a space, [Hebrews border bound] before [Hebrews before the face] the little chambers, of one ells (on this side) and a space of one ell on that side: and 9every) little chamber fix ells on this (side) and fix ells on that side.
13. Then measured he the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another; [Others, from the roof of the little chamber to their roof, to wit the roof of the gates] the breadth was five and twenty ells: door was over against door.
14. He made also posts of threescore ells: [That is, He measured them, as many understand this here, fifth the building was made or prepared already. See above verse 5.] namely, unto the post of the court round about the gate [Some hold the court of the lord (into which the people of God were wont to resort, whereof there were dives for the temple, as is related to the sequel) to be a type of the spreading out of the church of the new statement and branching out it feel to many particular churches gathered throughout the whole world but all pertaining to the body of the universal Church, and having fellowship and interest in the Lord Christ and his benefits, represented and figured out by the temple. See Psalms 87:4,5,6, Isaiah 54 2,3 & c. and 60.8, & c and 62.9 also Psalms 65:5 and 84.3 and 100.4, & c.]
15. And from the fore-part {Hebrews face; and so in the sequel] of the gate of the entrance, [Or, where men come in] unto the fore-part of the porch of the inner gate, or (namely unto) the inner gate] were fifty ells.
16. And there were shut windows [meaning glazed, or shut with glass: or straight narrow windows, (as if they had been shut) yet so as that they gave inwardly a fair light, (compare 1 Kings6 on verse 4.) typifying the true light, which the Lord Jesus Christ should bring into the church by his word and spirit See Isaiah 42:6,7 and 49, 6 and 60.19,20. Job1.7, 8. & 8.12 & R v. 21.23, 24, & c.] to the little chambers and to their posts inwards in the gate round about; so likewise to the porches: [others galleries, arches] now the windows were round about inward, and upon the posts were palm-trees. [Others, now (upon) the windows & c and upon the posts were palm trees. The palm trees figured out the spiritual beautiful, ever flourishing, fruitful and incomparable condition of the church, see Psalms 92, 13 Cant.7.7, 8 Revelations 7.9.]
17. Moreover, he brought me into the innermost court [which some call the women’s court] and so, there chambers, and a pavement that was made in the court round about; there were thirty chambers upon the pavement. [in my fathers house there are many mansions, faith our saviour, Job 14:2 and on earth he provideth for his own a place and shelter against the storm, rain and scorching heat of the sun; that is, sure and lasting comfort in all affliction, see Isaiah 4:5,6 and 32.2, & c]
18. Now the pavement was by the side of the gates, over against the lengths of the gates: [or, all along the gates] (this) was lowermost [Or, low] pavement [others, over against the length of the gates; (there was) the lower pavement. Some understand this thus, that this pavement did rise up high in the midst; and went flopping down the sides, that it might the better wash away all the foil and filth.]
19. And he measured the breadth, from the fore-part [Hebrews face] of the lowermost gate, before the innermost court, [Hebrews before the face & c, or (as some) into the face, & c that is, unto the for-part of the innermost court] without, an hundred ells, eastward and northward.
20. Now concerning the gate that looked the way towards the north, [Hebrews whose face was, &c. see verse 22] at the outermost courts: he measured the length thereof, and the breadth thereof.
21. And the chambers thereof, three on this (side), and three on that side, and the posts thereof, and the gates there of were [Hebrews was; to wit, each of them] after the measure of the first gate: fifty ells the length thereof, and the breadth of five and twenty ells, [Hebrews five and twenty in the ell]
22. And their windows, and their porches, and their palm-trees, were after the measure of the gate that looked the way towards the east: and men went up [Hebrews they went up, or, there were to go up, as elsewhere often. Compare below verse 38, 41, 42.] Into it by seven steps, and the porches thereof were before them. [Hebrews, before their face. So verse 26]
23. Now the gates of the innermost court was over against the gate of the north, and of the east: and he measured from the gate a hundred ells.
24. After that he carried me the way towards the south, and so, the was a gate the way towards the south: and he measured the posts thereof, and the porches thereof, according to their measures [that is according as the other measures aforesaid were]
25. And it had windows also in the porches thereof round about, like these windows: [as the other windows were] the length was fifty ells, and the breadth five and twenty ells.
26. And the ascents thereof were of sever steps and the courts thereof were before them: and it had palm-trees one on this (side), and one on that [side upon the posts thereof.
27. There was also a gate in the innermost court, the way towards the south, and he measured from gate to gate the way towards the south, a hundred ells.
28. Moreover he brought me through the South-gate to the inner court: [meaning the second or middlemost court to distinguish it from the innermost or third court, verse 44] and he measured the south-gate according to these measures. [That is, as the others were: as above and in the sequel]
29. And the little chambers thereof and the posts thereof, and the porches thereof were according to these measures; and it had windows also in the porches thereof round about: the length was fifty ells and the breadth five and twenty ells.
30. And there were porches round about: the length was five and twenty ells, and breadth five ells [some transpose these words and read fifty for five ells, thus: the length was fifty ells and breadth five and twenty ells, by comparing of verse 21, 25, 33, 36.]
31. And the porches thereof were in the outermost court, there were also palm-trees upon the posts thereof: and the goings up thereof were of eight steps.
32. After that he brought to the innermost court, the way toward the east, and he measured the gate according to these measures.
33. Also the little chambers thereof and the posts thereof, and the porches thereof were according to these measures; and it had windows also in the court thereof round about: the length was fifty ells and the breadth five and twenty ells.
34. And the porches thereof were in the uttermost court; there were also palm trees upon the posts thereof, on this (side) and on that side: and the goings up thereof were of eight steps.
35. After that he brought me to the north-gate: and he measured according to the measures.
36. The little chambers thereof, the posts thereof and the porches thereof; it had also windows round about: the length was fifty ells and the breadth five and twenty ells.
37. And the posts thereof were in the outermost court; there were also palm trees upon the posts thereof, on this (side) and on that side: and the goings up thereof were of eight steps.
38. Now the chamber thereof and the doors thereof [Hebrews chamber-door; that is, everyone] were by the posts of the gates: there men washed the burnt-offering. [Hebrew they washed, or rinsed or c. or they should wash, &c. compare above verse 22 and see Exodus 29:17 Leviticus 1:9,13 and 14. Typifying the holy baptism, as also the spiritual cleaning and purifying which they have all need of that would serve God acceptably: whereof often mention is made in scripture. See Acts 22:16. Titus 3:5 and 1 Corinthians 6:11. 2 Timothy 2:21. Hebrews 10:22,23. James 4:8, &c, of burnt offering see Genesis 8:20. Leviticus 6:9. with the Annotat. Understant here the flesh that should be offered]
39. And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this (side) and two tables on that side, to lay thereon the burnt-offering, [that is, the cattel that were used for these offerings] and the sin-offering, and the trespass-offering, [Hebrews sin: also, trespass, or guilt: as often in the sequel. See Leviticus 4. On verse 3. By this flaying, and consequently by these offerings or sacrifices was typified, first, the onely flay-offering, and sweet-smelling propitiatory sacrifice of the high priest Jesus Christ, presented unto us in the gospel, and signified and sealed by the blessed Sacraments, especially the Lord’s supper. Secondly, the work of the ministry, whereby men are as it was spiritually sacrificed, and prepared for an acceptable sacrifice unto God. Thirdly, the spiritual flaying, killing, and crucifying of selves, that is, the old man: and the thankfulness of believers, which they themselves, as spirituals priests, yea a royal priesthood, owe and offer up unto their savior. See Psalms 40:7,8,9. Isaiah 53:7, 10. Hebrews 10 1, 4,5, &c. Galatians 3:1 1 Corinthians 11:24,25. Also, Isaiah 66:20. Romans 15:15, 16. Philipans 2.17 and Malach 1.11 and 3.3, 3. 1 Peter 2:9. Revelations 1.6. Romans 6:6 and 12. 1 Colossians 3:5. Hebrews 13:15,16 c]
40. there were also at the side [Hebrews shoulder, which is also taken for side so in the sequel] without the going up at the door of the north gate, two tables and at the other side which was the porch of the gate, two tables.
41. Four tables on the (side) and for tables on that side at the side of the gate: eight tables whereupon slew. [Compare above Verse 22.3, 8]
42. But the four tables for the burnt offering were of hewn stones, the length an ell and a half and the breadth an ell and a half, and the height an ell: now upon them men laid the furniture wherewith men flew [compare above verse 22, 38,41] the burnt offering and flay offering.
43. Now the Hewn stones, [Compare Psalms 68, 14 with the annotate. Others, books; to wit to hang the beasts thereon, to flay off their skins or hide and so cut them into pieces, &c] were a hand breadth (thick), orderly placed in the house [or, within] round about: and upon the tables was flesh of the offering]
44. And without the innermost gate were the chambers of the singers, [the Levites, that were appointed to praise God in his house with singing and playing of musical instruments. See 1 chronicles 6.31 and 16.4 and 23, 5, 30, 31. By these and other ministries mentioned in the sequel, in the description of the new house of the Lord, were typified the divers administration that are in the church of the new testament, as also in general divers exercise of Godliness amongst the members of the church that should assist their leaders and pastors, and should obediently follow them see Romans 12:6,7,8. 1 Corinthians 12:5, &c. Ephesians 4:11,12. 1 Timothy chapter 3. Titus chapters 1 and 2. Ephesians 5:19 Hebrews 13:7,17, &c] in the innermost court, [Meaning the most innermost or third court which was by the porch of this temple] which was at the side of the north-gate and forepart thereof [to wit, of the chambers] was the way towards the south: there was one at the side of the east gate, another (row of chambers,) c.] Looking the way towards the north [Hebrews the face of the way, c.]
45. And he said unto me, this chamber [that is, chambers, of each of these chambers, as some understand this: so in the next verse. Compare below chapter 42.1,4, 5.] Whose fore-part [Hebrews face. So, in the next verse] is the way towards the south, is for the priests that keep the watch of the house. [That is, the service of the house of the God. Compare Leviticus 8 on verse 35 and Numbers 3 on verse 7 and below chapter 44.8,14,15. Some understand here and in the next verse, by comparing below chapter 44.10,14. The Levites reckoned among the priest, or their name, because they were given and added to the priests to help and assist them. See 1 chronicles 23.27,28 also Numbers 3:6,7,8,9 &c 18.2,3,4. Or called priests, (as also 2 Kings 23:9) because they had been formerly priest, but were degraded, as is said of some, below Chapter 44.12.13, 14. However is seemeth plain, that here a difference is made between the watch of the house and the watch of the Alter, as appeared in the next verse, as below chapter 44.14,15. Between the watch of the house and the watch of the sanctuary]
46. But the chapter whose fore-part is the way towards the north, is for the priests that keep the watch of the Alter: [That is, the administration of the alter of burnt-offering; whereby some ( as in the former verse) understand the service of the Levites, which in they offering were to perform unto the priests by the Alter of the burnt-offering but the attentive reader may compare below chapter 44.15.] those are the children of Zadok, [see further of this man below chapter 44 on verse 15.] which out of the children of Levi come near to the Lord to the minister unto him. [ this coming near and approaching unto to the LORD (whereof also mention is often made in the sequel) was a type of the approaching and drawing near to Jesus Christ our mediator unto the father for us and consequently of the prayers and intercessions of pastors for their flock, and of all believers (as spiritual priests) in general by their prayers and services in the name of Christ see Jeremiah 30 on verse 21 and Romans 1:9,10, Ephesians 1:17, Colossians 4:12, Hebrews 13:17 also 10.19,22, &c)
47. And he measured the court, the length a hundred ells, and the breadth a hundred ells, four-square: and the altar [The Altar of burnt-offering] was before the face] the house. [That is, the Temple. So, in the sequel. See chapter 41.1]
48. Then he brought me to the porch of the house and he measured (each) posts of the porch, five ells on this (side) and five ells on that side: and the breadth of the gate, three ells on this (side), and three ells on that side:
49. The length of the porch twenty ells and the breadth eleven ells; and it was with steps [without mentioning how many, as above verse 6] whereby men went up to it: there also pillars by the posts on this (side), and one on that side.