On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.
Ver. 13. On the east three gates] The Church is collected and heaven filled from all quarters of the earth. Hence it is by one compared to the Samaritan's inn (πανδοχειον), because it recciveth and lodgeth all strangers that come. In the synagogue there was not lodging for all; the Ammonites and the Moabites were excluded the congregation of Israel. But Christ was born in an inn, to signify that in his kingdom all may be entertained. He is called the second Adam; the Greek letters of which name (as Cyprian noteth) do severally signify all the quarters of the earth. a His garments were divided into four parts, because out of what coast or part soever we come (saith a divine) Christ hath garments to clothe us, and room to receive us. There are those who have observed that the name of God in all the chief languages consisteth of four letters (as יהוה Θεος, Deus, Dieu, Gott, & c.), to intimate that he hath his people in all the four quarters of the earth, out of all countries, nations, and languages.
a Α ανατολη, Δ δυσις, Α αρκτος, Μ μεσηυβρια .