# Overview Ezekiel Chapter 46 continues the detailed vision of the temple and its ordinances. It provides specific instructions regarding the #Sabbath and #NewMoon offerings, as well as regulations for the prince’s conduct. The chapter outlines that the eastern gate of the inner court is to be closed for six working days but opened on the Sabbath and the day of the new moon, signifying special times of worship and celebration for the people of #Israel. The prince is depicted as having a unique role in these worship activities, entering by way of the vestibule of the gate and standing at the post of the gate while the priests prepare his burnt and peace offerings. The chapter emphasizes the sanctity and order of worship in the house of #God, maintaining a focus on the holiness and reverence due to the Lord. The chapter also addresses the manner in which the people of the land are to worship, entering and exiting by different gates, ensuring orderly movement and preventing any confusion. The prince is given instructions on the distribution of his inheritance, with a clear mandate that he must not take from the people’s property but rather give his own inheritance to his sons. This regulation is intended to prevent the oppression of the people and maintain justice. The chapter concludes with a description of the kitchens where the priests are to boil the offerings, ensuring that sacred meals are prepared in a holy manner. This chapter reinforces themes of holiness, orderliness, and justice within the worship and communal life of Israel, serving as a reminder of the proper reverence due to the Lord and the importance of faithful adherence to His commands. ## Theological Insights Ezekiel 46 continues to provide instructions related to the #temple rituals and the role of the #prince, emphasizing the importance of worship and the orderliness of divine worship practices. This chapter highlights several theological themes: 1. **Holiness and Order in Worship**: The detailed regulations for the #Sabbath offerings and the role of the prince underscore the holiness and order that God desires in worship. The prince is expected to lead by example in worship, entering and exiting the temple through a specific gate, which speaks to the respect and reverence due to God's presence ([[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 3|Exodus 3:5]]). 2. **The Role of the Prince**: The prince is a central figure in the worship practices, serving both as a leader and a participant in the worship community. His adherence to the prescribed rituals highlights the responsibility of leadership in guiding the community in faithful worship. The prince's offerings and presence during feasts and #Sabbaths demonstrate a commitment to God's ordained worship structure, reminiscent of the leadership roles seen in [[1 Chronicles/1 Chronicles Chapter 15|1 Chronicles 15]]. 3. **Sabbath and New Moon Observance**: The chapter emphasizes the observance of the Sabbath and New Moon, reflecting the rhythm of divine rest and renewal established by God. These observances are not just ritualistic but serve as reminders of God's covenant with His people and His provision, linking back to the creation rest in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 2|Genesis 2]]. 4. **Access to God’s Presence**: The regulations around who can enter the inner court and how they should conduct themselves point to the sacredness of God's presence. The gates symbolize access to God, and the orderly process of entering and exiting indicates the respect and reverence required in approaching the divine, tying into the larger biblical narrative of humanity’s access to God, as seen in the restrictions and permissions around the tabernacle in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 16|Leviticus 16]]. 5. **Continuity of Worship**: The chapter emphasizes the continuity and consistency of worship through the regular offerings and the specific times they are to be made. This continuity points to the eternal nature of God and His unchanging desire for His people to engage in regular, heartfelt worship. This theme of continual worship is echoed in [[Psalms/Psalms Chapter 145|Psalm 145]], where God's greatness and goodness are celebrated continually. Overall, Ezekiel 46 represents a vision of orderly, reverent worship that honors God’s holiness and establishes patterns for faithful community life centered around God's presence. The chapter calls believers to reflect on their worship practices and leadership roles within their communities, ensuring that they align with God’s standards and intentions. ## Thematic Connections ### Sacredness of Worship and Holy Spaces Ezekiel 46 emphasizes the sacredness of worship and the maintenance of holy spaces. The chapter outlines specific regulations for the #prince and the people of #Israel regarding offerings and the usage of the temple. This theme connects to the broader biblical narrative concerning the holiness of God’s presence, as seen in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25|Exodus 25]] where the tabernacle is constructed according to divine specifications, and in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8|1 Kings 8]] where Solomon dedicates the temple to God, underscoring the importance of reverence and order in worship. ### Role of Leadership in Worship The role of the #prince in leading worship and offering sacrifices in Ezekiel 46 parallels the responsibilities of leaders in Israel's history, such as #David and #Solomon. The prince's duties in facilitating worship and ensuring the proper observance of holy days echo the leadership roles seen in [[2 Samuel/2 Samuel Chapter 6|2 Samuel 6]], where David brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and in [[2 Chronicles/2 Chronicles Chapter 7|2 Chronicles 7]], where Solomon leads the nation in dedicating the temple, highlighting the importance of godly leadership in communal worship. ### Continuity of Sabbath and Festal Observances The chapter reinforces the significance of the #Sabbath and other festal observances, as seen in the detailed instructions for offerings on these days. This theme is consistent with the instructions given in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 23|Leviticus 23]], where God outlines the festivals to be observed by Israel, and in [[Deuteronomy/Deuteronomy Chapter 5|Deuteronomy 5]], which reiterates the command to keep the Sabbath holy. Ezekiel 46 underscores the continuity of these practices as integral to Israel's identity and relationship with God. ### Justice and Equity in Distribution Ezekiel 46 also touches upon the equitable distribution of land and resources, as seen in the instructions regarding the prince's land and the prohibition against oppressing the people. This theme is echoed in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 25|Leviticus 25]], concerning the Year of Jubilee, and in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 36|Numbers 36]], which addresses the inheritance laws to maintain tribal lands. These connections highlight the biblical principle of justice and fairness within the community of God’s people. ### Permanence and Order of God’s Covenant The detailed ordinances in Ezekiel 46 reflect the permanence and orderliness of God’s covenant with His people. This theme is seen throughout Scripture, such as in [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 17|Genesis 17]], where God establishes His covenant with #Abraham, and in [[Jeremiah/Jeremiah Chapter 31|Jeremiah 31]], which speaks of a new covenant written on the hearts of the people. Ezekiel 46 illustrates the enduring nature of God’s promises and His desire for structured worship that reflects divine order. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Perpetual Covenant of Worship In Ezekiel 46, the repeated emphasis on the prince's role in the temple rituals and offerings alludes to the perpetual covenant of worship established by God with His people. This covenant finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the coming of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who is both the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrificial offering. The rituals described in Ezekiel, such as the offerings and the keeping of the Sabbath, foreshadow the perfect and eternal worship established through Jesus, who fulfills the laws and the prophets as seen in [[Matthew/Matthew Chapter 5|Matthew 5:17]]. ### The Sabbath and New Moon Offerings The specific instructions regarding the Sabbath and New Moon offerings in Ezekiel 46 point towards the fulfillment of the law through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. In the New Testament, Jesus is often depicted as the Lord of the Sabbath, fulfilling the requirements of the law and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice once and for all, as highlighted in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 4|Hebrews 4:9-10]] and [[Colossians/Colossians Chapter 2|Colossians 2:16-17]]. These offerings symbolize the rest and renewal found in Christ, who brings a new creation and a new covenant of grace. ### The Prince as a Messianic Figure The figure of the prince in Ezekiel 46 serves as a type of the coming #Messiah, who will lead His people in worship and righteousness. This anticipates the role of Jesus as the true King and priest, who mediates between God and humanity. The prince’s participation in the sacrifices and his leadership in the temple underscore the messianic expectations fulfilled in Jesus, the ultimate ruler and shepherd of God's people, as seen in [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 9|Hebrews 9:11-15]]. ### The Restoration of Order and Holiness The detailed instructions regarding the temple offerings and the prince's responsibilities signify the restoration of order and holiness, which are ultimately fulfilled in the kingdom of #God through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. This restoration is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus cleanses the temple and establishes a new order of worship in spirit and truth, as recorded in [[John/John Chapter 2|John 2:13-22]] and [[John/John Chapter 4|John 4:23-24]]. The vision of Ezekiel thus points forward to the perfect order and holiness achieved in Christ, who sanctifies His people and makes them a holy temple. ## Verses - **Ezekiel 46:1** - "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The gate of the inner courtyard that faces east is to be closed on the six working days, but on the Sabbath day and on the day of the New Moon it is to be opened." - Note: The significance of the east-facing gate is also mentioned in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 44]]. - **Ezekiel 46:2** - "The prince will enter from the outside through the entry room of the gateway and stand by the gatepost. The priests will offer his burnt offering and his fellowship offering, and he will worship at the threshold of the gateway. Then he will go out, but the gate will not be closed until evening." - Note: The role of the prince is detailed in [[Ezekiel/Ezekiel Chapter 45]]. - **Ezekiel 46:3** - "The common people will worship the Lord in front of this gateway on the Sabbaths and new moon festivals." - **Ezekiel 46:4** - "On the Sabbath day, the prince will present to the Lord a burnt offering of six lambs and one ram, all without defect." - **Ezekiel 46:5** - "He will provide a grain offering of a half bushel of choice flour to go with the ram and whatever amount of flour he chooses to go with each lamb, and he is to offer one gallon of olive oil for each half bushel of flour." - **Ezekiel 46:6** - "At the New Moon festivals, he will bring one young bull, six lambs, and one ram, all without defect." - **Ezekiel 46:7** - "With the young bull, he must bring a grain offering of a bushel of choice flour, with a gallon of olive oil. With the ram, he is to bring a grain offering of a half bushel of choice flour, with a gallon of olive oil. With each lamb he is to bring whatever grain offering he chooses, with a gallon of olive oil." - **Ezekiel 46:8** - "The prince must enter the gateway through the entry room, and he must leave the same way." - **Ezekiel 46:9** - "But when the people come in through the north gateway to worship the Lord during the religious festivals, they must leave by the south gateway. And those who enter through the south gateway must leave by the north gateway. They must never leave by the same gateway they came in, but must always use the opposite gateway." - **Ezekiel 46:10** - "So the prince will enter and leave with the people on these occasions." - **Ezekiel 46:11** - "At the special festivals and sacred festivals, the grain offering will be a bushel of choice flour with each young bull, another bushel of flour with each ram, and as much flour as the worshiper chooses to give with each lamb. Give one gallon of olive oil with each bushel of flour." - **Ezekiel 46:12** - "When the prince offers a voluntary burnt offering or peace offering to the Lord, the east gateway to the inner courtyard will be opened for him, and he will offer his sacrifices as he does on Sabbath days. Then he will leave, and the gate will be shut behind him." - **Ezekiel 46:13** - "Each morning you must sacrifice a one-year-old lamb with no defects as a burnt offering to the Lord." - **Ezekiel 46:14** - "With the lamb, a grain offering must also be given to the Lord—about one-third of a bushel of flour with one gallon of olive oil to moisten the choice flour. This will be a permanent law for you." - **Ezekiel 46:15** - "The lamb, the grain offering, and the olive oil must be given as a daily sacrifice every morning without fail." - **Ezekiel 46:16** - "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: If the prince gives a gift of land to one of his sons as his inheritance, it will belong to him and his descendants forever." - **Ezekiel 46:17** - "But if he gives a gift of land from his inheritance to one of his servants, the servant may keep it only until the Year of Jubilee, which comes every fiftieth year. At that time the land will return to the prince. But when the prince gives gifts to his sons, those gifts will be permanent." - **Ezekiel 46:18** - "And the prince may never take someone else's property by force. If he gives property to his sons, it must be from his own land, for I do not want any of my people unjustly evicted from their property." - **Ezekiel 46:19** - "In my vision, the man brought me through the entrance beside the gateway to the sacred rooms assigned to the priests, which faced toward the north. He showed me a place at the extreme west end of these rooms." - **Ezekiel 46:20** - "He explained, 'This is where the priests will cook the meat from the guilt offerings and sin offerings and bake the flour from the grain offerings into bread. They will do it here to avoid carrying the sacrifices through the outer courtyard and endangering the people by transmitting holiness to them.'" - **Ezekiel 46:21** - "Then he brought me back to the outer courtyard and led me to each of its four corners. In each corner, I saw an enclosure." - **Ezekiel 46:22** - "Each of these enclosures was 70 feet long and 52½ feet wide, surrounded by walls. Along the inside of these walls was a ledge of stone with fireplaces under the ledge all the way around." - **Ezekiel 46:23** - "The man said to me, 'These are the kitchens to be used by the temple assistants to boil the sacrifices offered by the people.'"