Ezekiel 46
BSB1 “This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘The gate of the inner court that faces east must be kept shut during the six days of work, but on the Sabbath day and on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened. 2 The prince is to enter from the outside through the portico of the gateway and stand by the gatepost, while the priests sacrifice his burnt offerings and peace offerings. He is to bow in worship at the threshold of the gate and then depart, but the gate must not be shut until evening. 3 On the Sabbaths and New Moons the people of the land are also to bow in worship before the LORD at the entrance to that gateway. 4 The burnt offering that the prince presents to the LORD on the Sabbath day shall be six unblemished male lambs and an unblemished ram. 5 The grain offering with the ram shall be one ephah, and the grain offering with the lambs shall be as much as he is able, along with a hin of oil per ephah. 6 On the day of the New Moon he shall offer a young, unblemished bull, six lambs, and a ram without blemish. 7 He is to provide a grain offering of an ephah with the bull, an ephah with the ram, and as much as he is able with the lambs, along with a hin of oil per ephah. 8 When the prince enters, he shall go in through the portico of the gateway, and he shall go out the same way. 9 When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the north gate to worship must go out by the south gate, and whoever enters by the south gate must go out by the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each must go out by the opposite gate. 10 When the people enter, the prince shall go in with them, and when they leave, he shall leave. 11 At the festivals and appointed feasts, the grain offering shall be an ephah with a bull, an ephah with a ram, and as much as one is able to give with the lambs, along with a hin of oil per ephah. 12 When the prince makes a freewill offering to the LORD, whether a burnt offering or a peace offering, the gate facing east must be opened for him. He is to offer his burnt offering or peace offering just as he does on the Sabbath day. Then he shall go out, and the gate must be closed after he goes out. 13 And you shall provide an unblemished year-old lamb as a daily burnt offering to the LORD; you are to offer it every morning. 14 You are also to provide with it every morning a grain offering of a sixth of an ephah with a third of a hin of oil to moisten the fine flour—a grain offering to the LORD. This is a permanent statute. 15 Thus they shall provide the lamb, the grain offering, and the oil every morning as a regular burnt offering.’ 16 This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons as an inheritance, it will belong to his descendants. It will become their property by inheritance. 17 But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will belong to that servant until the year of freedom; then it will revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs only to his sons; it shall be theirs. 18 The prince must not take any of the inheritance of the people by evicting them from their property. He is to provide an inheritance for his sons from his own property, so that none of My people will be displaced from his property.’" 19 Then the man brought me through the entrance at the side of the gate into the holy chambers facing north, which belonged to the priests, and he showed me a place there at the far western end 20 and 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, so that they do not bring them into the outer court and transmit holiness to the people." 21 Then he brought me into the outer court and led me around to its four corners, and I saw a separate court in each of its corners. 22 In the four corners of the outer court there were enclosed courts, each forty cubits long and thirty cubits wide. Each of the four corner areas had the same dimensions. 23 Around the inside of each of the four courts was a row of masonry with ovens built at the base of the walls on all sides. 24 And he said to me, “These are the kitchens where those who minister at the temple will cook the sacrifices offered by the people."
Study Notes — Ezekiel 46
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Ezekiel 46
- Themes from Ezekiel 46
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel 46 outlines the regulations for worship and sacrifices in the millennial kingdom, including the prince's role in providing for the people and the priests' responsibility to maintain the altar and the temple. The chapter describes the daily and seasonal sacrifices, as well as the festivals and feasts that will be observed. The prince is also instructed to provide for the people and to ensure that the poor and vulnerable are cared for. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for the people to trust in His provision and care. Key verses include Ezekiel 46:1-3, which describe the prince's role in worship, and Ezekiel 46:13-15, which outline the daily sacrifices.
Context for the Chapter
Ezekiel 46 is part of the larger vision of the millennial kingdom described in Ezekiel 40-48. The chapter provides specific regulations for worship and sacrifices in the kingdom, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for the people to trust in His provision and care. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises in Christ. The millennial kingdom described in Ezekiel 46 is a picture of the kingdom that Christ will establish when He returns, and the emphasis on worship, sacrifice, and obedience to God's commands points to the perfect worship and sacrifice that Christ offers.
Heart Application
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for the people to trust in His provision and care. As believers, we are called to obey God's commands and to trust in His provision and care, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. We are also called to prioritize worship and sacrifice, recognizing that our ultimate rest and worship are found in Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Ezekiel 46 describes the worship and sacrifices that will take place in the millennial kingdom. The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for the people to trust in His provision and care. The prince and the priests play key roles in maintaining the purity and order of worship. As believers, we are called to obey God's commands and to trust in His provision and care, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. We are also called to prioritize worship and sacrifice, recognizing that our ultimate rest and worship are found in Christ. This is seen in Ezekiel 46:1-3, which describe the prince's role in worship, and Ezekiel 46:13-15, which outline the daily sacrifices.
Voices from the Church
“The Sabbath is a day of rest, a day of worship, and a day of refreshing. It is a day when we can lay aside the cares and troubles of the world and focus on the things of God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The sacrifices described in Ezekiel 46 are a picture of the perfect sacrifice that Christ offers. They emphasize the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands in the millennial kingdom.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Gate of the Inner Court (46:1-3) — The gate of the inner court will be shut during the six working days, but on the Sabbath and new moon, it will be opened, symbolizing the restoration of true worship and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
- The Prince's Role in Worship (46:4-8) — The prince will provide for the people and maintain the purity of worship, foreshadowing Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest.
- The Daily and Seasonal Sacrifices (46:9-15) — The daily and seasonal sacrifices will be offered to God, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands in the millennial kingdom.
- The Prince's Provision for the People (46:16-18) — The prince will provide for the people, ensuring that the poor and vulnerable are cared for, and highlighting the importance of trust in God's provision and care.
- The Kitchens for the Priests (46:19-24) — The kitchens for the priests will be used to prepare the sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of purity and order in worship.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Obedience
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the need for the people to trust in His provision and care. This is seen in the prince's role in providing for the people and the priests' responsibility to maintain the altar and the temple.
- The Role of the Prince
- The prince plays a crucial role in the millennial kingdom, providing for the people and maintaining the purity of worship. This foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest.
- The Emphasis on Worship
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the millennial kingdom, highlighting the need for the people to trust in God's provision and care. This is seen in the daily and seasonal sacrifices, as well as the festivals and feasts that will be observed.
- The Importance of Trust in God's Provision and Care
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of trust in God's provision and care, highlighting the need for the people to obey God's commands and to trust in His provision and care, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship.
Lessons from Ezekiel 46
- The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the need for the people to trust in His provision and care.
- The Role of the Prince — The prince plays a crucial role in the millennial kingdom, providing for the people and maintaining the purity of worship.
- The Emphasis on Worship — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the millennial kingdom, highlighting the need for the people to trust in God's provision and care.
- The Importance of Trust in God's Provision and Care — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trust in God's provision and care, highlighting the need for the people to obey God's commands and to trust in His provision and care, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship.
- The Significance of the Kitchens for the Priests — The kitchens for the priests will be used to prepare the sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of purity and order in worship.
Themes from Ezekiel 46
- Worship and Sacrifice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the millennial kingdom, highlighting the need for the people to trust in God's provision and care.
- Obedience to God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the need for the people to trust in His provision and care.
- The Role of the Prince — The prince plays a crucial role in the millennial kingdom, providing for the people and maintaining the purity of worship.
- Trust in God's Provision and Care — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trust in God's provision and care, highlighting the need for the people to obey God's commands and to trust in His provision and care, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship.
- The Significance of the Sabbath and New Moon — The Sabbath and new moon are significant in the millennial kingdom, symbolizing the restoration of true worship and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the gate of the inner court being shut during the six working days and opened on the Sabbath and new moon?
- How does the prince's role in worship foreshadow Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest?
- What is the importance of the daily and seasonal sacrifices in the millennial kingdom?
- How does the chapter emphasize the importance of trust in God's provision and care?
- What is the significance of the kitchens for the priests in the millennial kingdom?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Gate of the Inner Court (46:1-3)
| Ezekiel 46:1 | The gate of the inner court will be shut during the six working days, but on the Sabbath and new moon, it will be opened, symbolizing the restoration of true worship and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises. |
| Ezekiel 46:2 | The prince will enter through the porch of the gate and stand by the post of the gate, and the priests will prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings. |
2. The Prince's Role in Worship (46:4-8)
| Ezekiel 46:4 | The prince will provide for the people and maintain the purity of worship, foreshadowing Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest. |
| Ezekiel 46:5 | The people will worship and offer sacrifices to God, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands in the millennial kingdom. |
3. The Daily and Seasonal Sacrifices (46:9-15)
| Ezekiel 46:9 | The daily and seasonal sacrifices will be offered to God, emphasizing the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands in the millennial kingdom. |
| Ezekiel 46:10 | The prince will provide for the people and ensure that the poor and vulnerable are cared for, highlighting the importance of trust in God's provision and care. |
4. The Prince's Provision for the People (46:16-18)
| Ezekiel 46:16 | The prince will provide for the people, ensuring that the poor and vulnerable are cared for, and highlighting the importance of trust in God's provision and care. |
| Ezekiel 46:17 | The prince will maintain the purity of worship and ensure that the people obey God's commands, foreshadowing Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest. |
5. The Kitchens for the Priests (46:19-24)
| Ezekiel 46:19 | The kitchens for the priests will be used to prepare the sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of purity and order in worship. |
| Ezekiel 46:20 | The priests will prepare the sacrifices and maintain the purity of worship, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands in the millennial kingdom. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the gate of the inner court being shut during the six working days and opened on the Sabbath and new moon?
The gate of the inner court being shut during the six working days and opened on the Sabbath and new moon symbolizes the restoration of true worship and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, as seen in Ezekiel 46:1-3.
How does the prince's role in worship foreshadow Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest?
The prince's role in worship foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest, as seen in Ezekiel 46:4-8. The prince provides for the people and maintains the purity of worship, just as Christ provides for His people and maintains the purity of worship in the kingdom.
What is the importance of the daily and seasonal sacrifices in the millennial kingdom?
The daily and seasonal sacrifices are important in the millennial kingdom because they emphasize the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Ezekiel 46:9-15. They also highlight the need for the people to trust in God's provision and care.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 46:1 → Genesis 2:3 | The Sabbath is a key theme in Ezekiel 46, emphasizing the importance of rest and worship in the millennial kingdom. This is seen in Genesis 2:3, where God rests on the seventh day and sanctifies it. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 46:4 → Leviticus 1:1-7 | The prince's role in worship foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest, as seen in Leviticus 1:1-7. The prince provides for the people and maintains the purity of worship, just as Christ provides for His people and maintains the purity of worship in the kingdom. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 46:9 → Numbers 28:1-8 | The daily and seasonal sacrifices are important in the millennial kingdom because they emphasize the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands, as seen in Numbers 28:1-8. They also highlight the need for the people to trust in God's provision and care. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 46:13 → Hebrews 10:1 | The daily sacrifices described in Ezekiel 46:13 are a picture of the perfect sacrifice that Christ offers, as seen in Hebrews 10:1. They emphasize the importance of worship and obedience to God's commands in the millennial kingdom. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 46:16 → Psalm 37:3-7 | The prince's provision for the people emphasizes the importance of trust in God's provision and care, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. The people are called to trust in God's provision and care, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 46:19 → 1 Chronicles 9:27-32 | The kitchens for the priests will be used to prepare the sacrifices, emphasizing the importance of purity and order in worship, as seen in 1 Chronicles 9:27-32. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 46:20 → Malachi 1:6-14 | The priests will prepare the sacrifices and maintain the purity of worship, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands in the millennial kingdom, as seen in Malachi 1:6-14. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 46:24 → Matthew 24:15-22 | The emphasis on worship and sacrifice in Ezekiel 46 points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises in Christ, as seen in Matthew 24:15-22. |
| 9 | Ezekiel 46:1-3 → Revelation 21:1-4 | The gate of the inner court being shut during the six working days and opened on the Sabbath and new moon symbolizes the restoration of true worship and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises, as seen in Revelation 21:1-4. |
| 10 | Ezekiel 46:4-8 → Hebrews 13:10-16 | The prince's role in worship foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest, as seen in Hebrews 13:10-16. The prince provides for the people and maintains the purity of worship, just as Christ provides for His people and maintains the purity of worship in the kingdom. |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 46
In Ezekiel 46, we see the worship and sacrifices that will take place in the millennial kingdom, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for the people to trust in His provision and care. The prince plays a crucial role in maintaining the purity and order of worship, foreshadowing Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest. The daily and seasonal sacrifices are a picture of the perfect sacrifice that Christ offers, and the emphasis on worship and sacrifice points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises in Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, the millennial kingdom is a time of great blessing and prosperity, but it is also a time of great responsibility, as the people must obey God's commands and trust in His provision and care. The chapter emphasizes the importance of rest and worship, as seen in the Sabbath and new moon, and highlights the need for the people to prioritize worship and sacrifice in their lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Obedience
The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the need for the people to trust in His provision and care. This is seen in the prince's role in providing for the people and the priests' responsibility to maintain the altar and the temple.
The Role of the Prince
The prince plays a crucial role in the millennial kingdom, providing for the people and maintaining the purity of worship. This foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate Prince and Priest.
The Emphasis on Worship
The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the millennial kingdom, highlighting the need for the people to trust in God's provision and care. This is seen in the daily and seasonal sacrifices, as well as the festivals and feasts that will be observed.