8 He measured also the porch of the gate within, one reed.
8 Then he measured the portico of the gateway;
8 Then he measured the vestibule of the gateway, on the inside, one reed.
8 He measured the inside porch of the gate complex:
8 He also measured the vestibule of the inside gate, one rod.
8 He also measured the entry room of the gateway.
21 I lifted up mine eyes again, and looked, and behold a man with a measuring line in his hand.
21 Then I looked up, and there before me was a man with a measuring line in his hand.
21
21 I looked up and was surprised to see a man holding a tape measure in his hand.
21 Then I raised my eyes and looked, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand.
21 When I looked again, I saw a man with a measuring line in his hand.
(Read Zechariah 2:1-5)
The Son of David, even the Man Christ Jesus, whom the prophet sees with a measuring line in his hand, is the Master-Builder of his church. God notices the extent of his church, and will take care that whatever number of guests are brought to the wedding-supper, there shall be room. This vision means well to Jerusalem. The walls of a city, as they defend it, so they straiten its inhabitants; but Jerusalem shall be extended as freely as if it had no walls at all, yet shall be as safe as if it had the strongest walls. In the church of God there yet is room for other multitudes, more than man can number. None shall be refused who trust in Christ; and He never shuts out from heaven one true member of the church on earth. God will be a Wall of fire round them, which can neither be broken through nor undermined, nor can it be assailed without danger to those who attack. This vision was to have its full accomplishment in the gospel church, which is extended by admitting the Gentiles into it; and which has the Son of God for its Prince and Protector; especially in the glorious times yet to come.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:8
Chapter Contents
The Vision of the Temple.
Here is a vision, beginning at ch. 40, and continued to the end of the book, ch. 48, which is justly looked upon to be one of the most difficult portions in all the book of God. When we despair to be satisfied as to any difficulty we meet with, let us bless God that our salvation does not depend upon it, but that things necessary are plain enough; and let us wait till God shall reveal even this unto us. This chapter describes two outward courts of the temple. Whether the personage here mentioned was the Son of God, or a created angel, is not clear. But Christ is both our Altar and our Sacrifice, to whom we must look with faith in all approaches to God; and he is Salvation in the midst of the earth, Psalm 74:12, to be looked unto from all quarters.