Ezekiel 46: Entering God’s Presence — Understanding Temple Worship

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Ezekiel 46, focusing on Temple Worship, details the regulations for offering sacrifices and entering the New Temple. This chapter unveils the prescribed rituals for princes and the common people, emphasizing the importance of order and reverence in approaching God. From specific offerings for Sabbaths and feasts to the careful allotment of land for the prince, every aspect highlights God’s meticulous design for worship. This passage isn’t merely a historical record; it speaks powerfully to our modern understanding of approaching God with humility, intentionality, and a heart devoted to genuine worship. We are invited to see the shadow of things to come, foreshadowing the perfect sacrifice of Christ and the continuous worship offered by the Church.

Ezekiel 46 provides detailed instructions regarding worship in the restored Temple. Understanding these prescriptions can deepen our modern spiritual practices, and inspire us to approach worship with intentionality and reverence. As we delve into these ancient practices, let’s uncover their timeless truths.

📜 Commentary: Ezekiel 46, Verse by Verse 📜

Ezekiel 46:1

KJV: 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.

NKJV: ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “The gateway of the inner court that faces toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath it shall be opened, and on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened.

The verse speaks of the eastern gate of the inner court, remaining shut during the weekdays but opening on the Sabbath and the New Moon. This highlights the special significance of these days for worship and communion with God. The deliberate opening and closing symbolize controlled access to God’s presence.

Origen, reflecting on the symbolism of the gate, wrote: “Ὁ οὖν ἀνατεταμένος καὶ ἡτοιμασμένος ἑαυτὸν τῷ λόγῳ τοῦ Θεοῦ, οὗτος ἐστὶν ἡ πύλη ἡ ἀνοιγομένη τῷ κυρίῳ.” (“Therefore, whoever stretches himself out and prepares himself for the Word of God, this is the gate that is opened to the Lord.”) (Origen, *Commentary on John*, 1.16). This calls us to prepare our hearts to receive God’s Word, becoming open gates for His presence.

In modern spiritual practice, this encourages us to set aside specific times for focused prayer and worship. Just as the gate opened on specific days, we should dedicate time for deeper communion with God, recognizing the Sabbath and new beginnings as opportunities for spiritual renewal. You can find help with any of these practices, as well as ways to support your church through Dohost church support services.

Ezekiel 46:2

KJV: 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.

NKJV: “The prince shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gateway from the outside, and stand by the gatepost. The priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings. He shall worship at the threshold of the gate. Then he shall go out, but the gate shall not be shut until evening.

This verse specifies the prince’s role in worship, entering through the porch, standing by the gatepost, and worshiping at the threshold. The priests are responsible for preparing the burnt and peace offerings. The gate remains open until evening, indicating sustained access to God’s presence throughout the day of worship.

St. Cyril of Alexandria notes that the prince’s act of worship at the threshold symbolizes humility: “Δεῖ γὰρ εἰδέναι τὸν ἄρχοντα, ὅτι οὐκ ἔχει δύναμιν, εἰ μὴ παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ.” (“For the ruler must know that he has no power except from God.”) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Ezekiel*, PG 70, 1081). This reminds us that all authority and power come from God, and even those in leadership must approach Him with reverence and humility.

Spiritually, this teaches us the importance of leadership serving as an example in worship. Our leaders should lead by example, demonstrating reverence and submission to God. Also, we should be mindful of our approach to God, recognizing our unworthiness and seeking His grace in humility.

Ezekiel 46:3

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the entrance of this gateway before the LORD on the Sabbaths and the New Moons.

This verse describes the people’s worship at the door of the gate on Sabbaths and New Moons. Their worship before the Lord emphasizes the communal aspect of faith and the shared experience of seeking God’s presence.

St. Basil the Great emphasized the importance of communal worship, stating, “Ὅπου γὰρ δύο ἢ τρεῖς συνηγμένοι εἰς τὸ ἐμὸν ὄνομα, ἐκεῖ εἰμι ἐν μέσῳ αὐτῶν.” (“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst.”) (Basil the Great, *On the Holy Spirit*, XXVII.66). This highlights the power and presence of God when believers gather together in His name.

Today, this reminds us of the importance of participating in communal worship. Gathering with fellow believers strengthens our faith and deepens our connection with God. Let us seek to support and encourage one another in our shared journey of faith.

Ezekiel 46:4-7

KJV: 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. 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. 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. 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.

NKJV: “The burnt offering that the prince shall offer to the LORD on the Sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish. And the grain offering shall be one ephah for a ram, and the grain offering for the lambs, as much as he wants to give, as well as a hin of oil with each ephah. On the day of the New Moon it shall be a young bull without blemish, six lambs, and a ram; they shall be without blemish. And he shall prepare a grain offering of an ephah for a bull, an ephah for a ram, as much as he wants to give for the lambs, with a hin of oil with each ephah.

These verses detail the specific offerings required from the prince on the Sabbath and the New Moon. The emphasis on “without blemish” signifies the need for purity and perfection in worship. The variety and quantity of offerings demonstrate the prince’s commitment to honoring God.

The phrase “without blemish” is significant. St. Gregory of Nyssa wrote: “Δεῖ γὰρ τὴν προσφορὰν ἀμώμητον εἶναι, καθαρὰν καὶ ἀνεπιλήπτον.” (“For the offering must be without blemish, pure, and blameless.”) (Gregory of Nyssa, *Against Eunomius*, 4.6). This underlines that our offerings to God should be the best we can give, representing our dedication and reverence.

In our modern context, this challenges us to offer our best to God, whether it’s our time, talents, or resources. The principle of “without blemish” extends to our attitudes and intentions as we approach worship. We should strive to come before God with a pure heart and a genuine desire to honor Him.

Ezekiel 46:8-10

KJV: 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. 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. And the prince, when they go in, shall be in the midst of them, and when they go forth, shall go forth.

NKJV: “When the prince enters, he shall go in by way of the vestibule of the gateway, and go out the same way. But when the people of the land come before the LORD on the appointed feast days, whoever enters by way of the north gate to worship shall go out by way of the south gate; and whoever enters by way of the south gate shall go out by way of the north gate. He shall not return by way of the gate through which he came in, but shall go out through the opposite gate. The prince also shall be in their midst when they go in, and when they go out.

These verses prescribe different pathways for entering and exiting the Temple during feasts. The prince follows a direct route, while the people use different gates for entry and exit, avoiding repetition. This organized movement likely symbolized a new direction in their spiritual lives after worship.

The concept of entering and exiting differently can be interpreted metaphorically. St. John Chrysostom wrote: “Μὴ μετὰ τὸν ναὸν οἵοιπερ καὶ πρὸ τοῦ ναοῦ, ἀλλ’ ἀλλαχθέντες τὴν ψυχήν.” (“Do not be after the temple what you were before the temple, but be changed in your soul.”) (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Matthew*, 50.1). This emphasizes the transformative power of worship, calling us to leave the temple changed, renewed, and directed toward a new path.

This passage challenges us to examine how we leave places of worship. Are we the same person as when we entered? This verse encourages us to allow worship to transform us and redirect our path, leading us closer to God’s will in our daily lives.

Ezekiel 46:11-15

KJV: 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. And when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, then the gate that looketh toward the east shall be opened unto him, 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 the gate shall be shut. 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. 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. Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning for a continual burnt offering.

NKJV: “At the feasts and the appointed feast days the grain offering shall be an ephah for a bull, an ephah for a ram, as much as he wants to give for the lambs, with a hin of oil with each ephah. When the prince provides a voluntary burnt offering or peace offering to the LORD, the gate that faces toward the east shall then be opened for him; and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offering as he did on the Sabbath day. Then he shall go out, and after he goes out the gate shall be shut. You shall daily make a burnt offering to the LORD of a lamb of the first year without blemish; you shall prepare it every morning. And you shall prepare a grain offering with it every morning, a sixth of an ephah, and a third of a hin of oil to moisten the fine flour, as a grain offering, regularly, as a perpetual ordinance to the LORD. Thus they shall prepare the lamb, the grain offering, and the oil, every morning as a continual burnt offering.”

These verses specify the offerings during feasts and solemnities, as well as voluntary offerings. The daily burnt offering of a lamb “without blemish” is emphasized as a perpetual ordinance. This constant offering signifies continuous devotion and remembrance of God.

The concept of a “perpetual ordinance” illustrates an unceasing commitment. As Tertullian noted: “Sine intermissione orandum est.” (“It is necessary to pray without ceasing.”) (Tertullian, *On Prayer*, 29). This underscores the need for continual prayer and devotion, reflecting the unceasing burnt offering.

Spiritually, this calls us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous prayer and devotion. We should strive to make every day an offering to God, through our thoughts, words, and actions. Just as the daily burnt offering was a constant reminder of God’s presence, so should our lives be a continual expression of our love and devotion to Him.

Ezekiel 46:16-18

KJV: 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. 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. 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.

NKJV: ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “If the prince gives a gift of some of his inheritance to any of his sons, it shall belong to his sons; it is their possession by inheritance. But if he gives a gift of some of his inheritance to one of his servants, it shall be his until the year of liberty, after which it shall return to the prince. But his inheritance shall belong to his sons; it shall be theirs. Moreover the prince shall not take any of the people’s inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; but he shall give his sons an inheritance from his own possession, so that none of My people may be scattered from his possession.

These verses address the inheritance rights of the prince’s sons and servants. The land given to servants reverts to the prince in the year of liberty, ensuring that the people’s inheritance is protected from oppression. The prince must provide inheritance from his own land, preventing displacement and maintaining order.

This section highlights the importance of justice and fairness in leadership. St. Ambrose wrote: “Justitia est fundamentum regni.” (“Justice is the foundation of the kingdom.”) (Ambrose, *On the Duties of the Clergy*, 1.28). This underscores the importance of just leadership in maintaining social order and ensuring the well-being of the people.

In modern terms, this verse calls for ethical leadership and social justice. Those in positions of authority should protect the rights and possessions of their people, ensuring fair treatment and preventing oppression. We should also advocate for policies that promote economic justice and prevent displacement.

Ezekiel 46:19-24

KJV: 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 in the uttermost parts westward. 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. 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. 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. And there was a row of building round about in them, round about in the four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows round about. 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.

NKJV: Then he brought me through the entrance which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers of the priests which face toward the north; and there a place was shown to me at the farthest end toward the west. And he said to me, “This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the grain offering, so that they do not bring them out into the outer court to sanctify the people.” Also he brought me out into the outer court and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and in fact, in every corner of the court there was an enclosed court. In the four corners of the court were enclosed courts, forty cubits long and thirty wide; all four corners were of the same size. There was a row of building all around in them, all around in the four of them; and it was made with boiling places under the rows of buildings all around. And he said to me, “These are the kitchens where the ministers of the temple shall boil the sacrifices of the people.”

These verses describe the designated areas within the Temple for preparing sacrifices. The priests have specific chambers for boiling and baking offerings. The outer court contains enclosed courts with boiling places, emphasizing the meticulous organization and separation of sacred tasks.

The designated areas for preparing sacrifices highlight the importance of order and holiness in worship. As Clement of Alexandria wrote: “Κοσμιότης γὰρ ἡ ἀρετὴ τῆς ψυχῆς.” (“For orderliness is the virtue of the soul.”) (Clement of Alexandria, *Stromata*, 4.23). This underscores the significance of an orderly and disciplined approach to spiritual practices.

In our daily lives, this passage encourages us to cultivate order and discipline in our spiritual practices. We should set aside specific times and places for prayer and reflection, creating a sacred space within our lives where we can connect with God in a focused and intentional way.

💡 Key Reflections on Ezekiel 46 💡

Here are some key teachings derived from Ezekiel 46 that apply to modern Christian living:

• The Importance of Set-Apart Time: Just as the Sabbath and New Moon were designated times for worship, we should prioritize setting aside time for prayer, reflection, and communion with God.
• Humility in Leadership: The prince’s act of worship at the threshold reminds leaders to approach God with humility and to lead by example in their devotion.
• Communal Worship: The emphasis on the people worshiping together highlights the importance of participating in communal worship and supporting one another in faith.
• Offering Our Best: The “without blemish” requirement challenges us to offer our best to God, whether it’s our time, talents, or resources, approaching worship with pure intentions.
• Transformation Through Worship: The directive to leave the temple differently encourages us to allow worship to transform us and redirect our path closer to God’s will.
• Continuous Devotion: The perpetual burnt offering symbolizes the need for continuous prayer and devotion in our daily lives, making every day an offering to God.

❓ FAQ About Ezekiel 46 ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Ezekiel 46:

• Q: Why are specific offerings detailed for the prince and the people?
  A: These specific offerings emphasize the importance of everyone participating in worship according to their means and roles. It highlights God’s concern for order and devotion in all aspects of life, not just for the priesthood.
• Q: What does the recurring phrase “without blemish” signify?
  A: “Without blemish” symbolizes the need for purity and perfection in worship. It calls us to offer our best to God, both materially and spiritually, and to approach Him with genuine intentions and a pure heart.
• Q: How can the concept of the Temple gates and pathways apply to our modern lives?
  A: The Temple gates and pathways represent the transformative power of worship. They encourage us to enter worship with anticipation and leave changed, renewed, and redirected toward God’s will in our daily lives.
• Q: Why is the protection of inheritance rights emphasized?
  A: The protection of inheritance rights underscores the importance of justice and fairness in leadership. It calls for ethical leadership that protects the rights and possessions of the people, ensuring fair treatment and preventing oppression.

🕊️ Conclusion 🕊️

Ezekiel 46, with its intricate details of Temple Worship, serves as a profound guide for approaching God. The meticulous regulations for offerings, the specific roles for leaders and people, and the emphasis on purity and order reveal God’s desire for intentional and reverent worship. These ancient practices aren’t relics of the past but echo into our present, encouraging us to cultivate a lifestyle of continuous prayer, offer our best to God, and allow worship to transform us. May we embrace these timeless truths, approaching God with humility and a heart devoted to genuine worship, that we may continuously grow in His grace and knowledge. This understanding helps deepen our connection with God.

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Temple Worship, Ezekiel 46, Old Testament, Coptic Orthodox, Biblical Commentary, Sabbath, New Moon, Burnt Offering, Sacrifices, Worship Regulations

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Explore Ezekiel 46 with this in-depth Coptic Orthodox commentary. Uncover the spiritual significance of Temple Worship and its relevance to modern faith practices.