Ezekiel 40:5-49

The Reader will form a better calculation of the extent of this wonderful city, by considering what its dimensions were. A cubit for the sanctuary measurement, was one foot and nine inches; and if the Reader will mark down the whole measurement, he will be able to ascertain the out-grounds of this place. But leaving this part of the subject to his leisure, I really beg his present attention to some of the spiritual things, which we may humbly venture to suppose, were intended in what is here said. May we not imagine, that what is said of the steps of ascent, is intended to show how souls redeemed by grace, go up by Jesus's leading, as he here taught and led the Prophet to God? And are not those Palm trees in allusion to what is said of believers flourishing like Palm trees in the house of God? Psalms 92:1. The gates are already explained by what John was taught to inform the Church of the twelve Apostles. Revelation 21:14. And the tables, and porch, and place for sacrifice, and sons of Levi, to minister in divine things; all these are very plain representations of what the Gospel Church, in the after ages, set forth, when Christ became both the Table of offering, the Porch, or way to the throne; the Sacrifice; the Sacrificer; and the New Testament Altar; on whom, and in whom, and through whom alone, all offerings were to be made! The Prophet having been thus led to the measurement thus far, the Chapter is closed, and the subject is reserved, to be continued in the following Chapter.