Ezekiel 44:2

KJV

Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} the LORD {H3068} unto me; This gate {H8179} shall be shut {H5462}, it shall not be opened {H6605}, and no man {H376} shall enter {H935} in by it; because the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, hath entered {H935} in by it, therefore it shall be shut {H5462}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to me, "This gate will remain shut; it will not be opened, and no one will go through it; because ADONAI, the God of Isra'el, has gone through it. Therefore, it is to be kept shut.

Berean Standard Bible

And 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.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, neither shall any man enter in by it; for Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 44:2 presents a divine decree concerning the eastern gate of the visionary temple, declaring its permanent closure. This command is issued because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered through it, thereby consecrating it to an unparalleled degree. The verse powerfully underscores the absolute holiness and unique reverence demanded by God's presence, establishing an enduring symbol of His unchangeable commitment to dwell among His people and the sacred, exclusive nature of His divine pathways.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel's extensive and detailed vision of a new temple and a restored land, which spans [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"). This grand prophetic vision serves as a profound contrast to the earlier prophecies of judgment and the devastating account of the [departure of the glory of the LORD](/ezekiel/10 "Ezekiel 10 - The Departure of God's Glory") from the first temple due to Israel's persistent idolatry and sin. In a dramatic reversal, [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Return of God's Glory") vividly describes the glorious return of God's presence to this new, idealized temple, specifically noting His entry through the eastern gate. Ezekiel 44:2, therefore, functions as an immediate and direct consequence of that momentous divine entry, sealing the gate as a perpetual monument to God's unique passage and an enduring sign of His restored indwelling. The verses immediately following in [Ezekiel 44:3-16](/ezekiel/44-3-16 "Ezekiel 44:3-16 - Regulations for Priests and Levites") go on to detail the regulations for those who are permitted to serve within this holy space, further emphasizing the sanctity established by God's presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the traumatic period of the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC). The destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC was a catastrophic event that left the Israelite people without their central place of worship and a tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among them. In this context of despair and displacement, Ezekiel's elaborate temple vision offered immense hope and reassurance of future restoration, God's enduring covenant faithfulness, and the promise of His return to His people. Gates in ancient Near Eastern cities and temples were far more than mere entry points; they were significant structures symbolizing access, security, authority, and often served as places for legal proceedings and public gatherings. The eastern gate, facing the rising sun, frequently held particular significance in ancient cultures, sometimes associated with divine entry or special ceremonial use. The concept of holiness, separation, and restricted access to sacred spaces was deeply ingrained in Israelite culture, exemplified by the meticulously regulated entry into the Tabernacle and later, Solomon's Temple, particularly the [Most Holy Place](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Restricted Access to the Most Holy Place"), which only the High Priest could enter once a year.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 44:2 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it profoundly emphasizes **Divine Presence and Holiness**, asserting that the very path God takes becomes uniquely consecrated and set apart, unfit for common human use. This highlights God's absolute transcendence and the profound reverence His presence demands. Secondly, the verse speaks to **Exclusivity and Reverence**, reinforcing the idea that God's ways and His dwelling are distinct from human activity, demanding profound respect and a recognition of His singular majesty. The command for the gate to be permanently shut signifies a boundary that cannot be crossed by human will, only by divine prerogative. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the sealed gate points to the **Permanence of God's Dwelling** in this new temple. Unlike the first temple, from which God's glory dramatically departed due to Israel's sin ([Ezekiel 10:18-19](/ezekiel/10-18-19 "Ezekiel 10:18-19 - The Departure of God's Glory")), this permanently sealed gate suggests an unwavering, eternal divine indwelling. It signifies a renewed and unbreakable covenant relationship, where God's glory, once returned, will never again depart, offering a powerful promise of security and eternal communion for His people, as further elaborated in [Ezekiel 43:7](/ezekiel/43-7 "Ezekiel 43:7 - God's Permanent Dwelling").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From the verb "to be," this is the proper, personal name of the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His self-existence, eternality, and absolute sovereignty. Its repeated use in the verse underscores that the command regarding the gate is a direct, authoritative declaration from the supreme, living God Himself, giving the decree ultimate weight and inviolability. The name highlights the unchangeable nature of the One who has entered and, therefore, sealed the gate.
* **gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** This term refers to an opening, specifically a door or gate, often signifying a point of entry or control. In the context of the temple, the gate is more than a physical barrier; it represents access to the sacred space. The specificity of "this gate" (the eastern gate) highlights its unique function as the portal through which God's glory entered, thereby endowing it with unparalleled sacredness and setting it apart from all other entrances.
* **shut (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to shut up," "to close up," or "to seal." The emphatic repetition of this word ("shall be shut... therefore it shall be shut") and the accompanying explicit prohibition "it shall not be opened" emphasizes the absolute, firm, and irreversible nature of the command. It signifies a decisive and permanent closure, not merely a temporary state, thereby marking the gate as perpetually consecrated and eternally inaccessible to humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said the LORD unto me;":** This introductory phrase establishes the divine origin and prophetic authority of the message. Ezekiel is receiving a direct, unambiguous revelation from YHWH, the personal covenant God of Israel, underscoring the absolute truth, binding nature, and ultimate source of the subsequent command. It highlights the prophet's role as a faithful recipient and precise conveyor of God's explicit and sovereign will.
* **"This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it;":** This clause presents the core divine injunction with absolute clarity and emphasis. The eastern gate, having been the unique entry point for God's glory, is now to be permanently sealed. The emphatic repetition of "shall be shut" and the explicit, threefold prohibition ("it shall not be opened," "no man shall enter in by it") conveys an absolute and irreversible decree. This command signifies the gate's unique and permanent consecration, removing it from all common human use and emphasizing the profound reverence and inaccessibility due to the divine presence once it has passed through.
* **"because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.":** This final clause provides the singular, definitive, and theological reason for the gate's permanent closure. The gate is not shut for security, human convenience, or arbitrary decree, but solely because the sovereign God of Israel, YHWH Elohim Yisrael, has passed through it. His unique and glorious passage has sanctified it to such an extent that it must remain inviolable, serving as an enduring testament to His glorious entry and permanent indwelling. The repetition of "therefore it shall be shut" powerfully reinforces the direct causal link between God's entry and the gate's consecrated, unalterable status.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 44:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message with impactful clarity. **Repetition** is prominently used with the phrase "shall be shut," appearing twice, once at the beginning of the command and again at its conclusion, further reinforced by "it shall not be opened." This repetition serves to emphasize the absolute, firm, and irreversible nature of the divine decree, imprinting its permanence upon the reader's mind and underscoring the finality of God's action. The verse also utilizes powerful **Symbolism**, where the physical eastern gate transcends its literal function to become a profound symbol of sacred space, divine exclusivity, and the unapproachable holiness of God. By sealing the gate through which God entered, it becomes a permanent monument to His unique presence and a definitive boundary between the divine and the common human realm. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between this permanently shut eastern gate and other gates of the temple that would presumably remain open for priestly and lay access. This contrast highlights the unique sanctity of the eastern gate, distinguishing it as a path reserved solely for the Almighty, emphasizing the unparalleled reverence due to the specific entry point of God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 44:2 profoundly articulates the absolute holiness and transcendence of God, demonstrating that His presence consecrates and sets apart any space He inhabits. The permanent sealing of the eastern gate, solely because the LORD, the God of Israel, entered through it, underscores the principle that divine access is exclusive and uniquely sacred. This act signifies God's unwavering commitment to dwell among His people in a restored relationship, contrasting sharply with the previous temple from which His glory had departed. It teaches that the path God takes is distinct and hallowed, demanding ultimate reverence and acknowledging His supreme authority and purity. This divine exclusivity is not meant to alienate but to inspire awe and a deep understanding of the privilege of God's enduring presence, a presence that transforms and consecrates.

* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - God's Holiness and Glory")
* [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle")
* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Restricted Access to the Most Holy Place")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 44:2 offers profound insights for believers today, inviting us to contemplate the nature of God's holiness and His enduring presence. The permanently shut gate, consecrated by God's unique passage, calls us to cultivate a deep sense of reverence and awe in our approach to the divine. It reminds us that God is utterly distinct and set apart, and His presence transforms and sanctifies everything it touches. This should inspire us to treat spiritual matters, worship, and our relationship with God with the utmost respect and seriousness, recognizing the sacredness inherent in His being. Furthermore, the permanence implied by the sealed gate can be a source of immense comfort, assuring us of God's faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to dwell with His people. It points to a lasting relationship, where His glory, once returned, will never depart, offering a powerful promise of security and eternal communion for those who belong to Him. This passage challenges us to consider what "gates" in our own lives we have opened to the common, and how we might instead consecrate them to the Lord, recognizing His unique and transforming presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absolute holiness of God, as depicted by the permanently shut gate, impact your understanding of worship and personal devotion?**
* **In what ways can you better recognize and honor the unique presence of God in your daily life and in the community of believers?**
* **What does the permanence implied by the shut gate teach us about God's faithfulness and His enduring commitment to His people, even amidst challenging circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Is the eastern gate of Ezekiel's temple vision a literal gate or purely symbolic?**

Answer: While the vision of Ezekiel's temple is presented with remarkable architectural detail, suggesting a literal structure that could potentially be built, the eastern gate's permanent closure in Ezekiel 44:2 carries profound symbolic weight. It represents the absolute holiness and unique consecration of the path taken by God's glory, setting it apart from all common human access. Therefore, it is both a literal gate within the visionary temple and a powerful symbol of divine exclusivity, unchangeable sanctity, and the enduring presence of God among His people. The detailed nature of the vision suggests a reality, but the theological implications of this particular gate's status extend far beyond its physical dimensions.

**How does this verse, with its emphasis on a shut gate, relate to the New Testament concept of access to God?**

Answer: Ezekiel 44:2, by emphasizing restricted access due to God's holiness, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing that finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in the New Testament. While the gate is shut to *human* entry in Ezekiel, signifying God's unique and holy pathway, the New Testament reveals that God Himself has provided the ultimate "gate" or "way" to His presence through Jesus Christ. Jesus declares, "[I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate for the Sheep")" and "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")". The physical gate in Ezekiel is sealed because God entered, but in Christ, God has uniquely entered humanity through the Incarnation, opening a spiritual access that was previously impossible. This ultimate access is not through a physical structure but through the person and atoning work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, the exclusivity of access is maintained, but the means of access is divinely provided through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 44:2, with its depiction of a gate permanently shut because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered through it, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The sealed gate symbolizes the absolute holiness and unique access of God, a pathway reserved solely for Him, signifying that no common human endeavor can replicate or bypass God's divine entry. In the New Testament, this exclusivity is not abolished but transformed and perfectly embodied in Jesus. He is the ultimate "gate" or "door" through whom God has uniquely entered humanity, and through whom humanity can now access God. Just as the eastern gate was consecrated by God's singular passage, Christ's incarnation and sacrificial death represent God's unique and holy entry into human history, sanctifying the path to the Father. He declared, "[I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")", establishing Himself as the exclusive and consecrated means of approach. The permanence of the shut gate in Ezekiel points to God's enduring presence, a promise fully realized in Christ, who is God with us, [Emmanuel](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Jesus is Emmanuel"), and whose reign is eternal. He is the true temple, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")), and through His finished work on the cross, believers are granted bold access to God's presence, not through a physical gate or a veiled sanctuary, but by the [new and living way](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way") opened through His flesh. Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem reveals no temple, for "[the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - God and the Lamb are the Temple")", signifying that God's permanent dwelling is now fully realized in Christ, accessible to all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 24:10

And they saw the God of Israel: and [there was] under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in [his] clearness.

Ezekiel 43:2

And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice [was] like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory.

Ezekiel 43:4

And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect [is] toward the east.

Isaiah 6:1

¶ In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:5

¶ Then said I, Woe [is] me! for I am undone; because I [am] a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.