Ezekiel 47

Ezekiel 47:1

WAters] there were many conduits under ground in Solomons Temple, by which the water was brought for the use of so many sacrifices and other services. And amongst the rest there were some which came out by the Altar, to wash away the blood that was spilt: and so did runne out of the Temple againe. To the resemblance of which, here are also represented spirituall waters: namely, the abundance of grace, and of the gifts of the holy Ghost, which have beene powred out upon the world by Christs death, Ioel 3. 18. Zach. 13. 1. & 14. 8. Revelation 22:1 The right side] that is to say, the South side.

Ezekiel 47:3

The man] namely, the Son of God, who appeared to the Prophet in humane shape To the ancles] this signifies the progresse & increases of Gods grace in the world, and in every particular beleever, out of small beginnings. See Mat. 13 31, 32.

Ezekiel 47:7

Trees] whereby is showne the spirituall fruitfulnesse of holy workes, which Gods grace bringeth forth in beleevers, who are as it were the trees thereof, Iob 8. 16. Psal. 1. 3. Ier. 17. 8.

Ezekiel 47:8

Into the Desert] the Italian, the plaine] in which was the lake of Sodome, therefore called the se of the plain. Deuteronomy 3. 17. & 4. 49. Iosh. 3. 16 Healeth] pure, clere; sweet, and having all other qualities of good waters; instead of the bituminous and sulpherous matter whereof that lake is full: whereby humane nature depraved by sin, is regenerated and clansed by Gods grace in the Gospell.

Ezekiel 47:9

Wich moveth] the Italian, creepeth] as fishes and other water creatures of which none can live, in that Sodome, or dead sea The rivers, the Italian, those two torrents] it should seeme thse waters divided themselves into two branches: whereof, the one did runne Eastward, and the other Westward, as Zach. 14. 8. but there is no mention made only of that which did runne into the Sea of Sodome Eastward, by reason of the notable effect it wrought in this bituminous sea.

Ezekiel 47:10

The fishers,] a figurative description of Gods infinite vivifying grace in Christ Engedi] this name and that which followeth are names of places neere to the said sea of Sodome The great sea] namely, the Mediterranean sea.

Ezekiel 47:11

The miry places] hereby is meant, that the Gospell; though it be largely spread over the world; yet it shall leave their naturall malice uncorrected and unamended in the reprobates: for this grace is not universall nor common to all.

Ezekiel 47:12

Because their waters] these admirable effects shall be produced: because the Gospell shall be accompanied with a celestiall power of Gods Spirit Shall be meat] this may signifie the double use of beleevers good works: the one to the glory of God, and advancement of their own salvation; the other, to the edification and correction of their neighbours.

Ezekiel 47:13

Ioseph] whose posterity was divided into two Tribes; Ephraim and Manasseh. See Genesis 48:5. 1 Chronicles 5:1.

Ezekiel 47:15

The great sea] namely, the Mediterranean sea, in regard of the little seas or lakes of Palestine. Now, these bounds or borders doe signifie, that Christs kingdome shall have its perfect being within it selfe, and shall be severed from the world.

Ezekiel 47:17

The border of Hamath] namely, the uttermost part of the Northerne line, which from Hamath shall turne Eastward.

Ezekiel 47:18

From the border] namely, Hamath, where, as it were in an angle shall meet the North and the East side The East sea] namely, the sea of Sodome. Ioel 2. 20. Zach. 14. 8.

Ezekiel 47:19

The River,] namely, Sihor, called the river of Egypt. Numbers 34:5. Joshua 15:47, 1 Chronicles 13:5.

Ezekiel 47:20

From the border] from the end of the foresaid Northerne line; unto that place where the land of Hamath butts upon the Mediterranean sea towards the North.

Ezekiel 47:22

The strangers] a figure of the calling and ingrasting of the Gentiles into the Church.