PRELIMINARY REMARKS ON CHAPTER S 40-48.* * The reader is left to form his own judgment on the temple seen in vision by Ezekiel, from the various interpretations that I have given in the Preliminary Remarks, the Critical Notes, and the Reflections. "VITRINGA has proved, in two volumes in Dutch, and... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PRINCE SHALL ENTER, &C.— It is observable, that Ezekiel never calls this future ruler of the Jews a _king;_ whereby alone those interpreters are condemned who have explained that of _Zerubbabel,_ which was foretold by the other prophets of the _king, the son of David,_ hereafter to reign; when t... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PEOPLE—SHALL WORSHIP, &C.— During the continuance of the tabernacle, they who would offer any sacrifice were required to bring it to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and there lay their hands upon it. They came to the porch or south gate of the inner court, according as the sacrif... [ Continue Reading ]
AS HE SHALL BE ABLE TO GIVE— With respect to the lambs, no particular quantity of oil or flour is prescribed; he was to give "according to his ability and devotion." The same expression is used in the 7th and 11th verses.... [ Continue Reading ]
HE THAT ENTERETH IN BY THE WAY OF THE NORTH GATE, &C.— Some are of opinion, that these words imply the reason why the people were not to come in at the _east_ gate; because, there being no passage or thoroughfare out of the temple westward, if they had entered in at the east gate, they must have ret... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THE PRINCE IN THE MIDST OF THEM— _And the prince shall enter in the midst of them, and in the midst of them shall he go forth._ Houbigant.... [ Continue Reading ]
TO THE YEAR OF LIBERTY— That is, of _jubilee;_ called the year of _liberty,_ because it freed men's persons from the service of their masters, and their estates from any engagements by which the right of them was transferred from their owners. See Calmet, and Leviticus 25:10.... [ Continue Reading ]
IN THE FOUR CORNERS, &C.— These little courts were in the shape of an oblong square, joined with inner walls to the outside walls of the court. The Hebrew word, קטרות _keturoth,_ translated _joined,_ may be rendered _made with chimneys;_ which sense agrees with the uses for which these courts were d... [ Continue Reading ]