Ver. 1. Five cubits long.] Solomon’s altar was four times as large as this: to teach that as our peace and prosperity is more than others, so should our service in a due proportion.
Ver. 2. Horns of it.] To bind the beasts unto, that were to be slain in sacrifice. (Psalms 118:27) And to signify the power of Christ’s priesthood. (Habakkuk 3:4) Thou shalt overlay it with brass.] The brass kept the wood; so did the deity of Christ keep his humanity from being consumed by the fire of God’s wrath, wherein it was roasted.
Ver. 3. His shovels, and his basons.] These several instruments figured the ministry of the word, say some; the sundry callings that Christ hath in his Church, say others, for her edification.
Ver. 4. A grate.] Which served for a hearth, and represented Christ bearing the fire of his Father’s displeasure.
Ver. 7. And the staves shall be.] As ever ready to remove. Here we have no assured settlement.
Ver. 9. The court of the tabernacle.] This outer court signified the visible Church, where hypocrites also come to the external worships. Doeg may set his foot as far as David.
Ver. 10. And the twenty pillars.] In allusion whereunto, the Church is called the “pillar and stay of truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)
Ver. 17. Their hooks shall be of silver, and their sockets of brass.] The nearer things were unto God the more precious they were: and e contra.
Ver. 20. Pure oil olive.] Signifying the precious gifts and graces of the Spirit in godly ministers, whose lips must both preserve knowledge, and present it to the people. Oil olive beaten.] Signifying, saith one, how with much labour and affliction the light of God’s word is to be prepared, and with patience preached and made to shine in his Church. (2 Corinthians 1:4 2:4 11:21,23-25 1 Thessalonians 2:9)