Verse 1

CONTENTS

The subject is still continued. Various appointments are here set forth, for the due government of the Prince's Kingdom, and the blessedness of his people.

Verses 1-18

Mysterious as the subject is in many points, respecting these offerings, looking as this scripture evidently doth, to a period of the Church, when the daily offering was forever to cease; yet one point is abundantly clear and satisfactory; namely, that the Prince was to be in the midst of his people, both at their going in, and going out. Such we know Christ to be, in all his Churches; and indeed without his presence, their assembly would be in vain. It is a precious consideration to the faithful, this promise of their God and Saviour: and which He hath very graciously given to them, for their comfort in all ages. Matthew 18:20; Mat_28:20.

Verses 19-24

We are at a loss to apprehend the precise meaning of this passage, from the same cause as the former. Indeed, no part of the prophecies of scripture carry with them a greater mysteriousness, than the whole of this part of Ezekiel's prophecy, as contained in the last nine Chapters. Some indeed have determined their meaning in what is said here, to the ministry of the Lord's servants in the courts of his house. But certain it is, that too much obscurity is cast over it, to speak of this with precision. It will be sufficient for all our purposes of improvement, to receive those sacred things, with reverence, as the word of God, and to wait the Lord's own time for the full explanation; knowing that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation; for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:20-21.

Verse 24

REFLECTIONS

READER! we have now for several Chapters past, been following the footsteps of the Prophet through the wonderful apartments of this great city, which the Lord showed in vision to the man of God; and whether it relates to the Church militant, or millenary, in either sense or in both, still it becomes an interesting question; are we citizens of it, and entitled to its blessed privileges? Truly, we may take up the language of the Prophet concerning it, and say, glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God Surely an admission here must be blessed. Surely the inhabitants of it must be peculiarly under the eye and good will of their Lord. Say then, my brother, do we speak the language of Canaan; delight in the place; the society; and above all, in the glorious king. Is Jesus precious; his Name always as ointment poured forth for fragrancy; his people, ordinances, holy days, greatly beloved by us? It is truly gracious to have these testimonies in proof, that our conversation is in heaven, and that we are looking for the Lord's return to it, that when He, who is our life shall appear, we may appear with him in glory. Precious Lord Jesus! give both to him that writes, and to him that reads, sweet and incontestible evidences, that we are thine, and growing up in thee to an holy temple in the Lord. Oh! the blessedness of belonging to the household, and family of faith; for if thou Lord hast made us free, in thee we shall be free indeed!