When he brought me there, behold, there was a man whose appearance was like bronze, with a linen cord and a measuring reed in his hand. And he was standing in the gateway.
The distribution here is cast in a new method entirely: old things pass away, all things become new in gospel times. God does not follow in grace the same order He uses in providence; Dan, who fell to idolatry and got only a city before, now receives his portion first and foremost, signifying that in Christ the last shall be first.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 40:1-4
This man is no created angel but the Messiah Himself, the eternal God and builder of this temple, fit to be its architect and proper for the prophet to see first. His appearance like brass declares the glory and splendour of His divine Person, the brightness of His Father's glory, and His perfect holiness in both natures, free from all sin.
AI summary
man--The Old Testament manifestations of heavenly beings as men prepared men's minds for the coming incarnation. brass--resplendent. line--used for longer measurements (Zac 2:1). reed--used in measuring houses (Rev 21:15). It marked the straightness of the walls.