And thick planks— And upon the thick planks. Houbigant. That is to say, palm-trees, &c. were carved upon them.
REFLECTIONS.—1st, The prophet is at last brought to the temple; for they who faithfully and perseveringly commit themselves to the divine guidance shall be brought to his eternal presence in the better temple above.
The door was vastly wide; the gospel opening a great door, and effectual to the faithful.
The chambers in the sides of the temple increased a cubit in breadth each story, which was taken out of the thickness of the wall. The higher we build for glory, the more enlarged will our hearts be with faith, and love, and heavenly-mindedness.
2nd, The temple itself was adorned with cherubims and palm-trees, alternately: but being carved on the wall, only two of the cherubs' faces appeared. Every priest who looked thereon might learn what his duty required of him, to join the wisdom of the man to the courage of the lion; and he stood between two palm-trees, the ensigns of triumph, assured of victory over the powers of wickedness;—the character of every faithful minister of the gospel.
The altar here was of wood; and no mention is made of the gold wherewith it was overlaid in the other temples: perhaps to intimate, that no more material fire or incense would be made use of, but the more grateful fire of love, and incense of prayer and praise. And it is called a table, the great sacrifice being once offered, we have only now to fear thereupon, and eat that flesh and drink that blood which give immortal life to the soul.