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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 40:43

The hooks . The word שְׁפַתַּיִם occurs again only in Psalms 68:13 , where it signifies "sheepfolds," or "stalls;" its older form ( מִשְׁפְתַיִם ) appearing in Genesis 49:14 and 5:16 . As this sense is unsuitable, recourse must be had to its derivation (from שָׁפַת , "to put, set, or fix"), which suggests as its import here either, as Ewald, Kliefoth, Hengstenberg, Havernick, and Smend, following the LXX . and Vulgate, prefer, "ledges," or "border guards," on the edge of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 40:44

Singers. Praise is an essential part of the worship of God. However it may be with the imaginary deities of the heathen, we know of the one true God that he is infinitely great and infinitely good; and that it therefore becomes his creatures to be his worshippers, and that it becomes his worshippers to utter forth his praise—the memory of his great goodness. In the Jewish economy praise occupied a very important part in Divine service, especially during and after the time of David, the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 40:44

Sacred song. "The chambers of the singers." The ideal Church would not be complete without the service of sacred song. Abundant arrangement was made for this order of worship in the first temple ( 1 Kings 10:12 ; 1 Chronicles 25:1-31 .). It was to be a daily offering unto the Lord ( 1 Chronicles 23:30 ). And it has found a large and honorable place in the Church of Christ. The Master himself and his disciples "sang an hymn" on the most solemn and sacred of all occasions ( Matthew... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 40:44-46

The chambers of the ringers According to Ezekiel 40:44 , these, of which the number is not recorded, were situated in the inner court, outside of the inner gate, at the side of the north gate, and looked towards the south, one only being located at the side of the east gate with a prospect towards the north. Interpreted in this way, they cannot have been the same as the "priests' chambers" mentioned in Ezekiel 40:45 , Ezekiel 40:46 , though these also looked in the same direction.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 40:45

The priests, the keepers of the charge of the house . Under the Law the Levite families of Gershon, Kohath, and Merari had the charge of the tabernacle and all its belongings ( Numbers 3:25 , etc.); but of these Levites who kept the charge of the sanctuary, Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest had the oversight. Hence the priests alluded to by Ezekiel as the keepers of the charge of the house were most likely those who superintended the Levites in the execution of their tasks. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 40:45

Priests. What would a temple be with no priesthood to minister at its altars, to present the offerings of its worshippers? The priests give meaning and interest to the temple, not only to the scenery of its services, but to its great purpose and aim. The mention in this passage of the priests who dwelt and ministered within the temple precincts suggests reflections of a more general character regarding the office and those who were called to undertake it. I. HUMANITY IS ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Ezekiel 40:46

The keepers of the charge of the altar . These formed another body of priests, whose duties generally were to officiate in the temple-worship, and more specifically to sacrifice and burn incense upon the altars (Leviticus 1-6.). Under the Law the priests were all descendants of Aaron ( Exodus 27:20 , Exodus 27:21 ; Exodus 28:1-4 ; Exodus 29:9 , Exodus 29:44 ; Exodus 40:15 ). By David these were divided into two classes—the sons of Eleazar, at the head of whom stood Zadok; and the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezekiel 40:38

The chambers - Render it: and chambers, not yet described. They were north of the altar, by the “posts” or pillars in front and along the sides of the gate-building. There were several gates in the gate-building. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezekiel 40:39

In the porch - Not under the covered portico, which was only ten cubits broad Ezekiel 40:9, but in the angles formed by the porch and gate-front. If the gate-building projected with its porch forward on to the pavement of the inner court, the tables were fitly placed for carrying out the directions of the Law. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Ezekiel 40:40

On either side of the entrance of the north gate (from the inner court), were two tables on the one side and two tables on the other side of the porch. read more

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