1 “Thus says the Lord God: The gate of the inner court that faces east shall be shut on the six working days, but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened.”
2 The prince shall enter by the vestibule of the gate from outside, and shall take his stand by the post of the gate. The priests shall offer his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate.
3 The people of the land shall bow down at the entrance of that gate before the Lord on the Sabbaths and on the new moons.
4 The burnt offering that the prince offers to the Lord on the Sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish and a ram without blemish.
5 The grain offering with the ram as he shall offer it, and the drink offering with the ram shall be a fourth of a hin, and you shall offer it with the other lamb a fourth of a hin, and a drink offering with it shall be a fourth of a hin.
6 On the day of the new moon he shall offer a bull from the herd without blemish to the Lord.
7 And he shall provide a grain offering, an ephah for the bull and an ephah for the ram, and for the lambs as he is able, together with a hin of oil to an ephah.
8 When the prince enters, he shall enter by the vestibule of the gate, and he shall go out by the same way.
9 “When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, he who enters by the north gate to worship shall go out by the south gate, and he who enters by the south gate shall go out by the north gate. No one shall return by way of the gate by which he entered, but each shall go out straight ahead.”
10 The prince shall enter by the vestibule of the gate from outside, and shall take his stand by the post of the gate. The priests shall offer his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate. Then he shall go out, but the gate shall not be shut until evening.
11 At the feasts and the appointed festivals, the grain offering with a young bull shall be an ephah, and with a ram an ephah, and with the lambs as much as one is able to give, together with a hin of oil to an ephah.
12 When the prince provides a freewill offering, either a burnt offering or peace offerings as a freewill offering to the Lord, the gate facing east shall be opened for him. And he shall offer his burnt offering or his peace offerings as he does on the Sabbath day.
13 “You shall provide a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to the Lord daily; morning by morning you shall provide it.”
14 And you shall provide a grain offering with it morning by morning, the sixth of an ephah, and the third of a hin of oil to moisten the flour, as a grain offering to the Lord. This is a perpetual statute.
15 Thus the lamb and the meal offering and the oil shall be provided, morning by morning, for a regular burnt offering.
16 Thus says the Lord God: If the prince makes a gift to any of his sons as his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons. It is their property by inheritance.
17 But if he makes a gift out of his inheritance to one of his servants, it shall be his to the year of liberty. Then it shall revert to the prince; surely it is his inheritance—it shall belong to his sons.
18 The prince shall not take any of the inheritance of the people, thrusting them out of their property. He shall give his sons their inheritance out of his own property, so that none of my people shall be scattered from his property.”
19 Then he brought me through the entrance, which was at the side of the gate, to the north row of the holy chambers for the priests, and behold, a place was there at the extreme western end of them.
20 And he said to me, “This is the place where the priests shall boil the guilt offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the grain offering, in order not to bring them out into the outer court and so transmit holiness to the people.”
21 Then he brought me out into the outer court and led me around to the four corners of the court. And behold, in each corner of the court there was another court.
22 In the four corners of the court there were small courts, forty cubits long and thirty broad; these four corners were of the same size.
23 And on the inside of the gateway were two tables on either side, on which to slaughter the burnt offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering.
24 Then he brought me through the entrance, which was at the side of the gate, to the north row of the holy chambers for the priests, and behold, a place was there at the extreme western end of them.
The True Meaning of Ezekiel 46
The book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel, who was a priest and a prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was among the first group of Israelites taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597 BC. Ezekiel provides detailed instructions regarding the future temple and the worship practices that will take place there in this chapter.
This chapter outlines the regulations for the prince, the people, and the priests regarding the temple offerings and the observance of the Sabbaths and festivals. It also describes the provisions for the prince and the people to enter and exit the temple. These instructions foreshadow the restoration of the temple and the reinstitution of proper worship in Jerusalem after the exile.
Ezekiel’s vision of the future temple and its worship practices is closely connected to the prophecies found in earlier chapters, such as the vision of the new temple in chapter 40 and the vision of the restored nation of Israel in chapter 37. These visions offer hope and encouragement to the exiled Israelites, assuring them that God has not abandoned them and that He will one day restore them to their land and their rightful place as His chosen people.
Ezekiel 46:1-3
The prophet Ezekiel describes the regulations concerning the opening of the inner gate of the temple courtyard in Ezekiel 46:1-3. The first part of verse 1 states, “Thus says the Lord GOD: The gate of the inner court that faces east shall be shut on the six working days, but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened.” This instruction emphasizes the sanctity of the Sabbath and the new moon festivals for the Israelites. The significance of the east-facing gate being open on these special days could symbolize the people’s direct access to God and His blessings on those days. The text mentions that the prince shall enter through the vestibule of the gate from outside and stand by the post of the gate in the next part of verse 1 and in verse 2. The prince is a figure often seen in the Old Testament, representing a leader or ruler. The prince’s entrance through the gate and standing by the post indicate respect for the regulations set by God and demonstrate the authority given to him within the religious structure of the community.
Continuing to verse 2, it states that the people of the land shall worship at the entrance of this gate before the Lord on the Sabbaths and the new moons. This emphasizes the communal aspect of worship, where the people come together to honor God on these special days. It reflects the importance of community and unity in worship, a theme that is prevalent throughout the Bible. The verse 3 mentions the burnt offering that the prince is to offer to the Lord on the Sabbath day. The burnt offering was a common sacrificial practice in the Old Testament, symbolizing total surrender and dedication to God. The prince’s offering of this sacrifice signifies his submission to God’s authority and his role in leading the people in worship and obedience. These verses overall highlight the importance of honoring God through worship, observing special days of rest and celebration, and the role of leaders in facilitating spiritual practices among the community. It underscores the significance of ritualistic practices in maintaining a close relationship with God and following His commandments, a theme that can be found throughout the Bible, especially in the books of Leviticus and Numbers where detailed instructions for offerings and festivals are given.
Ezekiel 46:4-8
The verse in Ezekiel 46:4-8 can be broken down into several important sections. Let’s delve into each part to understand its significance in the context of the broader themes of Ezekiel and the Bible as a whole.
Starting with verse 4, it discusses the offering that the people are to bring before the Lord on the Sabbaths and on the New Moons. This offering was a regular practice in the Israelite community to demonstrate their devotion and obedience to God. The mention of the Sabbath and the New Moon in this verse highlights the importance of regular worship and observance of religious traditions in the life of the faithful. It serves as a reminder that honoring God with our time and resources is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with Him, emphasizing the need for consistent dedication and commitment in our worship.
Moving on to verse 7, which speaks about the prince’s offering at the feasts, we see a distinct role assigned to the prince in the religious practices of the community. The prince was expected to lead by example and make offerings at the appointed times, alongside the people. This demonstrates the principle of leadership by servanthood and the responsibility of those in authority to set a righteous example for the rest of the community. It also underscores the idea that no one, regardless of their status, is exempt from honoring God and participating in communal worship.
Lastly, verse 8 describes the prince’s actions when entering and exiting the temple. The mention of his entrance through the porch of the gate and his exit through the same gate symbolizes the prince’s humility and submission to the authority of God. It portrays a sense of reverence and respect for the sanctity of the temple and the rituals prescribed by God. This imagery serves as a reminder that all of our actions, both inside and outside of worship settings, should reflect our fear and reverence for the Lord. These verses reinforce the themes of obedience, worship, and leadership within the community of believers in the broader context of Ezekiel. They emphasize the idea that true devotion to God involves not only personal piety but also active participation in communal rituals and a willingness to submit to divine authority. Through the instructions given to the prince and the people regarding their offerings and practices, God is teaching them about the importance of faithfulness, humility, and reverence in their relationship with Him.
Throughout the Bible, we see similar themes echoed in passages such as Micah 6:6-8, where God speaks through the prophet Micah, emphasizing that what the Lord requires of His people is to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. These verses in Ezekiel serve as a specific application of these broader principles, illustrating how they play out in the context of religious ceremonies and communal worship. Believers are encouraged to examine their own hearts and lives by studying and reflecting on these instructions, seeking to align themselves more closely with God’s will and purposes.
Ezekiel 46:9-10
The verses in Ezekiel 46:9-10 describe the special worship practices and privileges that the prince or ruler of Israel during the time of Ezekiel was granted. Let’s break down these two verses to understand their significance in the context of the chapter and the broader themes of the Bible. “When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed festivals, they should enter by the north gate to worship and go out the south gate, or enter by the south gate and go out the north gate.” No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.” This rule emphasizes the importance of orderliness and respect in approaching the presence of the Lord. The act of entering one way and leaving through another gate symbolizes a complete circle of worship and departure, signifying a form of reverence and mindfulness in the worship process.
This directive could also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual growth and transformation in the life of the believers. They are to leave through a different gate as they enter the presence of the Lord through one gate, suggesting a change in their spiritual journey with each encounter with God. This concept resonates with spiritual teachings from other parts of the Bible, such as in Galatians 2:20 where Paul speaks about being crucified with Christ and no longer living but having Christ live within him, illustrating a transformational experience.
Moving on to verse 10, it states, “The prince is to be among them when they enter and when they go out.” Here, the prince is expected to be present with the people as they come to worship and as they leave the place of worship. This closeness of the ruler to the people during their worship activities symbolizes a form of relational leadership and indicates the importance of leading by example and being actively involved in the spiritual life of the community.
This aspect of leadership demonstrated in verse 10 can be seen as a reflection of the qualities of servant leadership emphasized in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself says in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”” Therefore, the prince’s role aligns with the principles of humility and service that are central to Christian leadership as exemplified by Jesus. These verses in Ezekiel 46 provide us with insights into the religious practices and leadership expectations during the time of Ezekiel. Through these instructions, we can glean timeless lessons about reverence in worship, spiritual growth through encounters with God, and the qualities of servant leadership that are consistent themes throughout the Bible.
Ezekiel 46:11-12
The grain offering at the feasts and the appointed festivals shall be an ephah with a bull, an ephah with a ram, and with the lambs as much as one is able to give, and a hin of oil with an ephah. When the prince provides a freewill offering, voluntary burnt offerings or voluntary peace offerings to the Lord, the gate facing east shall be opened for him. And he shall offer his burnt offering or his peace offerings as he does on the Sabbath day. Then he shall go out, and the gate shall be shut after he goes out.”
This text provides insight into the duties and privileges of the prince in relation to offerings and sacrifices during feasts and festivals. The prince, as a leader figure, is expected to offer substantial gifts during these special occasions, showing his reverence and dedication to the Lord. He is to present a generous amount of grain offerings along with animals for sacrifice, signifying a spirit of thanksgiving and obedience. The mention of the gate facing east being opened specifically for the prince highlights the honor and respect accorded to him in his role as a religious leader. This act of opening the gate symbolizes a special entrance for the prince to come before the Lord with his offerings. The reference to the prince offering freewill offerings emphasizes the voluntary nature of these sacrifices. It speaks to the idea of giving out of a willing heart and not out of obligation, illustrating the importance of sincerity and authenticity in worship. This passage reinforces the concept that true worship involves not only adhering to prescribed rituals but also offering gifts with a genuine spirit of devotion and gratitude. Sacrificial offerings played a significant role in the worship practices of the Israelites in the broader context of the Bible. The book of Leviticus outlines detailed instructions regarding various types of offerings and their purposes. These offerings were seen as a way for the people to seek forgiveness, express thanksgiving, or make requests to God. Through the act of offering sacrifices, the Israelites acknowledged God’s holiness and their dependence on Him for forgiveness and blessings.
The concept of freewill offerings also appears in other parts of the Bible, reflecting the idea of giving willingly and cheerfully. God loves a cheerful giver, so each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, as stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7.” This verse underscores the importance of giving from a heart that is motivated by love and generosity, rather than duty or compulsion. Ezekiel 46:11-12 sheds light on the significance of offerings and sacrifices in the worship of God, emphasizing the importance of sincerity, generosity, and voluntary giving in one’s relationship with the Lord. It serves as a reminder that true worship goes beyond outward rituals and involves the inner disposition of the heart.
Ezekiel 46:13-15
The text in Ezekiel 46:13-15 addresses the regular offerings that the people of Israel were to present before the Lord. Identify the subject: “Let’s”
Sentence in active voice: “Let’s break down this passage into its significant sections to delve deeper into its meaning and relevance.”
Verse 13 begins by instructing that the daily burnt offering is to be a lamb, without blemish, offered to the Lord continually. This signifies the importance of consistent and unwavering devotion to God. The requirement for the offering to be a lamb without blemish reflects the need for purity and sincerity in our worship. This mirrors the sacrificial system established by God in the Old Testament as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus would make for the redemption of humanity. This verse underscores the principle of offering our best to God and the need for regular communion with Him.
Moving on to verse 14, it introduces the additional offering of a grain offering, including one-sixth of an ephah with a bath of oil. The grain offering was a symbol of thanksgiving and dedication to God. The Israelites acknowledged that all they had received was from God by presenting this offering along with the burnt sacrifice. It reminds us of the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God and the significance of presenting our first fruits to Him as an act of worship.
Lastly, verse 15 addresses a specific time set aside for maintenance of the temple gates, highlighting the importance of order and organization in worship. The gate mentioned in the verse was the gateway of the inner court facing east, known as the “gate of the inner court that faces east”. This gate was significant as it was through the eastern gate that the glory of the Lord was expected to return (Ezekiel 43:4). This gate was to be shut for six working days but opened on the Sabbath and on the day of the new moon. Ezekiel 46:13-15 emphasizes the themes of dedication, gratitude, and orderliness in worship. It serves as a reminder for us to offer our best to God, to express thanksgiving in all circumstances, and to approach Him with reverence and respect. These principles are timeless and applicable to believers today, encouraging us to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24) and to honor Him with our lives.
Ezekiel 46:16-18
The Lord God says in Ezekiel 46:16-18 that if the prince makes a gift to any of his sons out of his inheritance, it shall belong to his sons. It is their property by inheritance. But if he makes a gift out of his inheritance to one of his servants, it shall be his to the year of liberty. Then it shall revert to the prince; surely it is his inheritance—it shall belong to his sons.”
This passage discusses the distribution of inheritance and gifts by the prince. The prince mentioned here symbolizes a ruler or leader figure. When the prince gives a gift from his inheritance to his sons, it becomes their property by inheritance, indicating the permanence and continuity of wealth passed down from generation to generation. This is a reminder of the importance of generational blessings and the responsibilities that come with wealth.
Conversely, if the prince gifts a possession from his inheritance to his servants, the ownership only lasts until the “year of liberty.” The year of liberty was a significant concept in Israelite society, occurring every 50 years during the Jubilee year, when debts were forgiven, land was returned to its original owners, and slaves were set free (Leviticus 25:8-17). This temporary ownership reinforces the idea that possessions are on loan to us and ultimately belong to God.
This passage not only speaks to the distribution of wealth but also addresses the concept of stewardship and accountability. It reminds us that all we have comes from God and we are called to manage and use these resources wisely. Jesus in the New Testament also emphasized the importance of stewardship in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), highlighting the accountability we have in using the gifts and resources entrusted to us.
Furthermore, this passage underscores the principle of fairness and justice in the distribution of wealth. It distinguishes between the treatment of family members and servants, showing that those in positions of authority should exercise justice and equity in their dealings with others. Ezekiel prophesied against the injustices and corruption of the leaders of his time, maintaining consistent themes of justice, responsibility, and accountability throughout the book in the larger context. We should be faithful stewards of the blessings and resources we have received, understanding that they ultimately belong to God. It calls us to consider how we manage our possessions, relationships, and roles of leadership, ensuring that we do so with integrity, justice, and a mindset of generosity towards others.
Ezekiel 46:19-20
The verses in Ezekiel 46:19-20 focus on providing cooking places within the gates of the inner court where the priests can boil the guilt offering, sin offering, and the peace offering to avoid carrying them into the outer court and sanctifying the people. This specific instruction showcases the meticulous attention to detail in the practices of the temple, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness in worship. The separation of areas for different offerings highlights the reverence and sacredness with which these sacrifices were to be treated, underscoring the principle of honoring God with the best and most precise actions.
The segue from discussing the gates for the people to enter and worship into a detailed description of the cooking places may seem incongruent at first glance, however, it reveals the comprehensive nature of God’s instructions for the functioning of the temple. Each element, from the outer courts for the people to the inner courts dedicated to worship, serves a specific purpose in maintaining order, sanctity, and respect within the temple precincts. The specific mention of the guilt offering, sin offering, and peace offering also echoes back to the sacrificial system established in Leviticus, emphasizing the need for atonement, repentance, and reconciliation with God.
Throughout the Bible, the offering of sacrifices was a significant part of the Israelites’ worship and relationship with God. These sacrifices served as a means of seeking forgiveness for sin, expressing gratitude to God, and maintaining covenantal relationship with Him. God provides detailed instructions regarding the peace offering in Leviticus 7:11-18, further illustrating the meticulous guidelines set for the proper observance of these rituals. The emphasis on adhering to these instructions reinforced the Israelites’ commitment to obedience and faithfulness in their worship practices. The detailed regulations and arrangements in Ezekiel’s vision of the ideal temple in chapters 40-48 underscore the importance of order, precision, and holiness in the worship of God. The careful delineation of spaces for different activities within the temple complex reflects God’s desire for His people to approach Him with reverence and purity. These directives also point forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would become the ultimate atonement for sin, fulfilling the requirements of the sacrificial system and opening the way for all people to come to God in repentance and faith.
Ezekiel 46:21-24
The focus in Ezekiel 46:21-24 is on the Prince’s responsibilities in terms of offerings and provisions for worship.
Starting with verse 21, it states, “Then he brought me out into the outer court and led me past the four corners of the court; and in each corner of the court there was another court.” This verse provides a detailed description of the layout of the outer court, emphasizing its structure and organization. The attention to detail in the architecture of the court symbolizes the importance of order and reverence in approaching God. The elaborate design also reflects the splendor and sacredness of the place of worship. Enclosed courts, forty cubits long and thirty wide, were in the four corners of the court; each of the courts in the four corners was the same size.” This verse further emphasizes the symmetry and uniformity of the enclosed courts, highlighting the meticulous planning and design of the sacred space. The consistent dimensions of the courts suggest a sense of equality and fairness in the distribution of space within the temple complex, reinforcing the idea of justice and impartiality in the worship of God. The four courts of the Levites, each forty cubits long and thirty wide, surrounded the altar in the middle of the court in verse 23. These four courts faced the corners of the court.” Here, the focus shifts to the specific location of the Levites within the temple complex. The positioning of the Levites near the altar underscores their role in executing the rituals and ceremonies of worship. The close proximity to the altar symbolizes their connection to the sacred and their dedicated service to God. This arrangement also highlights the importance of order and structure in carrying out religious duties.
Lastly, in verse 24, it states, “He said to me, ‘These are the kitchens where those who minister at the temple shall cook the sacrifices of the people.’” This verse highlights the practical aspect of worship, specifically regarding the preparation of sacrifices. The mention of the kitchens and the cooking of sacrifices underscores the physical labor and dedication required in serving God. It also emphasizes the idea of stewardship and responsibility in handling offerings from the people for the purpose of worship. These verses from Ezekiel 46 provide insights into the meticulous planning and organization of the temple complex, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the Prince, the Levites, and the ministers in facilitating worship. The attention to detail in the design and layout of the courts reflects the reverence and sanctity of the place of worship. The emphasis on equality, order, and service in these verses carries timeless messages about the importance of reverence, diligence, and stewardship in approaching God and engaging in acts of worship.
After Ezekiel 46
The people had witnessed the glory of the Lord return to the temple, and their hearts were filled with awe and reverence. Yet, the prophet Ezekiel knew that their journey was far from over. He could sense the weight of the Lord’s message as the chapter drew to a close, a message that would shape the very future of this community. The next chapter would reveal the Lord’s instructions for the prince, the people, and the land – a blueprint for a renewed and righteous way of life. The time had come to listen closely, for the Lord’s plan was about to unfold in ways they could scarcely imagine.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.