Ezekiel · Chapter 42

Verse 1. He brought me forth into the utter court] He brought him out from the temple into the court of the priests. This, in reference to the temple, was called the outer court; but the court of the people was beyond this.

Verses 1-4. Then he brought me forth into the outer court — Outer with respect to the temple itself, or the outer part of the court, which court was that of the priests, as appears from what follows. Into the chamber that was over against the separate place — Chamber is put for chambers. Before the length, &c., was the north door — This north door faced one of the cloisters, the length of which was a hundred cubits, and its breadth fifty, which was the proportion of all the cloisters. Over against the twenty cubits which were for [or, which belonged to] the inner court, and over against the pavement which was for [or, belonged to] the outer court — One side of these building looked upon the void space about the temple, which contained twenty cubits, mentioned Ezekiel 41:10; and the other side was toward the pavement belonging to the outer court, described Ezekiel 40:17. And before the chamber was a walk of ten cubits — According to our reading of this verse, there seem to have been two rows of these chambers, and a walk between them of ten cubits’ breadth, with an entrance into it from the chambers of the breadth of one cubit. But the LXX., Syriac, Houbigant, and Bishop Newcome, after a walk of ten cubits breadth, add, and of a hundred cubits long.

1-3. Toy renders: “Then he took me out to the outer court on the north and thence led me to the chamber building which faced the temple court on the south and the hall building on the north. Its length was a hundred cubits on the north side, and its width fifty cubits. There was a tier of galleries in the third story.” The above rendering is not literal, and omits difficult words and phrases, but doubtless gives the general sense. The LXX. reads “inner” for outer court. The prophet’s position was probably at †, chart facing page 209. The “building toward the north” would then be C, with its adjoining pavement B. (For a brilliant suggestion of Professor Peters concerning the mutilated text, see Journal Biblical Literature, 12:47.)

V. 2. The length-The temple of one hundred cubits long, and of fifty broad, was on the south prospect of these chambers.

Verses 1-4. Then he brought me forth into the outer court — Outer with respect to the temple itself, or the outer part of the court, which court was that of the priests, as appears from what follows. Into the chamber that was over against the separate place — Chamber is put for chambers. Before the length, &c., was the north door — This north door faced one of the cloisters, the length of which was a hundred cubits, and its breadth fifty, which was the proportion of all the cloisters. Over against the twenty cubits which were for [or, which belonged to] the inner court, and over against the pavement which was for [or, belonged to] the outer court — One side of these building looked upon the void space about the temple, which contained twenty cubits, mentioned Ezekiel 41:10; and the other side was toward the pavement belonging to the outer court, described Ezekiel 40:17. And before the chamber was a walk of ten cubits — According to our reading of this verse, there seem to have been two rows of these chambers, and a walk between them of ten cubits’ breadth, with an entrance into it from the chambers of the breadth of one cubit. But the LXX., Syriac, Houbigant, and Bishop Newcome, after a walk of ten cubits breadth, add, and of a hundred cubits long.

1-3. Toy renders: “Then he took me out to the outer court on the north and thence led me to the chamber building which faced the temple court on the south and the hall building on the north. Its length was a hundred cubits on the north side, and its width fifty cubits. There was a tier of galleries in the third story.” The above rendering is not literal, and omits difficult words and phrases, but doubtless gives the general sense. The LXX. reads “inner” for outer court. The prophet’s position was probably at †, chart facing page 209. The “building toward the north” would then be C, with its adjoining pavement B. (For a brilliant suggestion of Professor Peters concerning the mutilated text, see Journal Biblical Literature, 12:47.)

V. 3. Against gallery-That is, a gallery on the south part toward the inner court, and a gallery toward the pavement north-ward, and between the backs of these galleries were chambers.

Verses 1-4. Then he brought me forth into the outer court — Outer with respect to the temple itself, or the outer part of the court, which court was that of the priests, as appears from what follows. Into the chamber that was over against the separate place — Chamber is put for chambers. Before the length, &c., was the north door — This north door faced one of the cloisters, the length of which was a hundred cubits, and its breadth fifty, which was the proportion of all the cloisters. Over against the twenty cubits which were for [or, which belonged to] the inner court, and over against the pavement which was for [or, belonged to] the outer court — One side of these building looked upon the void space about the temple, which contained twenty cubits, mentioned Ezekiel 41:10; and the other side was toward the pavement belonging to the outer court, described Ezekiel 40:17. And before the chamber was a walk of ten cubits — According to our reading of this verse, there seem to have been two rows of these chambers, and a walk between them of ten cubits’ breadth, with an entrance into it from the chambers of the breadth of one cubit. But the LXX., Syriac, Houbigant, and Bishop Newcome, after a walk of ten cubits breadth, add, and of a hundred cubits long.

1-3. Toy renders: “Then he took me out to the outer court on the north and thence led me to the chamber building which faced the temple court on the south and the hall building on the north. Its length was a hundred cubits on the north side, and its width fifty cubits. There was a tier of galleries in the third story.” The above rendering is not literal, and omits difficult words and phrases, but doubtless gives the general sense. The LXX. reads “inner” for outer court. The prophet’s position was probably at †, chart facing page 209. The “building toward the north” would then be C, with its adjoining pavement B. (For a brilliant suggestion of Professor Peters concerning the mutilated text, see Journal Biblical Literature, 12:47.)

V. 4. A way-Before the galleries probably, was a ledge of one cubit broad, running the whole length from east to west, called here a way, though not designed for any to walk on it.

Verse 4. A walk of ten cubits’ breadth inward] This seems to have been a sort of parapet.

Verses 1-4. Then he brought me forth into the outer court — Outer with respect to the temple itself, or the outer part of the court, which court was that of the priests, as appears from what follows. Into the chamber that was over against the separate place — Chamber is put for chambers. Before the length, &c., was the north door — This north door faced one of the cloisters, the length of which was a hundred cubits, and its breadth fifty, which was the proportion of all the cloisters. Over against the twenty cubits which were for [or, which belonged to] the inner court, and over against the pavement which was for [or, belonged to] the outer court — One side of these building looked upon the void space about the temple, which contained twenty cubits, mentioned Ezekiel 41:10; and the other side was toward the pavement belonging to the outer court, described Ezekiel 40:17. And before the chamber was a walk of ten cubits — According to our reading of this verse, there seem to have been two rows of these chambers, and a walk between them of ten cubits’ breadth, with an entrance into it from the chambers of the breadth of one cubit. But the LXX., Syriac, Houbigant, and Bishop Newcome, after a walk of ten cubits breadth, add, and of a hundred cubits long.

Verse 4. Before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits. This chapter describes the rows of chambers as a hundred cubits long, and an entrance of one cubit on each side, which make the way two cubits. These chambers were very numerous, in allusion to which our Saviour says, “In my Father’s house there are many mansions.” John 14:2.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

V. 5. Shorter-At first view it should seem to refer to the length, but indeed it refers to the height of the chambers, of which the lowest chamber was highest, the second lower pitched than the first, yet of greater height than the uppermost between the floor and ceiling.

Verses 5-7. Now the upper chambers were shorter, &c. — The two upper stories had balconies standing out of them, the breadth of which was taken out of the rooms themselves, and made them so much the narrower, because the weight of the balconies was not supported by pillars, as the rooms over the cloisters were, but only by the wall. The wall that was without, &c., was fifty cubits — The wall that enclosed these buildings was commensurate with the breadth of one of the cloisters of the outer court, which were fifty cubits broad. These three verses are allowed by the Jewish Rabbis Solomon and Kimchi to be very difficult to be understood.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

V. 6. As the pillars-So thick and strong as those were.

Verses 5-7. Now the upper chambers were shorter, &c. — The two upper stories had balconies standing out of them, the breadth of which was taken out of the rooms themselves, and made them so much the narrower, because the weight of the balconies was not supported by pillars, as the rooms over the cloisters were, but only by the wall. The wall that was without, &c., was fifty cubits — The wall that enclosed these buildings was commensurate with the breadth of one of the cloisters of the outer court, which were fifty cubits broad. These three verses are allowed by the Jewish Rabbis Solomon and Kimchi to be very difficult to be understood.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

V. 7. The wall-A wall at a distance from them, perhaps some wall that might keep up a terrace-walk.

Verses 5-7. Now the upper chambers were shorter, &c. — The two upper stories had balconies standing out of them, the breadth of which was taken out of the rooms themselves, and made them so much the narrower, because the weight of the balconies was not supported by pillars, as the rooms over the cloisters were, but only by the wall. The wall that was without, &c., was fifty cubits — The wall that enclosed these buildings was commensurate with the breadth of one of the cloisters of the outer court, which were fifty cubits broad. These three verses are allowed by the Jewish Rabbis Solomon and Kimchi to be very difficult to be understood.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

Verses 8-12. For the length of the chambers, &c. — The chambers that were built over the cloisters were in length fifty cubits. And lo, before the temple were a hundred cubits — In passing from the north to the south side of the temple, verses 11, 12, over the space of ground that fronted the east side of it, the prophet was shown that it measured a hundred cubits, Ezekiel 41:14. And from under these chambers was the entry, &c. — The entry into these south chambers was by a pair of stairs at the east corner of the outer court: see Ezekiel 46:19. The chambers were in the thickness — Or rather, in the breadth of the wall — That is, of the ground which that wall enclosed. Over against, or before, the separate place, and before the building — These expressions denote that these south chambers had the same situation with respect to the temple, as the north chambers had, spoken of verse 1. And the way before them, &c. — Such a way led to these chambers, as did to the chambers on the north side. As long as they, and as broad as they — The proportions of both were the same; and the windows, doors, and passages belonging to these, were exactly uniform with those on the north side. The sense of the twelfth verse would be plainer, if the words were thus translated, And such were the doors of the chambers toward the south; namely, as those toward the north. There was a door in the head of the way, &c. — Namely, like that described verse 9.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

Verses 8-12. For the length of the chambers, &c. — The chambers that were built over the cloisters were in length fifty cubits. And lo, before the temple were a hundred cubits — In passing from the north to the south side of the temple, verses 11, 12, over the space of ground that fronted the east side of it, the prophet was shown that it measured a hundred cubits, Ezekiel 41:14. And from under these chambers was the entry, &c. — The entry into these south chambers was by a pair of stairs at the east corner of the outer court: see Ezekiel 46:19. The chambers were in the thickness — Or rather, in the breadth of the wall — That is, of the ground which that wall enclosed. Over against, or before, the separate place, and before the building — These expressions denote that these south chambers had the same situation with respect to the temple, as the north chambers had, spoken of verse 1. And the way before them, &c. — Such a way led to these chambers, as did to the chambers on the north side. As long as they, and as broad as they — The proportions of both were the same; and the windows, doors, and passages belonging to these, were exactly uniform with those on the north side. The sense of the twelfth verse would be plainer, if the words were thus translated, And such were the doors of the chambers toward the south; namely, as those toward the north. There was a door in the head of the way, &c. — Namely, like that described verse 9.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

Verses 8-12. For the length of the chambers, &c. — The chambers that were built over the cloisters were in length fifty cubits. And lo, before the temple were a hundred cubits — In passing from the north to the south side of the temple, verses 11, 12, over the space of ground that fronted the east side of it, the prophet was shown that it measured a hundred cubits, Ezekiel 41:14. And from under these chambers was the entry, &c. — The entry into these south chambers was by a pair of stairs at the east corner of the outer court: see Ezekiel 46:19. The chambers were in the thickness — Or rather, in the breadth of the wall — That is, of the ground which that wall enclosed. Over against, or before, the separate place, and before the building — These expressions denote that these south chambers had the same situation with respect to the temple, as the north chambers had, spoken of verse 1. And the way before them, &c. — Such a way led to these chambers, as did to the chambers on the north side. As long as they, and as broad as they — The proportions of both were the same; and the windows, doors, and passages belonging to these, were exactly uniform with those on the north side. The sense of the twelfth verse would be plainer, if the words were thus translated, And such were the doors of the chambers toward the south; namely, as those toward the north. There was a door in the head of the way, &c. — Namely, like that described verse 9.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

V. 11. The way-The walk. Was like-Exactly uniform with the fabrick on the north-side. All their goings-Every window and door. Were-Framed in the same manner. In all things exactly alike.

Verses 8-12. For the length of the chambers, &c. — The chambers that were built over the cloisters were in length fifty cubits. And lo, before the temple were a hundred cubits — In passing from the north to the south side of the temple, verses 11, 12, over the space of ground that fronted the east side of it, the prophet was shown that it measured a hundred cubits, Ezekiel 41:14. And from under these chambers was the entry, &c. — The entry into these south chambers was by a pair of stairs at the east corner of the outer court: see Ezekiel 46:19. The chambers were in the thickness — Or rather, in the breadth of the wall — That is, of the ground which that wall enclosed. Over against, or before, the separate place, and before the building — These expressions denote that these south chambers had the same situation with respect to the temple, as the north chambers had, spoken of verse 1. And the way before them, &c. — Such a way led to these chambers, as did to the chambers on the north side. As long as they, and as broad as they — The proportions of both were the same; and the windows, doors, and passages belonging to these, were exactly uniform with those on the north side. The sense of the twelfth verse would be plainer, if the words were thus translated, And such were the doors of the chambers toward the south; namely, as those toward the north. There was a door in the head of the way, &c. — Namely, like that described verse 9.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

Verses 8-12. For the length of the chambers, &c. — The chambers that were built over the cloisters were in length fifty cubits. And lo, before the temple were a hundred cubits — In passing from the north to the south side of the temple, verses 11, 12, over the space of ground that fronted the east side of it, the prophet was shown that it measured a hundred cubits, Ezekiel 41:14. And from under these chambers was the entry, &c. — The entry into these south chambers was by a pair of stairs at the east corner of the outer court: see Ezekiel 46:19. The chambers were in the thickness — Or rather, in the breadth of the wall — That is, of the ground which that wall enclosed. Over against, or before, the separate place, and before the building — These expressions denote that these south chambers had the same situation with respect to the temple, as the north chambers had, spoken of verse 1. And the way before them, &c. — Such a way led to these chambers, as did to the chambers on the north side. As long as they, and as broad as they — The proportions of both were the same; and the windows, doors, and passages belonging to these, were exactly uniform with those on the north side. The sense of the twelfth verse would be plainer, if the words were thus translated, And such were the doors of the chambers toward the south; namely, as those toward the north. There was a door in the head of the way, &c. — Namely, like that described verse 9.

4-12. Toy renders: “In front of the chamber was a passageway ten cubits wide and one hundred cubits long. (See O, chart facing page 209.) Their doors were on the north. The upper chambers were smaller than the others, the galleries diminishing their size in comparison with the lower and middle. They were built in three stories and had no pillars like the pillars of the outer halls; hence the upper stories were smaller than the lower and middle. The outer wall bounding the chambers on the side of the outer court in front of the chambers was fifty cubits long — that is, the length of the chamber building on the outer court was fifty cubits — while in front of the temple it was one hundred cubits. Below these chambers was the entrance way on the east, when they were approached from the outer court at the beginning of the outer wall.”

V. 13. Shall they lay-In some of these chambers the holy things that might be eat, were laid up as in a store-house; and those which were not for present use, were reserved, ‘till they were to be used.

Verses 13, 14. The north chambers, and the south chambers — Namely, those described in the foregoing part of the chapter; they be holy chambers, where the priests shall eat the most holy things — The show-bread, the remainder of the meat-offering, sin-offering, and trespass-offering, are expressly called the most holy things, Leviticus 6:14, 17, and 24:9; and are distinguished from the holy things, such as the peace-offerings, first-fruits, and tithes, Leviticus 21:22. These were to be eaten within the precincts of the temple, by the direction of the Levitical law. There shall they lay the most holy things — These rooms were likewise set apart for laying up the remainder of the sacrifices, till they were eaten by the priests and their families, Leviticus 10:13, and 22:13. When the priests enter therein — Within the inner court; then shall they not go out of the holy place, &c., but there they shall lay their garments, &c. — They shall not go into the court of the people, in their priestly vestments, but shall lay them up in some of these chambers. The priestly garments were only to be used in the time of their ministration, as appears from Exodus 28:43. And shall put on other garments, and shall approach, &c. — The words should rather be translated, and shall come into the court belonging to the people; the outer court, mentioned at the beginning of the verse.

Ver. 13, 14. Chambers where the priests shall eat—and lay the most holy things. Here is the ordinary use of upper rooms; the princes also and the council occupied chambers; and the records were kept in the temple.

13, 14. In these holy chambers the priests were to eat the most holy things, the holiest which have not been burnt in sacrifice (Leviticus 2:3, 10; 6:16-18, 29, 30; 7:9-11; 10:12). There also they must leave their holy vestments (Leviticus 16:23) when they entered the inner court. All this signified the sacredness of the priestly service and the increasing holiness of the temple as they drew nearer to the central abode of Jehovah.

V. 14. Which are-Which common people may meddle with.

Verse 14. They shall lay their garments wherein they minister] The priests were not permitted to wear their robes in the outer court. These vestments were to be used only when they ministered; and when they had done, they were to deposit them in one of the chambers mentioned in the thirteenth verse.

Verses 13, 14. The north chambers, and the south chambers — Namely, those described in the foregoing part of the chapter; they be holy chambers, where the priests shall eat the most holy things — The show-bread, the remainder of the meat-offering, sin-offering, and trespass-offering, are expressly called the most holy things, Leviticus 6:14, 17, and 24:9; and are distinguished from the holy things, such as the peace-offerings, first-fruits, and tithes, Leviticus 21:22. These were to be eaten within the precincts of the temple, by the direction of the Levitical law. There shall they lay the most holy things — These rooms were likewise set apart for laying up the remainder of the sacrifices, till they were eaten by the priests and their families, Leviticus 10:13, and 22:13. When the priests enter therein — Within the inner court; then shall they not go out of the holy place, &c., but there they shall lay their garments, &c. — They shall not go into the court of the people, in their priestly vestments, but shall lay them up in some of these chambers. The priestly garments were only to be used in the time of their ministration, as appears from Exodus 28:43. And shall put on other garments, and shall approach, &c. — The words should rather be translated, and shall come into the court belonging to the people; the outer court, mentioned at the beginning of the verse.

Ver. 13, 14. Chambers where the priests shall eat—and lay the most holy things. Here is the ordinary use of upper rooms; the princes also and the council occupied chambers; and the records were kept in the temple.

13, 14. In these holy chambers the priests were to eat the most holy things, the holiest which have not been burnt in sacrifice (Leviticus 2:3, 10; 6:16-18, 29, 30; 7:9-11; 10:12). There also they must leave their holy vestments (Leviticus 16:23) when they entered the inner court. All this signified the sacredness of the priestly service and the increasing holiness of the temple as they drew nearer to the central abode of Jehovah.

Verses 15, 16. When he had made an end of measuring the inner house — The inner house denotes the temple, distinguished from the courts about it; he measured the east side, &c. — This and the following verses contain the measures of the holy mountain, or area, upon which the temple stood, and which is described to be an exact square, consisting of five hundred reeds in measure on each side of it, that is, of very near an English mile. The whole area, therefore, was near four miles in compass; a circuit as large as one-half of the whole city of Jerusalem, in its most flourishing condition, and certainly far greater than that occupied either by Solomon’s temple, with all its out-buildings and courts, or by the temple built after the return of the Jews from Babylon; and indeed greater than the mountain of the temple was capable of containing, according to the description given of it by all the Jewish writers. This proves, as Mr. Scott justly observes, that the vision cannot be explained of any temple that has hitherto been built, or indeed of any literal temple, but must be understood figuratively and mystically. Bishop Newcome indeed, following Capellus, says, “Read here, and verses 17-19, twma, cubits, for µynq, reeds, with the LXX., verses 17, 20.” But the former word, signifying cubits, does not once occur in the Hebrew text, whereas the word rendered reeds is repeated four times. And as to the LXX., it is evident they “had Solomon’s temple in view, and changed reeds for cubits, in order to adjust the dimensions of this temple to those of Solomon’s; and that late writers have proposed the alteration in the text for the same reason. But if men allow themselves to substitute one word for another in the sacred text, because the alterations would render that consistent with their systems which otherwise would be incompatible with them, there is no knowing to what lengths they may proceed. Surely it is better to acknowledge our ignorance on such abstruse subjects than to support a favourite scheme of interpretation, by giving countenance to so dangerous a measure.” We have said above, that the area here described is an exact square; and it is to be observed, that the heavenly Jerusalem, represented to St. John, Revelation 21:16, is likewise described as foursquare, that figure being an emblem of solidity. And Ezekiel’s vision, as well as St. John’s, is designed, in its mystical sense, to represent the regularity and strength of Christ’s church and kingdom.

15-20. If the present Hebrew text is to be followed, we have here a measurement of an outer wall, encompassing the temple quadrangle, three thousand sacred cubits (three thousand five hundred common cubits) long on every side. However, as this wall is not mentioned elsewhere, many scholars follow the LXX. text, reading “cubit,” instead of “reed.” Such a wall five hundred cubits on each side is spoken of Ezekiel 45:2, and is entirely in accordance with the other measurements as given in detail. Yet if the Hebrew manuscripts originally read “cubit,” how could the word “reed” have been substituted for it? It is easy to see how the LXX. might in this, as in other cases, have changed the unusual statement to that which was more easily understood. No literal temple nine million square cubits in area could have been accommodated on any one of the mountains of Palestine. The reed is elsewhere very seldom used as a measure. (Yet see Ezekiel 45:1; 48:16.) In either case this wall was to mark the boundary between the sacred and the common (compare Ezekiel 43:12, and 45:4), and whether the measurement was in cubits or reeds, the symbolism was the same. The perfect cube emblemed the perfect temple — the ideal church in the midst of the ideal nation.

Verses 16. - 19. He measured the east—north—south—west side] Each of which was five hundred reeds: and, as the building was square, the area must have been nearly thirteen thousand paces. No wonder this was called a city. See Ezekiel 40:2.

Verses 15, 16. When he had made an end of measuring the inner house — The inner house denotes the temple, distinguished from the courts about it; he measured the east side, &c. — This and the following verses contain the measures of the holy mountain, or area, upon which the temple stood, and which is described to be an exact square, consisting of five hundred reeds in measure on each side of it, that is, of very near an English mile. The whole area, therefore, was near four miles in compass; a circuit as large as one-half of the whole city of Jerusalem, in its most flourishing condition, and certainly far greater than that occupied either by Solomon’s temple, with all its out-buildings and courts, or by the temple built after the return of the Jews from Babylon; and indeed greater than the mountain of the temple was capable of containing, according to the description given of it by all the Jewish writers. This proves, as Mr. Scott justly observes, that the vision cannot be explained of any temple that has hitherto been built, or indeed of any literal temple, but must be understood figuratively and mystically. Bishop Newcome indeed, following Capellus, says, “Read here, and verses 17-19, twma, cubits, for µynq, reeds, with the LXX., verses 17, 20.” But the former word, signifying cubits, does not once occur in the Hebrew text, whereas the word rendered reeds is repeated four times. And as to the LXX., it is evident they “had Solomon’s temple in view, and changed reeds for cubits, in order to adjust the dimensions of this temple to those of Solomon’s; and that late writers have proposed the alteration in the text for the same reason. But if men allow themselves to substitute one word for another in the sacred text, because the alterations would render that consistent with their systems which otherwise would be incompatible with them, there is no knowing to what lengths they may proceed. Surely it is better to acknowledge our ignorance on such abstruse subjects than to support a favourite scheme of interpretation, by giving countenance to so dangerous a measure.” We have said above, that the area here described is an exact square; and it is to be observed, that the heavenly Jerusalem, represented to St. John, Revelation 21:16, is likewise described as foursquare, that figure being an emblem of solidity. And Ezekiel’s vision, as well as St. John’s, is designed, in its mystical sense, to represent the regularity and strength of Christ’s church and kingdom.

Ver. 16. Five hundred reeds. The reed was six cubits. The Hebrew text and Montanus are as the English; but the LXX read “cubits;” and the very learned Capellus has taken much pains to prove that the reading of the LXX is correct. My opinion is that the LXX, who very often take astonishing liberties with the original, were desirous to accommodate Ezekiel’s vision to their diminished temple. St. John, on the contrary, gives a very enlarged idea of the new Jerusalem and its temple; and it is not likely that this vision should diminish the size. Besides, the cuts in the Synopsis, and Dr. Lightfoot’s remarks, perfectly coincide with the Hebrew text. Hence the square circumference of the inner courts of this temple was twelve thousand cubits, or about a mile and a furlong in the square, while all the other apartments and wings were in proportion.

15-20. If the present Hebrew text is to be followed, we have here a measurement of an outer wall, encompassing the temple quadrangle, three thousand sacred cubits (three thousand five hundred common cubits) long on every side. However, as this wall is not mentioned elsewhere, many scholars follow the LXX. text, reading “cubit,” instead of “reed.” Such a wall five hundred cubits on each side is spoken of Ezekiel 45:2, and is entirely in accordance with the other measurements as given in detail. Yet if the Hebrew manuscripts originally read “cubit,” how could the word “reed” have been substituted for it? It is easy to see how the LXX. might in this, as in other cases, have changed the unusual statement to that which was more easily understood. No literal temple nine million square cubits in area could have been accommodated on any one of the mountains of Palestine. The reed is elsewhere very seldom used as a measure. (Yet see Ezekiel 45:1; 48:16.) In either case this wall was to mark the boundary between the sacred and the common (compare Ezekiel 43:12, and 45:4), and whether the measurement was in cubits or reeds, the symbolism was the same. The perfect cube emblemed the perfect temple — the ideal church in the midst of the ideal nation.

Verses 16. - 19. He measured the east—north—south—west side] Each of which was five hundred reeds: and, as the building was square, the area must have been nearly thirteen thousand paces. No wonder this was called a city. See Ezekiel 40:2.

15-20. If the present Hebrew text is to be followed, we have here a measurement of an outer wall, encompassing the temple quadrangle, three thousand sacred cubits (three thousand five hundred common cubits) long on every side. However, as this wall is not mentioned elsewhere, many scholars follow the LXX. text, reading “cubit,” instead of “reed.” Such a wall five hundred cubits on each side is spoken of Ezekiel 45:2, and is entirely in accordance with the other measurements as given in detail. Yet if the Hebrew manuscripts originally read “cubit,” how could the word “reed” have been substituted for it? It is easy to see how the LXX. might in this, as in other cases, have changed the unusual statement to that which was more easily understood. No literal temple nine million square cubits in area could have been accommodated on any one of the mountains of Palestine. The reed is elsewhere very seldom used as a measure. (Yet see Ezekiel 45:1; 48:16.) In either case this wall was to mark the boundary between the sacred and the common (compare Ezekiel 43:12, and 45:4), and whether the measurement was in cubits or reeds, the symbolism was the same. The perfect cube emblemed the perfect temple — the ideal church in the midst of the ideal nation.

Verses 16. - 19. He measured the east—north—south—west side] Each of which was five hundred reeds: and, as the building was square, the area must have been nearly thirteen thousand paces. No wonder this was called a city. See Ezekiel 40:2.

15-20. If the present Hebrew text is to be followed, we have here a measurement of an outer wall, encompassing the temple quadrangle, three thousand sacred cubits (three thousand five hundred common cubits) long on every side. However, as this wall is not mentioned elsewhere, many scholars follow the LXX. text, reading “cubit,” instead of “reed.” Such a wall five hundred cubits on each side is spoken of Ezekiel 45:2, and is entirely in accordance with the other measurements as given in detail. Yet if the Hebrew manuscripts originally read “cubit,” how could the word “reed” have been substituted for it? It is easy to see how the LXX. might in this, as in other cases, have changed the unusual statement to that which was more easily understood. No literal temple nine million square cubits in area could have been accommodated on any one of the mountains of Palestine. The reed is elsewhere very seldom used as a measure. (Yet see Ezekiel 45:1; 48:16.) In either case this wall was to mark the boundary between the sacred and the common (compare Ezekiel 43:12, and 45:4), and whether the measurement was in cubits or reeds, the symbolism was the same. The perfect cube emblemed the perfect temple — the ideal church in the midst of the ideal nation.

Verses 16. - 19. He measured the east—north—south—west side] Each of which was five hundred reeds: and, as the building was square, the area must have been nearly thirteen thousand paces. No wonder this was called a city. See Ezekiel 40:2.

15-20. If the present Hebrew text is to be followed, we have here a measurement of an outer wall, encompassing the temple quadrangle, three thousand sacred cubits (three thousand five hundred common cubits) long on every side. However, as this wall is not mentioned elsewhere, many scholars follow the LXX. text, reading “cubit,” instead of “reed.” Such a wall five hundred cubits on each side is spoken of Ezekiel 45:2, and is entirely in accordance with the other measurements as given in detail. Yet if the Hebrew manuscripts originally read “cubit,” how could the word “reed” have been substituted for it? It is easy to see how the LXX. might in this, as in other cases, have changed the unusual statement to that which was more easily understood. No literal temple nine million square cubits in area could have been accommodated on any one of the mountains of Palestine. The reed is elsewhere very seldom used as a measure. (Yet see Ezekiel 45:1; 48:16.) In either case this wall was to mark the boundary between the sacred and the common (compare Ezekiel 43:12, and 45:4), and whether the measurement was in cubits or reeds, the symbolism was the same. The perfect cube emblemed the perfect temple — the ideal church in the midst of the ideal nation.

V. 20. Five hundred broad-Each reed was above three yards and an half, so that it was about eight miles round. Thus large were the suburbs of this mystical temple, signifying the great extent of the church in gospel times. It is in part fulfilled already, by the accession of the Gentiles to the church: and will be throughly accomplished, when the fulness of the Gentiles shall come in, and all Israel shall be saved. A separation-To distinguish, and accordingly to exclude, or admit persons, for all might not go in.

Verse 20. It had a wall round about—to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.] The holy place was that which was consecrated to the Lord; into which no heathen, nor stranger, nor any in a state of impurity, might enter. The profane place was that in which men, women, Gentiles, pure or impure, might be admitted. Josephus says War, lib. vi., c. 14, that in his time there was a wall built before the entrance three cubits high, on which there were posts fixed at certain distances, with inscriptions on them in Latin and Greek, containing the laws which enjoined purity on those that entered; and forbidding all strangers to enter, on pain of death. See Calmet.

EZEKIEL

Verse 20. It had a wall round about — To defend it from being invaded or profaned. Such a square wall as is here described, seems only capable of a mystical sense and interpretation. To make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place — Between that compass of ground which was included in the precincts of the temple, and was considered as consecrated to the Lord, and where it was not permitted either the heathen, strangers, or impure persons, to present themselves; and that place, here termed profane, which all the world might enter indiscriminately, men, women, pure, impure, Gentiles, and others. We learn from Josephus, that such a place of separation existed at the temple in his time: see Antiq., lib.

15. c. 14, and Calmet.

15-20. If the present Hebrew text is to be followed, we have here a measurement of an outer wall, encompassing the temple quadrangle, three thousand sacred cubits (three thousand five hundred common cubits) long on every side. However, as this wall is not mentioned elsewhere, many scholars follow the LXX. text, reading “cubit,” instead of “reed.” Such a wall five hundred cubits on each side is spoken of Ezekiel 45:2, and is entirely in accordance with the other measurements as given in detail. Yet if the Hebrew manuscripts originally read “cubit,” how could the word “reed” have been substituted for it? It is easy to see how the LXX. might in this, as in other cases, have changed the unusual statement to that which was more easily understood. No literal temple nine million square cubits in area could have been accommodated on any one of the mountains of Palestine. The reed is elsewhere very seldom used as a measure. (Yet see Ezekiel 45:1; 48:16.) In either case this wall was to mark the boundary between the sacred and the common (compare Ezekiel 43:12, and 45:4), and whether the measurement was in cubits or reeds, the symbolism was the same. The perfect cube emblemed the perfect temple — the ideal church in the midst of the ideal nation.