“six men.” These are not human beings, but spirit beings in the form of men, and therefore called “men.” They are never specifically said to be angels, and they may not have been. Apparently there are many different types of spirit beings, just as there are many types of people and animals on earth (see commentary on Eph. 3:15).

“upper gate.” Also called, “the upper gate of Benjamin,” this is the gate in the northern wall of the Temple, not the northern gate in the city wall. It was built by king Jotham, son of Uzziah (2 Kings 15:35).

“shattering weapon.” This is most likely a war club. It is not the word for sword. Judah will be shattered.

“they went in.” That is, into the inner courtyard of the Temple area.

“and stood beside the bronze altar.” The bronze altar was between the entrance to the Temple proper and the east gate of the Temple, so God, standing in front of the Holy Place in the threshold of the Temple, could look directly at these spirit beings.