And, behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate, which lieth toward the north, and every man a slaughter weapon in his hand; and one man among them [was] clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side: and they went in, and stood beside the brasen altar.
Ver. 2. And, behold, six men came.] Ad hunc Dei clamorem vel clangorem; the angels came, the Chaldees came, at the call of this Lord of hosts, who hath all creatures at his beck and check.
By the way of the higher gate.] Called also the new gate, Jer 26:10 built by Jotham. 2Ch 27:3
Toward the north.] Where stood the idol of jealousy, and whereby Nebuchadnezzar entered.
“ Per quod quis peccat, per idem punitur et ipse. ”
One man among them.] This was a created angel, say some; Eze 10:2 Christ, the angel of the covenant, say others, with more likelihood of truth.
Clothed with linen.] As high priest of his people, and in addition an offering for them, and that without spot. Heb 9:14
And a writer's inkhorn by his side.] An ensign of his prophetic office, say some, as his linen clothing was of his priestly; and of his kingly, that he was among, or in the midst of, the six slaughtermen, as their captain and commander.
They went in and stood beside the brazen altar.] Where they might receive further instructions from God. So in the Revelation, those angels that were to pour out the vials of divine vengeance, are said to come out of the temple.