Eze 46:1 | MHM | STEP | Rules Relating to Worship This section sets out rules for public worship in the temple. Some details are different from the law of Moses, so people in later times may have seen these rules as symbolic, not literal. The instructions show that God cares about both the place of worship and how people approach Him. Both leaders and ordinary people are included in these rules, which teach respect, order, and wholehearted devotion when coming before God. v. 1–3 : The east gate of the temple is usually shut, but it must be opened on the sabbath and on new moon festivals (Ezekiel 46:1 ). It can also be opened when the prince brings a voluntary offering (Ezekiel 46:12 ). The prince does not walk straight through the gate, but stands at the threshold to worship and watch the priests at the altar (Ezekiel 46:2 ). The people stand behind him and worship at the door of the gate (Ezekiel 46:3 ). This shows that even the highest leaders must humble themselves before God, just as King David wanted to be a doorkeeper in God’s house ( I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God , Psalm 84:10 ). Christ is the true Prince who can truly draw near to God (Jeremiah 30:21 ).

‏ Ezekiel 46:1

Rules Relating to Worship

This section sets out rules for public worship in the temple. Some details are different from the law of Moses, so people in later times may have seen these rules as symbolic, not literal. The instructions show that God cares about both the place of worship and how people approach Him. Both leaders and ordinary people are included in these rules, which teach respect, order, and wholehearted devotion when coming before God.

v. 1–3: The east gate of the temple is usually shut, but it must be opened on the sabbath and on new moon festivals (Ezekiel 46:1 ^a). It can also be opened when the prince brings a voluntary offering (Ezekiel 46:12 ^b). The prince does not walk straight through the gate, but stands at the threshold to worship and watch the priests at the altar (Ezekiel 46:2 ^c). The people stand behind him and worship at the door of the gate (Ezekiel 46:3 ^d). This shows that even the highest leaders must humble themselves before God, just as King David wanted to be a doorkeeper in God’s house (I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, Psalm 84:10 ^e). Christ is the true Prince who can truly draw near to God (Jeremiah 30:21 ^f).