1 Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.
2 And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate without, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then he shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.
3 Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons.
4 And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the LORD in the sabbath day [shall be] six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish.
5 And the meat offering [shall be] an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.
6 And in the day of the new moon [it shall be] a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish.
7 And he shall prepare a meat offering, an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs according as his hand shall attain unto, and an hin of oil to an ephah.
8 And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof.
9 But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.
10 And the prince in the midst of them, when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth.
11 And in the feasts and in the solemnities the meat offering shall be an ephah to a bullock, and an ephah to a ram, and to the lambs as he is able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.
12 Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, [one] shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth [one] shall shut the gate.
13 Thou shalt daily prepare a burnt offering unto the LORD [of] a lamb of the first year without blemish: thou shalt prepare it every morning.
14 And thou shalt prepare a meat offering for it every morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of an hin of oil, to temper with the fine flour; a meat offering continually by a perpetual ordinance unto the LORD.
15 Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning [for] a continual burnt offering.
16 Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons’; it [shall be] their possession by inheritance.
17 But if he give a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his to the year of liberty; after it shall return to the prince: but his inheritance shall be his sons’ for them.
18 Moreover the prince shall not take of the people’s inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; [but] he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.
19 After he brought me through the entry, which [was] at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests, which looked toward the north: and, behold, there [was] a place on the two sides westward.
20 Then said he unto me, This [is] the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the meat offering; that they bear [them] not out into the utter court, to sanctify the people.
21 Then he brought me forth into the utter court, and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and, behold, in every corner of the court [there was] a court.
22 In the four corners of the court [there were] courts joined of forty [cubits] long and thirty broad: these four corners [were] of one measure.
23 And [there was] a row [of building] round about in them, round about them four, and [it was] made with boiling places under the rows round about.
24 Then said he unto me, These [are] the places of them that boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.
Overview of Ezekiel Chapter 46
Ezekiel Chapter 46 provides specific instructions regarding the worship practices and regulations in the future temple of Jerusalem. This chapter emphasizes the importance of proper worship and the roles of the prince, the people, and the priests in the temple rituals.
Key Themes
- Worship and Rituals: The chapter outlines the procedures for worship, including offerings and sacrifices.
- The Role of the Prince: It highlights the responsibilities of the prince in leading the people in worship.
- Access to the Temple: The chapter details who can enter the temple and when, emphasizing the sanctity of the space.
- Restoration and Hope: This chapter is part of a larger vision of restoration for Israel, providing hope for the future.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-3: The Entrance and Offerings
The chapter begins with instructions regarding the east gate of the inner court, which is to remain shut during the six working days but will be opened on the Sabbath and the new moon. This signifies a special time for worship and the presence of God.
- The east gate symbolizes the entrance to divine presence.
- On the Sabbath and new moon, the prince will offer sacrifices, indicating the importance of communal worship.
- The people are to worship at the entrance, signifying their participation in the worship process.
Verses 4-7: The Prince’s Sacrifices
These verses detail the specific sacrifices that the prince must offer on the Sabbath and new moon, including a burnt offering, grain offering, and drink offering. The detailed nature of these offerings reflects the seriousness of worship and the need for atonement.
- The prince’s offerings serve as a model for the people.
- They emphasize the continuity of sacrificial practices from the past.
- These rituals are essential for maintaining a right relationship with God.
Verses 8-10: The Prince’s Entry
The prince is instructed to enter through the gate and exit through the same gate, symbolizing a cycle of worship that connects the prince directly with the people. This reinforces the idea of leadership in worship.
- The prince’s actions serve as an example for the people.
- It emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions in worship.
Verses 11-15: Regular Offerings
In these verses, the chapter outlines the regular offerings that are to be made during the appointed feasts and festivals. The consistency of these offerings reflects the ongoing relationship between God and His people.
- These offerings are to be made in accordance with the established times.
- They serve as a reminder of God’s provision and faithfulness.
- They reinforce communal identity and unity among the people.
Verses 16-18: The Prince’s Inheritance
These verses discuss the prince’s inheritance and the rights concerning land and property. The prince is not to take from the people’s inheritance, emphasizing fairness and justice in leadership.
- This establishes the principle of accountability for leaders.
- It ensures that the rights of the people are protected.
Verses 19-24: The Temple Chambers
The chapter concludes with a description of the chambers in the temple where the priests will prepare the offerings. This section illustrates the organization and sanctity of the temple space.
- The chambers are designated for specific purposes, ensuring order in worship.
- They reflect the holiness of the temple and the seriousness of the priests’ duties.
- These instructions underline the importance of maintaining a sacred space for worship.
Conclusion
Ezekiel Chapter 46 serves as a vital guide for worship practices in the restored temple. It emphasizes the roles of the prince, the priests, and the people in maintaining a right relationship with God through structured worship. The chapter reinforces themes of justice, accountability, and the hope of restoration for Israel, providing a clear vision of future worship in the presence of God.
