Ezekiel 44:3
Ezekiel 44:3 in Multiple Translations
Only the prince himself may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the LORD. He must enter by way of the portico of the gateway and go out the same way.”
It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
As for the prince, he shall sit therein as prince to eat bread before Jehovah; he shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
But the ruler will be seated there to take his food before the Lord; he will go in by the covered way to the door, and will come out by the same way.
The prince himself is permitted to come and sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the Lord. He is to come in through the gateway's porch and leave the same way.”
It appertaineth to the Prince: the Prince himselfe shall sit in it to eate bread before the Lord: he shall enter by the way of the porche of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
The prince, who [is] prince, he sitteth by it to eat bread before Jehovah, by the way of the porch of the gate he cometh in, and by its way he goeth out.'
As for the prince, he shall sit in it as prince to eat bread before the LORD. He shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out the same way.”
It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
For the prince. The prince himself shall sit in it, to eat bread before the Lord: he shall enter in by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out by the same way.
Only the king of Israel will be permitted to sit inside this entryway to eat food in the presence of Yahweh. But he will must enter and leave the temple area through the entry room of this entryway.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 44:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 44:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶֽת
הַ/נָּשִׂ֗יא
נָ֥שִׂיא
ה֛וּא
יֵֽשֶׁב
בּ֥/וֹ
לֶ/אֱכָול
לֶ֖חֶם
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
יְהוָ֑ה
מִ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ
אֻלָ֤ם
הַ/שַּׁ֨עַר֙
יָב֔וֹא
וּ/מִ/דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
יֵצֵֽא
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/נָּשִׂ֗יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
Art | N-ms
נָ֥שִׂיא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
leader
N-ms
ה֛וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יֵֽשֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בּ֥/וֹ
Prep | Suff
לֶ/אֱכָול
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֶ֖חֶם
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מִ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ
derek
H1870
way
Prep | N-cs
אֻלָ֤ם
ʼûwlâm
H197
Portico
N-ms
הַ/שַּׁ֨עַר֙
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-ms
יָב֔וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וּ/מִ/דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
derek
H1870
way
Conj | Prep | N-cs | Suff
יֵצֵֽא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
to come out
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 44:3
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/נָּשִׂ֗יא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
נָ֥שִׂיא
nâsîyʼ
H5387
"leader"
N-ms
This word refers to a leader or a high-ranking official, like a king or a captain. It can also describe a rising mist, as seen in Isaiah 60:13. In the Bible, it often symbolizes power and authority.
Definition: one lifted up, chief, prince, captain, leader
Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: captain, chief, cloud, governor, prince, ruler, vapour. See also: Genesis 17:20; Numbers 34:26; Psalms 135:7.
ה֛וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יֵֽשֶׁב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בּ֥/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
לֶ/אֱכָול
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
לֶ֖חֶם
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מִ/דֶּ֨רֶךְ
derek
H1870
"way"
Prep | N-cs
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אֻלָ֤ם
ʼûwlâm
H197
"Portico"
N-ms
A portico is a covered area at the entrance of a building, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a vestibule or porch where people gather before entering the main building.
Definition: A hall or porch of the temple
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: porch. See also: 1 Kings 6:3; Ezekiel 40:7; Joel 2:17.
הַ/שַּׁ֨עַר֙
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
יָב֔וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
וּ/מִ/דַּרְכּ֖/וֹ
derek
H1870
"way"
Conj | Prep | N-cs | Suff
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
יֵצֵֽא
yâtsâʼ
H3318
"to come out"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 44:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 44:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:3
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:3
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 44:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:3
- Sermons on Ezekiel 44:3
Context — The East Gate Assigned to the Prince
1The man then brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary that faced east, but it was shut.
2And the LORD said to me, “This gate is to remain shut. It shall not be opened, and no man shall enter through it, because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered through it. Therefore it will remain shut.
3Only the prince himself may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the LORD. He must enter by way of the portico of the gateway and go out the same way.”
4Then the man brought me to the front of the temple by way of the north gate. I looked and saw the glory of the LORD filling His temple, and I fell facedown. 5The LORD said to me: “Son of man, pay attention; look carefully with your eyes and listen closely with your ears to everything I tell you concerning all the statutes and laws of the house of the LORD. Take careful note of the entrance to the temple, along with all the exits of the sanctuary.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 46:2 | 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. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 34:24 | I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 37:25 | They will live in the land that I gave to My servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They will live there forever with their children and grandchildren, and My servant David will be their prince forever. |
| 4 | Genesis 31:54 | Then Jacob offered a sacrifice on the mountain and invited his relatives to eat a meal. And after they had eaten, they spent the night on the mountain. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 10:18–33 | Consider the people of Israel: Are not those who eat the sacrifices fellow partakers in the altar? Am I suggesting, then, that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot partake in the table of the Lord and the table of demons too. Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. No one should seek his own good, but the good of others. Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat anything set before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience— the other one’s conscience, I mean, not your own. For why should my freedom be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God— as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 46:8–10 | When the prince enters, he shall go in through the portico of the gateway, and he shall go out the same way. 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. When the people enter, the prince shall go in with them, and when they leave, he shall leave. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 40:9 | it was eight cubits deep, and its jambs were two cubits thick. And the portico of the gateway faced the temple. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 34:31 | So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. |
| 9 | Zechariah 6:12–13 | And you are to tell him that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Here is a man whose name is the Branch, and He will branch out from His place and build the temple of the LORD. Yes, He will build the temple of the LORD; He will be clothed in splendor and will sit on His throne and rule. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be peaceful counsel between the two.’ |
| 10 | Revelation 3:20 | Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me. |
Ezekiel 44:3 Summary
Ezekiel 44:3 is talking about a special person called the prince, who is allowed to eat in a special place called the gateway, in the presence of God. This is a unique privilege, and it reminds us that as followers of Jesus Christ, we can also come into God's presence and worship Him, as seen in Hebrews 10:19-22 and Psalm 100:4. The prince has to enter and exit in a certain way, which teaches us about the importance of humility and consistency in our own lives, as seen in Matthew 20:26-28. By following the prince's example, we can learn to live in a way that honors God and reflects our love for Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the prince mentioned in Ezekiel 44:3?
The prince in this verse is likely a reference to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate ruler of God's people, as seen in Ezekiel 37:24-25 and Psalm 2:6-9.
Why is the prince allowed to eat in the gateway, but no one else?
The prince is permitted to eat in the gateway because of his unique role and relationship with God, as emphasized in Ezekiel 44:3, and as seen in other scriptures such as Genesis 31:54 and Exodus 24:9-11 where special individuals are allowed to eat in God's presence.
What is the significance of the prince entering and exiting through the same way?
The prince entering and exiting through the same way may symbolize the importance of humility and consistency in leadership, as seen in other scriptures such as Matthew 20:26-28 and 1 Peter 5:2-3, where leaders are called to serve and not seek power or prestige.
How does this verse relate to the rest of Ezekiel 44?
This verse is part of a larger passage describing the restored temple and the role of the prince in it, emphasizing the importance of worship, sacrifice, and leadership in the presence of God, as seen in Ezekiel 44:1-2 and Ezekiel 44:4-5.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to 'eat in the presence of the Lord' in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and worship?
- How can I, like the prince, demonstrate humility and consistency in my own life and leadership, and what are the challenges and opportunities for growth in this area?
- What are the ways in which I can 'enter and exit' my daily interactions and relationships in a way that honors God, and what are the potential consequences of not doing so?
- In what ways can I, as a follower of Jesus Christ, participate in the 'restored temple' of God's people, and what are my responsibilities and privileges in this context?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 44:3
It is for the prince: the prince shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord,.... Or, "as for the prince, the prince shall sit in it" (e); in the gate which is shut to others: not the high priest,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 44:3
It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:3
For the prince; for the king, say some; if so, then the door shut was the door, not of the temple, but of the east gate of the priests’ court. The high priest, and the second priest, say others, and indeed this is most likely. He shall sit: the king might sit before the Lord, others might not, and the priests stood ministering, as . Perhaps the high priest might have some privilege to sit, when others might not. To eat bread: if understood of the king, it was his eating of the sacrifice, that part of it which was allowed to the offerer. If this prince be the high priest, this bread was the show-bread, which it seems he might sit and eat in or near the porch of the gate, whereas other priests were bound to eat in the common refectory, as appears, . He shall enter; he may, it is his privilege; or he shall, that is, it is his duty to enter at this, and to come out at it, that the people may know which way to look, when they would see their high priest enter to make atonement: which may be mystical, and include our looking to the great High Priest.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:3
Ezekiel 44:3 [It is] for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.Ver. 3. It is for the prince.] For "Messiah the Prince"; so Christ is called in Daniel 9:25; or for the chief priest, who, as he had a singular privilege herein above other priests, so hath Christ, the high priest of the Church Christian, singular privileges above all his brethren. He shall sit in it to eat bread.] He shall sit at the right hand of the majesty on high, and enjoy heaven’ s happiness, which is oft compared to a feast, as Matthew 8:11; Matthew 22:1-2 Isaiah 53:11. He shall ascend up into heaven, and therehence come again to judge the quick and the dead. Some by "prince" here understand the ruler of the people, who is peculiarly licensed to enter in at the east gate, and there to sit, and eat and drink his part of the peace offering. Compare Exodus 24:11. It is not meant of Peter the apostle, to be sure, much less of the Pope, his pretended successor, as some of his parasites would have it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:3
(3) The prince.—The Rabbis understood this to refer to the Messiah, and unquestionably the same person must be meant as by David in Ezekiel 34:23-24; Ezekiel 37:24. This gives another and a conclusive reason for regarding the sacrificial worship of Ezekiel 46 as symbolical. To eat bread before the Lord.—This is the common scriptural expression for partaking of the sacrifices (see Genesis 31:54; Exodus 18:12), and there is no reason for restricting it to the shew-bread and other unbloody offerings. The eating of the latter was an exclusively priestly prerogative, and the “prince” of Ezekiel, though greatly distinguished, is not in any way endued with priestly functions. He is to partake of his sacrificial meals within this highly-honoured gate, while the people eat in the outer court. There has been much discussion as to whether the prince was to go in and out by this gateway, or only, having entered by one of the others, to eat in this. The language here seems sufficiently plain, and if there could be any doubt, it would be removed by Ezekiel 46:1-2; Ezekiel 46:8; Ezekiel 46:10; Ezekiel 46:12. It appears there that the prince is always to enter and leave by this gate except “in the solemn feasts;” then he is to enter in the midst of the people, by either the north or the south gate, and go out by the opposite one.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 44:3
3. The only exception is in favour of the prince. He shall eat bread in this gate, i.e. partake of the sacrificial meal there. Though not expressly stated it is implied that the meal shall be partaken of in the porch of the gate, which looked into the outer court. The statements in ch. 46 make it probable that even the prince did not enter through the E. gate from the outside, but passed into the outer court through some other gate, and entered the porch from the court. Ezekiel 44:4-9. The former practice of employing uncircumcised foreigners to minister and to keep the charge of the house shall absolutely cease.
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 44:3
The prince - Foretold under the name of David Ezekiel 34:24. The rabbis understood this to be the Messiah.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 44:3
THE OF THE .1-3. The prophet is now conducted “to the outer gate of the sanctuary” (R.V.), facing the east, which he had formerly seen open (Ezekiel 43:1), but which was now shut because the glory of
Sermons on Ezekiel 44:3
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The Davidic Kingdom by Art Katz | Art Katz explores the significance of the Davidic Kingdom, emphasizing that God's choice of David as a symbol for Jesus reflects the essence of His kingdom. He highlights a pivotal |
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(Genesis) Genesis 31:20-25 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jacob fleeing from Laban. Jacob had secretly left Laban's house without informing him and traveled a great distance to Mount Gi |
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Why Die in the Wilderness by Ian G. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from the examples and warnings found in the Old Testament. He highlights the need for Christians to be cautious a |
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The Four Gospels by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose of the four Gospels in the Bible. He explains that the Holy Spirit selects incidents from the life of Jesus to weave a pattern and |
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Branch Life - John 15 - Sermon 2 of 5 by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in cooperation with Jesus. He highlights the need to wait on God's timing and learn to rest in Him. The prea |
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Concerning the Magnificent and August Names and Titles of the Messiah in the Old Testament. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the magnificent names and titles of the Messiah found in the Old Testament, emphasizing their significance and the prophetic nature of these designations. He |
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Jeremiah 23:6 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the promise of the Righteous Branch of David, highlighting God's rejection of the corrupt kings of Judah and His desire for leaders to have shepherd hearts. |