Amos 2
KingCommentsAmos 2:1
The Inner East Gate
After the south gate, Ezekiel is taken by the Man to the east gate. As with the outer gates, the east gate is also here the main entrance. The measurement of that gate shows that it has exactly the same dimensions and layout as the south gate just measured.
Amos 2:2
The Inner East Gate
After the south gate, Ezekiel is taken by the Man to the east gate. As with the outer gates, the east gate is also here the main entrance. The measurement of that gate shows that it has exactly the same dimensions and layout as the south gate just measured.
Amos 2:3
The Inner North Gate
Then Ezekiel is taken by the Man to the north gate, where the measurements and layout give the same result as of the previous gates.
Amos 2:4
The Inner North Gate
Then Ezekiel is taken by the Man to the north gate, where the measurements and layout give the same result as of the previous gates.
Amos 2:5
The Inner North Gate
Then Ezekiel is taken by the Man to the north gate, where the measurements and layout give the same result as of the previous gates.
Amos 2:6
Objects for Sacrificial Service
Ezekiel is here at the north gate at the inner court (Ezekiel 40:40), which is near the place where, according to Leviticus 1, the burnt offering from the flock is to be slaughtered (Leviticus 1:11). Near the side pillar of the (inner) gate on the north side is a chamber for rinsing the burnt offering (Ezekiel 40:38; cf. Leviticus 1:9; 2 Chronicles 4:6). In the porch of the gate, where one comes after climbing the eight-step staircase, there are two tables on each side (Ezekiel 40:39). On them the burnt offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering can be slaughtered.
There are also two tables on each side of the staircase of eight steps that leads to the inner gate (Ezekiel 40:40-41). There are thus eight tables that serve to slaughter the sacrifices. It is noteworthy that the staircase is not mentioned as such, but that it is spoken of “as one went up to the gateway toward the north”. Furthermore, there are four tables on which the instruments are placed with which the burnt offering and the sacrifice are slaughtered (Ezekiel 40:42). Of these tables, the material is mentioned: they are “of hewn stones”. Their dimensions are also mentioned: a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide and one cubit high.
Another thing that seems to relate to the sacrificial service are “the double hooks, one handbreadth in length” installed in the house all around (Ezekiel 40:43). These hooks are probably intended to hang the slaughtered sacrifices on them so that the blood can run out.
The sacrifices offered in the realm of peace are a remembrance of Christ’s work, a reflection on it. They do not diminish the perfection of Christ’s sacrifice and the complete forgiveness of sins on the basis of His sacrifice. Everything that is said about the sacrifices, the preparation, the place of sacrifice, and the instruments reminds believers of the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made for them. He hung on the cross, outside the gate, to open the way for His own into the presence of God. The believers of the church remember this during the Christian era in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the Table of the Lord.
Amos 2:7
Objects for Sacrificial Service
Ezekiel is here at the north gate at the inner court (Ezekiel 40:40), which is near the place where, according to Leviticus 1, the burnt offering from the flock is to be slaughtered (Leviticus 1:11). Near the side pillar of the (inner) gate on the north side is a chamber for rinsing the burnt offering (Ezekiel 40:38; cf. Leviticus 1:9; 2 Chronicles 4:6). In the porch of the gate, where one comes after climbing the eight-step staircase, there are two tables on each side (Ezekiel 40:39). On them the burnt offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering can be slaughtered.
There are also two tables on each side of the staircase of eight steps that leads to the inner gate (Ezekiel 40:40-41). There are thus eight tables that serve to slaughter the sacrifices. It is noteworthy that the staircase is not mentioned as such, but that it is spoken of “as one went up to the gateway toward the north”. Furthermore, there are four tables on which the instruments are placed with which the burnt offering and the sacrifice are slaughtered (Ezekiel 40:42). Of these tables, the material is mentioned: they are “of hewn stones”. Their dimensions are also mentioned: a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide and one cubit high.
Another thing that seems to relate to the sacrificial service are “the double hooks, one handbreadth in length” installed in the house all around (Ezekiel 40:43). These hooks are probably intended to hang the slaughtered sacrifices on them so that the blood can run out.
The sacrifices offered in the realm of peace are a remembrance of Christ’s work, a reflection on it. They do not diminish the perfection of Christ’s sacrifice and the complete forgiveness of sins on the basis of His sacrifice. Everything that is said about the sacrifices, the preparation, the place of sacrifice, and the instruments reminds believers of the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made for them. He hung on the cross, outside the gate, to open the way for His own into the presence of God. The believers of the church remember this during the Christian era in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the Table of the Lord.
Amos 2:8
Objects for Sacrificial Service
Ezekiel is here at the north gate at the inner court (Ezekiel 40:40), which is near the place where, according to Leviticus 1, the burnt offering from the flock is to be slaughtered (Leviticus 1:11). Near the side pillar of the (inner) gate on the north side is a chamber for rinsing the burnt offering (Ezekiel 40:38; cf. Leviticus 1:9; 2 Chronicles 4:6). In the porch of the gate, where one comes after climbing the eight-step staircase, there are two tables on each side (Ezekiel 40:39). On them the burnt offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering can be slaughtered.
There are also two tables on each side of the staircase of eight steps that leads to the inner gate (Ezekiel 40:40-41). There are thus eight tables that serve to slaughter the sacrifices. It is noteworthy that the staircase is not mentioned as such, but that it is spoken of “as one went up to the gateway toward the north”. Furthermore, there are four tables on which the instruments are placed with which the burnt offering and the sacrifice are slaughtered (Ezekiel 40:42). Of these tables, the material is mentioned: they are “of hewn stones”. Their dimensions are also mentioned: a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide and one cubit high.
Another thing that seems to relate to the sacrificial service are “the double hooks, one handbreadth in length” installed in the house all around (Ezekiel 40:43). These hooks are probably intended to hang the slaughtered sacrifices on them so that the blood can run out.
The sacrifices offered in the realm of peace are a remembrance of Christ’s work, a reflection on it. They do not diminish the perfection of Christ’s sacrifice and the complete forgiveness of sins on the basis of His sacrifice. Everything that is said about the sacrifices, the preparation, the place of sacrifice, and the instruments reminds believers of the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made for them. He hung on the cross, outside the gate, to open the way for His own into the presence of God. The believers of the church remember this during the Christian era in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the Table of the Lord.
Amos 2:9
Objects for Sacrificial Service
Ezekiel is here at the north gate at the inner court (Ezekiel 40:40), which is near the place where, according to Leviticus 1, the burnt offering from the flock is to be slaughtered (Leviticus 1:11). Near the side pillar of the (inner) gate on the north side is a chamber for rinsing the burnt offering (Ezekiel 40:38; cf. Leviticus 1:9; 2 Chronicles 4:6). In the porch of the gate, where one comes after climbing the eight-step staircase, there are two tables on each side (Ezekiel 40:39). On them the burnt offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering can be slaughtered.
There are also two tables on each side of the staircase of eight steps that leads to the inner gate (Ezekiel 40:40-41). There are thus eight tables that serve to slaughter the sacrifices. It is noteworthy that the staircase is not mentioned as such, but that it is spoken of “as one went up to the gateway toward the north”. Furthermore, there are four tables on which the instruments are placed with which the burnt offering and the sacrifice are slaughtered (Ezekiel 40:42). Of these tables, the material is mentioned: they are “of hewn stones”. Their dimensions are also mentioned: a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide and one cubit high.
Another thing that seems to relate to the sacrificial service are “the double hooks, one handbreadth in length” installed in the house all around (Ezekiel 40:43). These hooks are probably intended to hang the slaughtered sacrifices on them so that the blood can run out.
The sacrifices offered in the realm of peace are a remembrance of Christ’s work, a reflection on it. They do not diminish the perfection of Christ’s sacrifice and the complete forgiveness of sins on the basis of His sacrifice. Everything that is said about the sacrifices, the preparation, the place of sacrifice, and the instruments reminds believers of the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made for them. He hung on the cross, outside the gate, to open the way for His own into the presence of God. The believers of the church remember this during the Christian era in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the Table of the Lord.
Amos 2:10
Objects for Sacrificial Service
Ezekiel is here at the north gate at the inner court (Ezekiel 40:40), which is near the place where, according to Leviticus 1, the burnt offering from the flock is to be slaughtered (Leviticus 1:11). Near the side pillar of the (inner) gate on the north side is a chamber for rinsing the burnt offering (Ezekiel 40:38; cf. Leviticus 1:9; 2 Chronicles 4:6). In the porch of the gate, where one comes after climbing the eight-step staircase, there are two tables on each side (Ezekiel 40:39). On them the burnt offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering can be slaughtered.
There are also two tables on each side of the staircase of eight steps that leads to the inner gate (Ezekiel 40:40-41). There are thus eight tables that serve to slaughter the sacrifices. It is noteworthy that the staircase is not mentioned as such, but that it is spoken of “as one went up to the gateway toward the north”. Furthermore, there are four tables on which the instruments are placed with which the burnt offering and the sacrifice are slaughtered (Ezekiel 40:42). Of these tables, the material is mentioned: they are “of hewn stones”. Their dimensions are also mentioned: a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide and one cubit high.
Another thing that seems to relate to the sacrificial service are “the double hooks, one handbreadth in length” installed in the house all around (Ezekiel 40:43). These hooks are probably intended to hang the slaughtered sacrifices on them so that the blood can run out.
The sacrifices offered in the realm of peace are a remembrance of Christ’s work, a reflection on it. They do not diminish the perfection of Christ’s sacrifice and the complete forgiveness of sins on the basis of His sacrifice. Everything that is said about the sacrifices, the preparation, the place of sacrifice, and the instruments reminds believers of the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made for them. He hung on the cross, outside the gate, to open the way for His own into the presence of God. The believers of the church remember this during the Christian era in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the Table of the Lord.
Amos 2:11
Objects for Sacrificial Service
Ezekiel is here at the north gate at the inner court (Ezekiel 40:40), which is near the place where, according to Leviticus 1, the burnt offering from the flock is to be slaughtered (Leviticus 1:11). Near the side pillar of the (inner) gate on the north side is a chamber for rinsing the burnt offering (Ezekiel 40:38; cf. Leviticus 1:9; 2 Chronicles 4:6). In the porch of the gate, where one comes after climbing the eight-step staircase, there are two tables on each side (Ezekiel 40:39). On them the burnt offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering can be slaughtered.
There are also two tables on each side of the staircase of eight steps that leads to the inner gate (Ezekiel 40:40-41). There are thus eight tables that serve to slaughter the sacrifices. It is noteworthy that the staircase is not mentioned as such, but that it is spoken of “as one went up to the gateway toward the north”. Furthermore, there are four tables on which the instruments are placed with which the burnt offering and the sacrifice are slaughtered (Ezekiel 40:42). Of these tables, the material is mentioned: they are “of hewn stones”. Their dimensions are also mentioned: a cubit and a half long, a cubit and a half wide and one cubit high.
Another thing that seems to relate to the sacrificial service are “the double hooks, one handbreadth in length” installed in the house all around (Ezekiel 40:43). These hooks are probably intended to hang the slaughtered sacrifices on them so that the blood can run out.
The sacrifices offered in the realm of peace are a remembrance of Christ’s work, a reflection on it. They do not diminish the perfection of Christ’s sacrifice and the complete forgiveness of sins on the basis of His sacrifice. Everything that is said about the sacrifices, the preparation, the place of sacrifice, and the instruments reminds believers of the sacrifice that the Lord Jesus made for them. He hung on the cross, outside the gate, to open the way for His own into the presence of God. The believers of the church remember this during the Christian era in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper at the Table of the Lord.
Amos 2:12
Chambers for the Singers and the Priests
Immediately following what has to do with the sacrifices is a description of the chambers of the singers and the priests (Ezekiel 40:44-46). This indicates that sacrificial service is accompanied by praise and is done by priests (cf. Hebrews 13:15). Of the chambers we are given only the location. No measurements are given. The chambers of the singers are located “from the outside to the inner gate” (Ezekiel 40:44). The chambers at the north gate are on the south side of it.
The Man and Ezekiel are now standing in the inner court near the north gate. There the Man breaks the silence for the first time (Ezekiel 40:45). He explains to Ezekiel that the chamber “which faces toward the south” is for the priests. Here, for the first time, the priests are mentioned. Of them, the Man still mentions that they “keep charge of the temple”.
The front of this chamber faces south. Another chamber, the front of which faces toward the north, is for the priests “who keep charge of the altar” (Ezekiel 40:46). One chamber is connected to the temple and the other to the altar. We see here how temple and altar belong together.
For this priestly service the LORD has destined “the sons of Zadok”. They may draw near to Him to minister to Him as priests. They are given this wonderful ministry as a reward for their faithfulness to David (2 Samuel 15:24; 1 Kings 1:8-10; 1 Kings 2:35; cf. Ezekiel 44:15; Ezekiel 43:19; Ezekiel 48:11).
Then the Man measures the (inner) court (Ezekiel 40:47). In the middle of it is the altar. The court is a square, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide. Emphasis is placed on the location of the altar: it is in front of the house or the temple. Only through the altar is there a view of and access to the house or the temple.
The inner court forms the center of the complex. Together with the inner gates, this center is eight steps higher than the outer court with the outer gates. The altar is exactly in the center of the center. In turn, the outer court and outer gates are seven steps higher than the area outside the temple complex which, according to Ezekiel 45 is open space or pasture land (Ezekiel 45:2).
Amos 2:13
Chambers for the Singers and the Priests
Immediately following what has to do with the sacrifices is a description of the chambers of the singers and the priests (Ezekiel 40:44-46). This indicates that sacrificial service is accompanied by praise and is done by priests (cf. Hebrews 13:15). Of the chambers we are given only the location. No measurements are given. The chambers of the singers are located “from the outside to the inner gate” (Ezekiel 40:44). The chambers at the north gate are on the south side of it.
The Man and Ezekiel are now standing in the inner court near the north gate. There the Man breaks the silence for the first time (Ezekiel 40:45). He explains to Ezekiel that the chamber “which faces toward the south” is for the priests. Here, for the first time, the priests are mentioned. Of them, the Man still mentions that they “keep charge of the temple”.
The front of this chamber faces south. Another chamber, the front of which faces toward the north, is for the priests “who keep charge of the altar” (Ezekiel 40:46). One chamber is connected to the temple and the other to the altar. We see here how temple and altar belong together.
For this priestly service the LORD has destined “the sons of Zadok”. They may draw near to Him to minister to Him as priests. They are given this wonderful ministry as a reward for their faithfulness to David (2 Samuel 15:24; 1 Kings 1:8-10; 1 Kings 2:35; cf. Ezekiel 44:15; Ezekiel 43:19; Ezekiel 48:11).
Then the Man measures the (inner) court (Ezekiel 40:47). In the middle of it is the altar. The court is a square, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide. Emphasis is placed on the location of the altar: it is in front of the house or the temple. Only through the altar is there a view of and access to the house or the temple.
The inner court forms the center of the complex. Together with the inner gates, this center is eight steps higher than the outer court with the outer gates. The altar is exactly in the center of the center. In turn, the outer court and outer gates are seven steps higher than the area outside the temple complex which, according to Ezekiel 45 is open space or pasture land (Ezekiel 45:2).
Amos 2:14
Chambers for the Singers and the Priests
Immediately following what has to do with the sacrifices is a description of the chambers of the singers and the priests (Ezekiel 40:44-46). This indicates that sacrificial service is accompanied by praise and is done by priests (cf. Hebrews 13:15). Of the chambers we are given only the location. No measurements are given. The chambers of the singers are located “from the outside to the inner gate” (Ezekiel 40:44). The chambers at the north gate are on the south side of it.
The Man and Ezekiel are now standing in the inner court near the north gate. There the Man breaks the silence for the first time (Ezekiel 40:45). He explains to Ezekiel that the chamber “which faces toward the south” is for the priests. Here, for the first time, the priests are mentioned. Of them, the Man still mentions that they “keep charge of the temple”.
The front of this chamber faces south. Another chamber, the front of which faces toward the north, is for the priests “who keep charge of the altar” (Ezekiel 40:46). One chamber is connected to the temple and the other to the altar. We see here how temple and altar belong together.
For this priestly service the LORD has destined “the sons of Zadok”. They may draw near to Him to minister to Him as priests. They are given this wonderful ministry as a reward for their faithfulness to David (2 Samuel 15:24; 1 Kings 1:8-10; 1 Kings 2:35; cf. Ezekiel 44:15; Ezekiel 43:19; Ezekiel 48:11).
Then the Man measures the (inner) court (Ezekiel 40:47). In the middle of it is the altar. The court is a square, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide. Emphasis is placed on the location of the altar: it is in front of the house or the temple. Only through the altar is there a view of and access to the house or the temple.
The inner court forms the center of the complex. Together with the inner gates, this center is eight steps higher than the outer court with the outer gates. The altar is exactly in the center of the center. In turn, the outer court and outer gates are seven steps higher than the area outside the temple complex which, according to Ezekiel 45 is open space or pasture land (Ezekiel 45:2).
Amos 2:15
Chambers for the Singers and the Priests
Immediately following what has to do with the sacrifices is a description of the chambers of the singers and the priests (Ezekiel 40:44-46). This indicates that sacrificial service is accompanied by praise and is done by priests (cf. Hebrews 13:15). Of the chambers we are given only the location. No measurements are given. The chambers of the singers are located “from the outside to the inner gate” (Ezekiel 40:44). The chambers at the north gate are on the south side of it.
The Man and Ezekiel are now standing in the inner court near the north gate. There the Man breaks the silence for the first time (Ezekiel 40:45). He explains to Ezekiel that the chamber “which faces toward the south” is for the priests. Here, for the first time, the priests are mentioned. Of them, the Man still mentions that they “keep charge of the temple”.
The front of this chamber faces south. Another chamber, the front of which faces toward the north, is for the priests “who keep charge of the altar” (Ezekiel 40:46). One chamber is connected to the temple and the other to the altar. We see here how temple and altar belong together.
For this priestly service the LORD has destined “the sons of Zadok”. They may draw near to Him to minister to Him as priests. They are given this wonderful ministry as a reward for their faithfulness to David (2 Samuel 15:24; 1 Kings 1:8-10; 1 Kings 2:35; cf. Ezekiel 44:15; Ezekiel 43:19; Ezekiel 48:11).
Then the Man measures the (inner) court (Ezekiel 40:47). In the middle of it is the altar. The court is a square, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide. Emphasis is placed on the location of the altar: it is in front of the house or the temple. Only through the altar is there a view of and access to the house or the temple.
The inner court forms the center of the complex. Together with the inner gates, this center is eight steps higher than the outer court with the outer gates. The altar is exactly in the center of the center. In turn, the outer court and outer gates are seven steps higher than the area outside the temple complex which, according to Ezekiel 45 is open space or pasture land (Ezekiel 45:2).
Amos 2:16
The Porch
*The Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, writes twelve here. This seems to be the correct reading when we consider the total length of the house which is a hundred cubits (cf. Ezekiel 41:13).
The Man now takes Ezekiel to the porch of the temple or the house (Ezekiel 40:48). Here begins the description of the actual temple building, the house in which the glory of God will dwell. The porch of the temple is the front porch of the holy place. The Man begins by measuring a side pillar of the porch. The side pillar is five cubits thick on both sides and three cubits deep.
The porch behind the side pillars is twenty cubits long and eleven (twelve) cubits wide (Ezekiel 40:49). To get to the porch a staircase must be climbed. Near the side pillars are two columns. These columns are very reminiscent of the two pillars in Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 3:17), one called Boaz (meaning “in Him is strength”) and the other Jachin (meaning “He will confirm”). The pillars here have no name, but their (symbolic) function is clear: the temple and the service in it are sustained by the strength of the LORD and are a confirmation of His promise that He dwells in the midst of His people.