Attributed commentary excerpt
John Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 40:16
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Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.
And there were narrow windows to the little chamber, &c.] The walls being sloped both within and without, that the light let in might be spread the more: as those “little chambers” signify the several congregated churches of Christ in the Gospel dispensation; (see Gill on “<264007>Ezekiel 40:7”), so these windows design the word and ordinances therein administered, which are the means of letting light into them; (see <220209>Song of Solomon 2:9 <234412>Isaiah 44:12 60:8), in attending on these, the light of God’s countenance is enjoyed, which lies in the discoveries of his love; in the manifestations of himself; in his gracious presence, and in communion with him; than which nothing is more desirable or delightful: through these ordinances Christ the sun of righteousness shines in upon his people; he looks in at these windows, and shows himself through these lattices; he is seen through the glass of the Gospel; he is held forth in the ordinance of the supper; and by means thereof the souls of God’s people are enlightened, comforted, and warmed: also in this way are communicated the illuminations of the Spirit, both at first conversion, and in after discoveries of the things freely given of God; of the doctrines of the Gospel; of the blessings of grace, and of the glories of heaven. The Gospel itself is a great and glorious light; and the ministers of it are the light of the world, and of the churches; and by the light being diffused through these little chambers, the churches, those who are in them see to walk on in Christ, as they have received him, and becoming his Gospel, and their profession of it; and also see to work, not for life, justification, and salvation, but to evidence their faith, and adorn their profession; to glorify God by their shining lights, and to cause others to glorify him; and by the whole, the light of joy, peace, and comfort, is transmitted to all the inhabitants of Zion. These windows are said to be “narrow”, or “shut”, or “closed”f695; that is, comparatively, not absolutely, for then they would be of no use. The ordinances of the Gospel dispensation are no doubt clearer, and the light of it larger, than of the legal dispensation, but this light has been darkened by the Papacy; and though it increased at the Reformation, yet before the latter day glory will break forth it will be as a twilight, neither clear nor dark, day nor night, (<381406>Zechariah 14:6,7) and though the light that then will break out will be exceeding great, as the light of the sun, and that as the light of seven days, (<233026>Isaiah 30:26), yet in comparison of the light of the New Jerusalem state, when there will be no need of the sun or moon, but the Lord will be the everlasting light of his people; and in comparison of the ultimate glory, when the saints shall see face to face; the light even of this dispensation will be like what is let in at narrow windows; (see <662123>Revelation 21:23,24,25 <461312>1 Corinthians 13:12). And to their posts within the gate round about; that is, to the posts of the doors that led into these chambers, over the lintel of them, were windows to let in light to those that were entering them, as well as were in them; and so there were to all the chambers round about the porch on one side and the other, between the two gates: and likewise to the arches; or “porches”f696; to these doors, to which there were windows giving light to those that passed through: and the windows were round about inward; in all…
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