HAYDOCK CATHOLIC BIBLE COMMENTARY ON THE OLD TESTAMENT

EZECHIEL 42

CHAPTER XLII.

Ver. 1. And. S. Jerom finding the Sept. and others varying in the explanations, gives his own; yet adopts the saying of Socrates, "I know that I am ignorant:" for this also is a part of science. W. --- Outward, with respect to the temple. It is styled inner court, with reference to that of the people. --- Separate. C. xli. 9.

Ver. 3. Triple, one over another, (v. 6.) or on a level with the priests' court.

Ver. 4. One cubit, projecting out perhaps for seats, or for the pilasters.

Ver. 5. Above. The higher stories are not so lofty.

Ver. 6. Fifty cubits. We only allow thirty, as this is not in Heb. &c. The text, v. 10. and 12, seems incorrect. C.

Ver. 13. Holies. Heb. "who are very holy," and (H.) on duty. See Lev. vi. 25.

Ver. 14. People. C. xliv. 17. Ex. xxxiii. 42. Christian priests use their vestments only when they are officiating. Durand and Durant Rit. ii. 9. C.

Ver. 16. Five. Heb. emoth should be meoth, "three hundred, as it is printed (yet not in the Prot. version. H.) thrice just after, and as it is written here in MS. 4. Camb. 1. 2." Kennicott. --- Reeds. Sept. "cubits," as Heb. S. Jer. &c. insinuate. The mountain was only five hundred paces square, even when it was enlarged in the time of Josephus. Bel. vi. 14. Gr. --- We must therefore read cubits. C. --- If we retain reeds, (H.) the wall will be twelve thousand cubits, (M.) which seems improbable. Tournemine. See C. xlv. H.

Ver. 20. Cubits. This confirms the former correction. v. 16. H. --- Heb. has only, "of five hundred." Maldonat and A. Lapide would understand reeds, to agree with what goes before. M. --- Separation. Josephus mentions a wall three cubits high, on the pillars of which was written in Greek and Latin, that such as entered the temple must be pure, (C.) and no stranger. H. --- Into this court all might come. Philo. C.