Commentary on Ezekiel Part 11 (No. F026xi)

Chapter 41

¹Then he brought me to the nave, and measured the jambs; on each side six cubits was the breadth of the jambs. ²And the breadth of the entrance was ten cubits; and the sidewalls of the entrance were five cubits on either side; and he measured the length of the nave forty cubits, and its breadth, twenty cubits. ³Then he went into the inner room and measured the jambs of the entrance, two cubits; and the breadth of the entrance, six cubits; and the sidewalls of the entrance, seven cubits. ⁴And he measured the length of the room, twenty cubits, and its breadth, twenty cubits, beyond the nave. And he said to me, This is the most holy place. ⁵Then he measured the wall of the temple, six cubits thick; and the breadth of the side chambers, four cubits, round about the temple. ⁶And the side chambers were in three stories, one over another, thirty in each story. There were offsets all around the wall of the temple to serve as supports for the side chambers, so that they should not be supported by the wall of the temple. ⁷And the side chambers became broader as they rose from story to story, corresponding to the enlargement of the offset from story to story round about the temple; on the side of the temple a stairway led upward, and thus one went up from the lowest story to the top story through the middle story. ⁸I saw also that the temple had a raised platform round about; the foundations of the side chambers measured a full reed of six long cubits. ⁹The thickness of the outer wall of the side chambers was five cubits; and the part of the platform which was left free was five cubits. Between the platform of the temple and the ¹⁰chambers of the court was a breadth of twenty cubits round about the temple on every side. ¹¹And the doors of the side chambers opened on the part of the platform that was left free, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south; and the breadth of the part that was left free was five cubits round about. ¹²The building that was facing the temple yard on the west side was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick round about, and its length ninety cubits. ¹³Then he measured the temple, a hundred cubits long; and the yard and the building with its walls, a hundred cubits long; ¹⁴also the breadth of the east front of the temple and the yard, a hundred cubits. ¹⁵Then he measured the length of the building facing the yard which was at the west and its walls on either side, a hundred cubits. The nave of the temple and the inner room and the outer vestibule ¹⁶were paneled and round about all three had windows with recessed frames. Over against the threshold the temple was paneled with wood round about, from the floor up to the windows (now the windows were covered), ¹⁷to the space above the door, even to the inner room, and on the outside. And on all the walls round about in the inner room and the nave were carved likenesses ¹⁸of cherubim and palm trees, a palm tree between cherub and cherub. Every cherub had two faces: ¹⁹the face of a man toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side. They were carved on the whole temple round about; ²⁰from the floor to above the door cherubim and palm trees were carved on the wall. ²¹The doorposts of the nave were squared; and in front of the holy place was something resembling ²²an altar of wood, three cubits high, two cubits long, and two cubits broad; its corners, its base, and its walls were of wood. He said to me, "This is the table which is before the LORD." ²³The nave and the holy place had each a double door. ²⁴The doors had two leaves apiece, two swinging leaves for each door. ²⁵And on the doors of the nave were carved cherubim and palm trees, such as were carved on the walls; and there was a canopy of wood in front of the vestibule outside. ²⁶And there were recessed windows and palm trees on either side, on the sidewalls of the vestibule.

Intent of Chapter 41

Ezekiel 40–43 describes the Temple. Here we continue in 41 from the end of 40:48-49.

41:1-4 The Tripartite Temple division is seen also in the Thirteenth century Canaanite temple at Hazor and the Eighth century Temple at Tell Tainat (Hattina) in Northern Syria (see OARSV n). The vestibule (40:48-49) was 35.5 Feet x 20.5 feet; The nave (41:1-2) 35.5 x 71 ft.; and the inner room (41:3-4), or most holy place, not entered by Ezekiel (Lev. 16:1-34) was 35.5 by 35.5 feet (see 1Kgs. 6:1-8, 66; Ex. 26:31-37).

41:5-11 The three tiers of thirty chambers per tier on the sides of the Temple (1Kgs. 6:5-10) were thought to have been for the storage of equipment in the services, and the Temple treasures. However they may have been for the use of the priests as with Solomon’s Temple. The Sanhedrin was 70 plus two and the ordination of the elders of the Church was also Seventy plus two (Hebdomekonta Duo) (Luke 10:1,17). Here seventy plus twenty for the Priests and Temple storage (see also 1Kgs. 14:26; 2Kgs. 14:14).

41:12-15a The auxiliary building in v. 12 is for an unstated purpose. The Temple was 100 cubits by 100 cubits. The building facing the rear was also 100 cubits. The decorations were also of the cherubim on either side of the palm which represents Messiah as Elohim from the previous Temple system and the replacement cherubim for the two fallen of the Host Satan and the Aeon, being Abraham and Moses as the key elohim (Gen. 23:6 (Heb.); Ex. 7:1) (see also the Ark of the Covenant (No. 196)).

41:15b-26 The windows were like those in the gates (40:16). For the decorations see 1Kgs. 6:29-30). For the Cherubim see the notes to Chapter 1.

v. 22 The table was for the incense offering and also the bread of the Host (1Kgs. 6:20-22; Lev. 24:5-9).

Chapter 42

¹Then he led me out into the inner court, toward the north, and he brought me to the chambers which were opposite the temple yard and opposite the building on the north. ²The length of the building which was on the north side was a hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty cubits. ³Adjoining the twenty cubits which belonged to the inner court, and facing the pavement which belonged to the outer court, was gallery against gallery in three stories. ⁴And before the chambers was a passage inward, ten cubits wide and a hundred cubits long, and their doors were on the north. ⁵Now the upper chambers were narrower, for the galleries took more away from them than from the lower and middle chambers in the building. ⁶For they were in three stories, and they had no pillars like the pillars of the outer court; hence the upper chambers were set back from the ground more than the lower and the middle ones. ⁷And there was a wall outside parallel to the chambers, toward the outer court, opposite the chambers, fifty cubits long. ⁸For the chambers on the outer court were fifty cubits long, while those opposite the temple were a hundred cubits long. ⁹Below these chambers was an entrance on the east side, as one enters them from the outer court, ¹⁰where the outside wall begins. On the south also, opposite the yard and opposite the building, there were chambers ¹¹with a passage in front of them; they were similar to the chambers on the north, of the same length and breadth, with the same exits and arrangements and doors. ¹²And below the south chambers was an entrance on the east side, where one enters the passage, and opposite them was a dividing wall. ¹³Then he said to me, "The north chambers and the south chambers opposite the yard are the holy chambers, where the priests who approach the LORD shall eat the most holy offerings; there they shall put the most holy offerings--the cereal offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, for the place is holy. ¹⁴When the priests enter the holy place, they shall not go out of it into the outer court without laying there the garments in which they minister, for these are holy; they shall put on other garments before they go near to that which is for the people." ¹⁵Now when he had finished measuring the interior of the temple area, he led me out by the gate which faced east, and measured the temple area round about. ¹⁶He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred cubits by the measuring reed. ¹⁷Then he turned and measured the north side, five hundred cubits by the measuring reed. ¹⁸Then he turned and measured the south side, five hundred cubits by the measuring reed. ¹⁹Then he turned to the west side and measured, five hundred cubits by the measuring reed. ²⁰He measured it on the four sides. It had a wall around it, five hundred cubits long and five hundred cubits broad, to make a separation between the holy and the common.

Intent of Chapter 42

Ezekiel 40–43 describes the Temple.

42:1-14 The Priests’ Chambers

v. 13 The chambers on the north and south sides are for the priests to store and eat the Holy offerings. These are the cereal, the sin, and the guilt offerings (44:28-31; Lev. 2:1-10; 7:7-10).

v. 14 They also used these rooms to undress and put on the clothing so that they may not appear in the Holy Garments among the people in the outer court. At 90 rooms per side there are 180 rooms for the priests and officers and for the treasury.

vv. 15-20 The total area was five hundred cubits square (861.63 feet square (see 40:5 n.) (see OARSV n.)

Chapter 43

¹Afterward he brought me to the gate, the gate facing east. ²And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the east; and the sound of his coming was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with his glory. ³And the vision I saw was like the vision which I had seen when he came to destroy the city, and like the vision which I had seen by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. ⁴As the glory of the LORD entered the temple by the gate facing east, ⁵the Spirit lifted me up, and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple. ⁶While the man was standing beside me, I heard one speaking to me out of the temple; ⁷and he said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the people of Israel for ever. And the house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their kings, by their harlotry, and by the dead bodies of their kings, ⁸by setting their threshold by my threshold and their doorposts beside my doorposts, with only a wall between me and them. They have defiled my holy name by their abominations which they have committed, so I have consumed them in my anger. ⁹Now let them put away their idolatry and the dead bodies of their kings far from me, and I will dwell in their midst for ever. ¹⁰"And you, son of man, describe to the house of Israel the temple and its appearance and plan, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities. ¹¹And if they are ashamed of all that they have done, portray the temple, its arrangement, its exits and its entrances, and its whole form; and make known to them all its ordinances and all its laws; and write it down in their sight, so that they may observe and perform all its laws and all its ordinances. ¹²This is the law of the temple: the whole territory round about upon the top of the mountain shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the temple. ¹³"These are the dimensions of the altar by cubits (the cubit being a cubit and a handbreadth): its base shall be one cubit high, and one cubit broad, with a rim of one span around its edge. And this shall be the height of the altar: ¹⁴from the base on the ground to the lower ledge, two cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; and from the smaller ledge to the larger ledge, four cubits, with a breadth of one cubit; ¹⁵and the altar hearth, four cubits; and from the altar hearth projecting upward, four horns, one cubit high. ¹⁶The altar hearth shall be square, twelve cubits long by twelve broad. ¹⁷The ledge also shall be square, fourteen cubits long by fourteen broad, with a rim around it half a cubit broad, and its base one cubit round about. The steps of the altar shall face east." ¹⁸And he said to me, "Son of man, thus says the Lord GOD: These are the ordinances for the altar: On the day when it is erected for offering burnt offerings upon it and for throwing blood against it, ¹⁹you shall give to the Levitical priests of the family of Zadok, who draw near to me to minister to me, says the Lord GOD, a bull for a sin offering. ²⁰And you shall take some of its blood, and put it on the four horns of the altar, and on the four corners of the ledge, and upon the rim round about; thus you shall cleanse the altar and make atonement for it. ²¹You shall also take the bull of the sin offering, and it shall be burnt in the appointed place belonging to the temple, outside the sacred area. ²²And on the second day you shall offer a he-goat without blemish for a sin offering; and the altar shall be cleansed, as it was cleansed with the bull. ²³When you have finished cleansing it, you shall offer a bull without blemish and a ram from the flock without blemish. ²⁴You shall present them before the LORD, and the priests shall sprinkle salt upon them and offer them up as a burnt offering to the LORD. ²⁵For seven days you shall provide daily a goat for a sin offering; also a bull and a ram from the flock, without blemish, shall be provided. ²⁶Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and purify it, and so consecrate it. ²⁷And when they have completed these days, then from the eighth day onward the priests shall offer upon the altar your burnt offerings and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, says the Lord GOD."

Intent of Chapter 43

43:1-12 Return of the Glory of God

As the elohim of Israel on his throne chariot had forsaken the Temple by the East Gate (10:18-19; 11:22-23) so he returns the same way via the East Gate and re-consecrates the New Millennial Temple by His Presence (Ex. 40:34-38; 1Kgs. 8:10-11).

The Sound of many waters (1:24; Rev. 14:12; 19:6). And the Earth Shone with his glory (Isa. 60:1-3).

43:6-12 The restored Temple is to be restricted to specifically religious usage and kept as a Holy Place for activites commanded by God. No business matters or money transactions as occurred to profane the Temple perviously or ruin the Holy Places with the carcasses of their kings will be permitted. The crown will have no influence in it (ch. 8: 1Kgs. 7:1-12; 11:33; Am. 7:13).

43:13-26 Altar of Burnt Offering

13-17 The Altar was built in three levels one on top of the other. They are squares of sixteen, fourteen and twelve cubits respectively resting on a foundation one cubit high.

There seems no doubt that the capacity to slaughter and sacrifice animals will be restored in the Millennium under Messiah so that the Terumah levy can be provided by Messiah as well as the three Holy aspects mentioned (see also Zech. 14:16-21) (see also Tithing (No. 161)).

43:18-26 On the basis of earlier consecratory rites (Ex. 29:36-37; 40:1-38; Lev. 8:14-15), the priests of Zadok (44:5-31) are to dedicate the altar.

Chapter 44

¹Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east; and it was shut. ²And he said to me, "This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it; for the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered by it; therefore it shall remain shut. ³Only the prince may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way." ⁴Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple of the LORD; and I fell upon my face. ⁵And the LORD said to me, "Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I shall tell you concerning all the ordinances of the temple of the LORD and all its laws; and mark well those who may be admitted to the temple and all those who are to be excluded from the sanctuary. ⁶And say to the rebellious house, to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: O house of Israel, let there be an end to all your abominations, ⁷in admitting foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and flesh, to be in my sanctuary, profaning it, when you offer to me my food, the fat and the blood. You have broken my covenant, in addition to all your abominations. ⁸And you have not kept charge of my holy things; but you have set foreigners to keep my charge in my sanctuary. ⁹"Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and flesh, of all the foreigners who are among the people of Israel, shall enter my sanctuary. ¹⁰But the Levites who went far from me, going astray from me after their idols when Israel went astray, shall bear their punishment. ¹¹They shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having oversight at the gates of the temple, and serving in the temple; they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall attend on the people, to serve them. ¹²Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have sworn concerning them, says the Lord GOD, that they shall bear their punishment. ¹³They shall not come near to me, to serve me as priest, nor come near any of my sacred things and the things that are most sacred; but they shall bear their shame, because of the abominations which they have committed. ¹⁴Yet I will appoint them to keep charge of the temple, to do all its service and all that is to be done in it. ¹⁵"But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the people of Israel went astray from me, shall come near to me to minister to me; and they shall attend on me to offer me the fat and the blood, says the Lord GOD; ¹⁶they shall enter my sanctuary, and they shall approach my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge. ¹⁷When they enter the gates of the inner court, they shall wear linen garments; they shall have nothing of wool on them, while they minister at the gates of the inner court, and within. ¹⁸They shall have linen turbans upon their heads, and linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with anything that causes sweat. ¹⁹And when they go out into the outer court to the people, they shall put off the garments in which they have been ministering, and lay them in the holy chambers; and they shall put on other garments, lest they communicate holiness to the people with their garments. ²⁰They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall only trim the hair of their heads. ²¹No priest shall drink wine, when he enters the inner court. ²²They shall not marry a widow, or a divorced woman, but only a virgin of the stock of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest. ²³They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean. ²⁴In a controversy they shall act as judges, and they shall judge it according to my judgments. They shall keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed feasts, and they shall keep my sabbaths holy. ²⁵They shall not defile themselves by going near to a dead person; however, for father or mother, for son or daughter, for brother or unmarried sister they may defile themselves. ²⁶After he is defiled, he shall count for himself seven days, and then he shall be clean. ²⁷And on the day that he goes into the holy place, into the inner court, to minister in the holy place, he shall offer his sin offering, says the Lord GOD. ²⁸"They shall have no inheritance; I am their inheritance: and you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession. ²⁹They shall eat the cereal offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering; and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs. ³⁰And the first of all the first fruits of all kinds, and every offering of all kinds from all your offerings, shall belong to the priests; you shall also give to the priests the first of your coarse meal, that a blessing may rest on your house. ³¹The priests shall not eat of anything, whether bird or beast, that has died of itself or is torn.

Intent of Chapter 44

Ezekiel 44 deals with the running of the Temple.

44:1-5 Temple Ordinances. As Christ said in the Gospels not one jot or tittle will pass from the Law until heaven and earth pass away (Mat. 5:17-18). These ordinances are proof of that statement. The East gate shall remain shut once Messiah enters and re-consecrates the Temple area and only Messiah may enter it and eat. He is to enter and exit via the vestibule (v. 3) for the ceremonial meals (Lev. 7:15; Deut. 12:7) and the gate remains closed (comp. 46:1).

vv. 6-9 No more foreigners may serve in the Temple (see Jos. 9:23; Num. 31:30-47) (F006ii)), nor uncircumcised in heart (Deut. 30:6 Lev. 26:41; Jer. 4:4). Salvation is of the Gentiles and they are also made priests of the order of Melchisedek (F058) and serve in their areas of responsibility. No unclean person may enter the Temple.

44:10-14 The Levites had been part of Israel’s apostasy and are demoted from being priests to temple servants (Deut. 17:18-18:8).

44:13-17 The text in 45:13-17 deals with the Terumah levy in which Christ as the nasi or High Priest of Melchisedek is required to receive and then place the animals on slaughter and provision to the populace on the ration as provided for in the text here.

44:15-31 The Zadokites. Solomon elevated Zadok to be chief priest after Abiathar’s defection and banishment (2Sam. 15:24-29; 1Kgs.1:7-8; 2:26-27). 1Chronicles 6:50-53 and 24:31 trace the lineage back to Eleazar, Aaron’s son. Their present status is a reward for their loyalty and also their role in Josiah’s reform (2Kgs. 22:11-14; 23:4, 24).

v. 16 My table The table in the nave (41:22) or the altar.

v. 17 Linen garments see 9:2 n.

v. 19 Care of the garments comp. 42:14; Hag. 2:10-12.

v. 20 Care of the hair Lev. 21:5 Deut. 14:1-2;

v. 21 No wine before service Lev. 10:9.

v. 22 Proper marriage – Lev. 21, 7:13-15

v. 23 Teaching of the people Lev. 10:11

v. 24 Judges Deut. 21:1-5

v. 25 Defilement by a dead person, Lev. 21:1-3.

v. 28 No inheritance Jos. 13:14; Num. 18:20-32.

v. 28 The priesthood of Melchisdek operating from the Temple administration will, as with the sons of Levi, have no inheritance.

vv. 29-30 Sacrifices and First Fruits

The orders are made for the restoration of Israel in its lands. Messiah will thus set up the system that he is alleged to have done away with from his crucifixion and Scripture cannot be broken. This will be for the mental healing of the nations but this matter will be examined separately (see also Lev. 2:3-10; 6:14-18; Deut. 18:3-5).

v. 31 Eating of unslaughtered meat (Lev. 7:24 (see also the Food Laws (No. 015)).

Bullinger’s notes on Chapters 41-44 (For KJV)

Chapter 41

Verse 1

temple = palace. Hebrew. heykal.

posts = projections. The Septuagint reads "post. "

cubits . See App-51 .

which was . Omit these words, and commence Ezekiel 41:2 with the clause which follows.

tabernacle = tent. Hebrew Wed. See App-40 .

Verse 2

door = entrance.

sides = shoulders.

Verse 4

the most holy place = the Holy of Holies.

Verse 5

side chamber . Not the some word for "chamber" as in Ezekiel 41:10 and ch Ezekiel 40:7 , Ezekiel 40:7 , Ezekiel 40:10 , Ezekiel 40:12 , Ezekiel 40:12 , Ezekiel 40:13 , Ezekiel 40:16 , Ezekiel 40:21 , Ezekiel 40:29 , Ezekiel 40:33 , Ezekiel 40:36 (which is ta ' or in Ezekiel 40:17 , Ezekiel 40:17 , Ezekiel 40:38 , Ezekiel 40:44 , Ezekiel 40:45 , Ezekiel 40:46 ; or in Ezekiel 42:1 , Ezekiel 42:4 , Ezekiel 42:5 , Ezekiel 42:7 , Ezekiel 42:7 , Ezekiel 42:8 , Ezekiel 42:9 , Ezekiel 42:10 , Ezekiel 42:11 , Ezekiel 42:12 , Ezekiel 42:13 ; Ezekiel 42:13 ; Ezekiel 42:13 ; or in Ezekiel 44:19 ; Ezekiel 45:5 ; Ezekiel 46:13 (which is lishkuah = a storeroom).

Verse 7

an enlarging = a broadenieg.

Verse 8

the height of the house = that the house had an elevation or platform. reed. See App-51 .

Verse 10

chambers = storerooms. Hebrew lishkah. See note on Ezekiel 41:3 .

Verse 15

galleries . Hebrew ' attik , Occurs only here, Ezekiel 41:16 , and Ezekiel 42:3 , Ezekiel 42:5 . Probably from natak , to cut away, but in what sense is obscure. Perhaps balconies.

Verse 16

door posts = thresholds.

narrow = latticed. See note on Ezekiel 40:15 .

cieled = overlaid, panelled, or wainscoted.

Verse 17

by measure . Showing that every detail, however small, is important.

Verse 18

cherubims . See App-41 .

palm trees : i.e. artificial palm trees.

Verse 19

man . Hebrew. 'adam . App-14 .

Verse 20

and on the wall of the temple . Render: And as for the wall of the temple, the door-posts were squared; and, as for the face of the sanctuary, the appearance, &c. (as in Ezekiel 41:20 ).

the temple. This word has the extraordinary points ( App-51 ), the dots indicating that the word is repeated by mistake from Ezekiel 41:20 ,

Verse 21

posts = post. Singular. Only here and a Samaritan Pentateuch Ezekiel 1:9 .

Verse 22

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

Chapter 42

Verse 1

utter = outer.

chamber = storeroom. Hebrew. lishkah . See note on Ezekiel 40:12 .

Verse 2

cubits . See App-61 .

door = entrance,

Verse 3

pavement . See note on Ezekiel 40:17 .

gallery . See note on Ezekiel 41:15 .

Verse 5

were higher than = took away from.

Verse 8

lo . Figure of speech Asteriemos . App-6 .

before the temple = towards the holy place.

Verse 9

from under these chambers = underneath were these chambers.

was the entry = the entrance [was].

Verse 11

fashions. Place a full stop here, and begin: "And according", &c.

Verse 13

holy , See note on Exodus 3:5 .

holy chambers = the chambers of the holy place, where, &c. Ref, to Pentateuch (Leviticus 6:16 , Leviticus 6:26 , Leviticus 24:9 ). App-92 ,

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

meat offering = the gift offering. Hebrew. minchah . App-43 , Reference to Pentateuch, (Leviticus 2:3 , &c.) App-92 ,

sin offering . Hebrew. chattath . App-43 .

Verse 18

side = wind. Hebrew. ruach , App-9

reeds. See App-51 .

Verse 19

west, Hebrew "sea", put for the "side" on which the sea was: i.e. the west.

Chapter 43

Verse 2

the glory. in Ezekiel 11:23 he had seen this glory quitting the Temple.

the God of Israel . See note on Isaiah 29:23 .

God. Hebrew. Elohim , App-4 .

Verse 3

that I saw. See Ezekiel 1:28 ; Ezekiel 3:23 .

to destroy. Hebrew idiom, by which the doer is said to do what he declares shall be done. See Ezekiel 9:1 , Ezekiel 9:5 ; note on Jeremiah 14:8 , Jeremiah 14:9 ; Jer 20:25 .

Verse 4

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

the house, Not Solomon's Temple, but the Temple which he had been shown in vision (Ezekiel 11:0 and Ezekiel 42:0 ).

the gate . Not the present gate on the east side of the Temple area, but that of the yet future Temple (Ezekiel 40:6 ; Ezekiel 40:42 , Ezekiel 40:15 ; Ezekiel 44:1 ; Ezekiel 46:1 ).

Verse 5

spirit. See note on Ezekiel 8:3 . Heb, ruach . App-9 .

the man . Hebrew. 'ish . App-14 .

stood . = was standing.

Verse 7

Son of man. See note on Ezekiel 2:1 .

the place of My throne. The Ellipsis must be thus supplied: "[This is] the place", &c. Not the

ark, as in Solomon's Temple. There is no ark here.

where I will dwell, &c. See Ezekiel 43:9 ; Ezekiel 37:26 , Ezekiel 37:28 ; Eze 37:48 , Eze 37:35 .Psalms 68:18 ; Psalms 132:14 .Joel 3:17 .

I will dwell, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 29:45 ).

children = sons,

for ever. Showing that this prophecy yet waits for its fulfilment, holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 .

no more defile. Compare Ezekiel 20:39 ; Ezekiel 23:38 , Ezekiel 23:39 ; Ezekiel 39:7 , Hosea 14:8 , Zechariah 13:2 ; Zechariah 14:20 , Zechariah 14:21 .

whoredom. Always put for idolatry, by the Figure of speech Metonymy (of the Subject), App-6 .

by the carcases , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 26:30 ).

in their high places : or, in their death.

Verse 8

setting , &c. Compare Ezekiel 5:11 ; Ezekiel 8:3-16 ; Ezekiel 23:39 ; Ezekiel 44:7 . 2Ki 16:14 , 2 Kings 16:15 ; 2 Kings 21:4-7 ; 2 Kings 23:11 , 2Ki 23:12 ; 2 Chronicles 33:4 , 2 Chronicles 33:7 .

by close by, alongside of.

and the wall : or, "For [there was but a] wall".

abominations = idolatries.

Verse 10

Thou. Some codices, with Septuagint, Syriac, and, Vulgate, read "Thou therefore". This is yet future, and involves the fulfilment of Ezekiel 37:0 , for Ezekiel and for the whole nation.

skew the house . . . let them measure. This will he the evidence, to the new nation, that all this prophecy, and Ezekiel's part in it, is of Jehovah.

iniquities. Hebrew ` avah . App-44 .

pattern: or, plan, or arrangement.

goings out = the exits.

comings in the entrances.

forms = models, or visible forms. The word is found only in this verse. Hebrew text written "form"; but margin "for

laws . Hebrew text written "law"; but margin laws". Some codices, with four early printed editions, read "laws" both in text and margin.

Verse 12

is . Supply "will be".

Upon, &c. Compare Ezekiel 40:2 ; Ezekiel 42:20 . Psalms 93:5 .Joel 3:17 . Zechariah 14:20 , Zechariah 14:21 .Revelation 21:27 .

most holy = the holy of holies,

holy. See note on Exodus 3:5 .

Behold . Figure of speech Asterismos ( App-6 ), for emphasis.

Verse 13

the altar . Hebrew. mizbeach . Same word as in Ezekiel 43:18 ; not the same as in verses: Ezekiel 43:15 , Ezekiel 43:16 .

cubits. See App-51 .

higher place = the pit i.e. the ash-pit. Hebrew gab = anything curved or convex, from gabab = hollow, hollowed out,

Verse 14

bottom = hollow.

settle = ledge. The Hebrew word in this sense occurs only here, verses: Ezekiel 43:17 , Ezekiel 43:20 , Ezekiel 43:19 . The altar will be thus narrowed at the top (twelve cubits square). The height and breadth will be the same as Solomon's, except that this will have these ledges for the priests to walk round.

Verse 15

the altar = the hearth. Hebrew. ha harel = the mount of El. Not the same word as in Ezekiel 43:13 .

Verse 17

stairs . Steps were forbidden in Ex. Ezekiel 20:26 , but may be permitted here.

Verse 18

thus saith , &c. See note on 44. D.

the Lord GOD . Hebrew. Adonai Jehovah . See note on Ezekiel 2:4 .

the ordinances of the altar . Compared with the Mosaic tabernacle, the ritual began with the consecration of the priests (Leviticus 8:1-10 ); here, they are already consecrated (verses: Ezekiel 43:19 , Eze 43:28 ). In Leviticus 8:11 , the altar was anointed with the holy oil; here no anointing, and the priests are only from Zadok's line (Compare Ezekiel 40:46 ; Ezekiel 44:14 . In Exodus 29:36 , a bullock offered on seven successive days; here only once, and on the other days a kid of the goats. The offerings here (verses: Ezekiel 43:18-27 ) are National and Priestly (the Priest representing the Nation); not individual, for there will be no day of atonement. The sacrifices will not therefore be as when under the law.

in the day . See App-18 . This day is yet future, burnt offerings. See App-43 .

sprinkle , &c. = dash, or throw. Ref to Pentateuch (Leviticus 1:5 ). This expression is exclusively technical. App-92 . For the exceptions see 2 Chronicles 34:4 .Job 2:12 .Isaiah 28:5 . Compare Ezekiel 10:2 and Hosea 7:9 .

Verse 19

thou . Testifying to the share of Ezekiel "in the day when", &c.

the priests the Levites . Referring to the distinction between the Levitical priests and all other priests (heathen, Israelitish, or tribal). See note on Deuteronomy 17:9 .

saith the Lord GOD = [is] Jehovah's oracle.

bullock. See note on "ordinances", Ezekiel 43:14 .

sin offering. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 29:14 ). App-92 .

Verse 21

he shall burn it . Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 29:14 ).

Verse 24

cast salt . This was not done in this case under the Mosaic law. Compare Leviticus 2:13 . See App-92 .

Verse 26

purge = atone for.

consecrate . See note on Exodus 29:41 , Leviticus 9:17 .

themselves = it.

Verse 27

your . . . you: i.e. nationally, not individually. See note on "ordinance", &c., Ezekiel 43:18 .

I will accept you , Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 22:27 . Deuteronomy 33:11 ). App-92 .

Chapter 44

Verse 1

the gate of the outward sanctuary = the outer gate of the sanctuary.

Verse 2

the LORD . Hebrew. Jehovah . App-4 .

man. Hebrew ' ish . App-14 . Therefore the prince of Ezekiel 44:3 is more than man: either the risen David, or the Messiah Himself'.

the God of Israel . See note on Isaiah 29:23 ,

God . Hebrew. Elohim , App-4 .

Verse 3

It is for the prince ; the prince. Hebrew The Prince: as prince: i.e. the risen David, the vice-regent of the Messiah (Ezekiel 34:23 , Ezekiel 34:24 ; Ezekiel 37:24 , Ezekiel 37:25 ); or, the Messiah Himself. See note on "man", Ezekiel 44:2 .

Verse 4

behold. Figure of speech Asterismos . App-6 .

Verse 5

Hon of man. See note on Ezekiel 2:1 .

mark well = set thine heart.

ordinances = statutes.

laws. Heb, text "law"; but margin and some codices, with four early printed editions, read "laws".

entering in = entrance.

going forth = outgoings.

Verse 6

rebellious . Hebrew rebellion, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , for rebellious people.

the Lord GOD . Hebrew. Adonai Jehovah , See note on Ezekiel 2:4 .

Verse 7

strangers = aliens. Hebrew "sons of the foreigner "

uncircumcised in heart . Reference to Pentateuch, (Leviticus 26:41 .Deuteronomy 10:16; Deuteronomy 10:16 ), App-92 . Compare Jeremiah 9:25 , Jeremiah 9:26 .

pollute = profane.

offer = bring near.

the fat and the blood. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 3:16 , Leviticus 3:17 ). they. Most of the ancient versions read "ye".

Verse 8

ye have not kept, &c. See Ezekiel 40:46 , &c.

holy . See note on Exodus 3:5 .

yourselves : i.e. your own pleasure.

Verse 9

Thus saith, &c. This emphatic commencement is repeated in Ezekiel 45:9 , Ezekiel 45:18 ; Ezekiel 46:1 , Ezekiel 46:16 ; Ezekiel 47:13 . Compare Ezekiel 31:10 , Ezekiel 31:15 ; Ezekiel 43:18 .

stranger = foreigner.

children = sons.

Verse 10

the Levites. These are distinguished here from the priests (15-27); see S2 and S1, above and consult note on Ezekiel 43:19 ; and Deuteronomy 17:2 .

are gone away = went astray.

idols = dirty idols.

iniquity. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), App-6 , for the punishment due to it. Reif, 'avah . App-44 .

Verse 11

Yet. Refers to the portion of service reserved for these Levites.

for the People i.e. the Nation. See note on ordinances", Ezekiel 43:18 .

they shall stand. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 10:8 ). App-92 . Compare Ezekiel 44:15 and Numbers 16:9 .

Verse 12

caused , &c, = were to the house of Israel for s stumblingblock of iniquity.

saith the Lord GOD = [is] Adonai Jehovah's oracle.

Verse 13

not come near unto Me . This is to be the punishment in the coming future order.

a priest. See note on Ezekiel 43:19 .

most holy place = holy of holies.

Verse 17

they shall be clothed , &c. Reference to Pentateuch, (Exodus 28:42 ). App-92 .

within = toward [the house].

Verse 18

bonnets = head = dresses, or turbans. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 39:28 ). App-92 . Compare Ezekiel 24:1 .Isaiah 61:10 .

they. Some codices, with Aramaean, Septuagint, and Vulgate, read and they".

with, &c. Hebrew = "with sweat"; sweat being put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), App-6 , for that which causes sweat.

Verse 19

utter = outer.

chambers = storerooms. Hebrew. lishkah . See note on Ezekiel 40:17 . Same word as Ezekiel 41:10 ; but not elsewhere in Ezekiel 41:0 .

and they shall. Hebrew text of some codices reads "they shall"; and margin "and shall". Compare Ezekiel 42:14 .

Verse 20

Neither shall they , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 21:5 ). App-92 .

only poll = surely clip.

Verse 21

Neither shall any , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 10:9 ).

wine . Hebrew. yayin . See App-27 .

when , &c. They might do so at other times.

Verse 22

Neither shall they , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 21:14 ). App-92 .

Verse 23

And they shall teach , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 10:11 ). App-92 .

profane = common.

them. The 1611 edition of the Authorized Version reads "men".

Verse 24

And in controversy , do. Ref to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 17:9 ). App-92 .

controverey = strife.

assemblies = appointed seasons.

they shall hallow , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 19:30 ),

Verse 25

And they shall come , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 21:1 ). App-92 .

person = human being. Hebrew ' adam . App-14 .

for brother . Some codices. with one early printed edition, read "or for", completing the Figure of speech Paradiastole ( App-6 ).

Verse 26

And after he is cleansed. seven days . Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 6:10 , "on the eighth day "). App-92 .

Verse 27

in the day . See App-18 .

sin offering . App-43 .

Verse 28

I am their inheritance . Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 18:20 . Deuteronomy 10:9 ; Deuteronomy 18:1 , Deuteronomy 18:2 ). App-92 .

Verse 29

every dedicated thing , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 18:14 . A verbal reference. App-92 .

Verse 30

first of all, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Exodus 13:2 ; Exodus 22:29 , Exodus 22:30 ; Exodus 23:19 . Numbers 3:13 ; Numbers 18:12 , Numbers 18:13 ).

oblation = heave offering. Hebrew. terumah . See note on Exodus 29:27 . The word is often repeated here. See Ezekiel 45:6 , Ezekiel 45:7 , Ezekiel 45:13 , Ezekiel 45:16 ; Ezekiel 48:8-10 , Ezekiel 48:12 , Ezekiel 48:18 , Ezekiel 48:20 , Ezekiel 48:21 .

the first of your dough . Reference to Pentateuch (Numbers 15:20 ).

Verse 31

dead of itself , &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 22:8 ).

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