If we compare scripture with scripture, (and, which God the Holy Ghost commands, 1 Corinthians 2:13) we shall take the most effectual method of arriving to the proper apprehension of what is here said, looking up to the Great Author of his holy word, to make it profitable. Now it was among the promises of Jehovah, that the last day dispensation of grace should be distinguished by the Lord's pouring out his spirit, like water, and dews, and showers, upon the mown grass. Several of the Prophets were directed to speak of the Holy Ghost coming upon his people in this manner. Isaiah 44:3-4; Joel 2:28. And Zechariah, as if in confirmation of what Ezekiel had before said, declared that living waters should go out from Jerusalem. Zechariah 14:8. And the beloved Apostle John, as if in clearer terms to give a comment upon this vision of Ezekiel, speaks of a river, and water of like, proceeding out of the throne of God and the Lamb. Revelation 22:1. I stay not to remark many beauties in allusion to the day of gospel grace, which this scripture abounds with; but certain it is, that the manner of expression which Ezekiel hath made use of, becomes truly significant. The Prophet did not see from whence these waters arose; the spring was hidden; so are our lives hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3. John explains the source, when he saith, from the throne of God and the Lamb: meaning from all the Persons of the Godhead; in, and through the Lamb. For God the Father is a fountain. Jeremiah 2:13. God the Son, is a fountain. Song of Solomon 4:15. God the Spirit, is a fountain. John 7:37-39. And all pour their rich mercies like a river, through the mediation of the God-man Christ Jesus. John 14:6. And is there not a great beauty also, in the thought suggested by the door of the house, and the right side? Jesus calls himself by the name of the door to his sheepfold. John 10:9. And we know whose side it was that was pierced, when forthwith came there out blood and water. John 19:34. And as all these things were seen by the Prophet, in his vision concerning Jerusalem, from whence the waters issued: so Jesus first sent forth his Gospel, after his redemption work was finished, from that beloved city. Luke 24:47. Concerning the swelling of those waters; they form a most beautiful type or figure, of the glorious spreading of the Gospel. Jesus's cause must increase, must run and be glorified, and be a blessing through the earth. Such will be the latter day glory. Psalms 72:8-17. Some have thought that the Prophet's path, as marked in these waters, first reaching to the ankles, then to the knees, then to the loins, and afterwards to an ocean, to swim in; is meant to show the progress of grace, and our knowledge in the divine life.
Ezekiel 47:1-6
1 Afterward he brought me again unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.
2 Then brought he me out of the way of the gate northward, and led me about the way without unto the utter gate by the way that looketh eastward; and, behold, there ran out waters on the right side.
3 And when the man that had the line in his hand went forth eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles.
4 Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand, and brought me through; the waters were to the loins.
5 Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
6 And he said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river.