Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Ezekiel 40:5

Western Saints

Jerome

And behold, there was a wall surrounding the house on all sides, and in the hand of the man was a measuring reed of six cubits and a handbreadth, and he measured the width of the building with the reed, one reed wide, and the height with the reed, one reed high. …

Commentary on Ezekiel ↗

Gregory the Dialogist

Generally in sacred Scripture the incarnate Lord Himself is accustomed to be called a wall from the protection of His defense, just as it is said of holy Church through the prophet: "A wall and a rampart shall be set in her." For He Himself is a wall to us, who surrounds us by guarding us on every side. But the rampart of our wall were all the prophets, who before the Lord appeared in the flesh were sent to build up faith by prophesying. …

Homilies on Ezekiel, Book 2, Homily 2 ↗

Bonaventure

Next, through the addition of one unit, there is a comparison in relation to the number six. In this sense is understood the measure of the one who carried a rod of six cubits and one palm for the measuring of the temple. Seven, for Gregory, is the number of universality, as found in the major and minor worlds, and in God. This present world accessible to the senses consists in four elements that are receptive to celestial influences, and three spheres that provide influence and power. …

Collations on the Hexaemeron, Collation 16 ↗