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.

It is for the prince {H5387}; the prince {H5387}, he shall sit {H3427} in it to eat {H398} bread {H3899} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}; he shall enter {H935} by the way {H1870} of the porch {H197} of that gate {H8179}, and shall go out {H3318} by the way {H1870} of the same.

Only the prince, since he is a prince, is to sit there to eat his meal before ADONAI; he is to enter through the vestibule of the gate and leave the same way."

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.”

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.

Context of Ezekiel 44:3

Ezekiel 44:3 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. This extensive vision, spanning chapters 40-48, describes a new and glorious temple, its ordinances, and the division of the land in a restored Israel. Specifically, verses 1 and 2 of this chapter introduce the eastern gate of the temple, which was declared shut because the glory of the LORD had entered through it. This verse (Ezekiel 44:3) then outlines a unique exception to this rule, reserved exclusively for "the prince," highlighting his special role within this future temple and its worship system.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Holiness and Access: The shut eastern gate emphasizes the profound holiness of God and the sanctity of His presence. Only the Lord Himself and, by specific divine decree, the prince, are granted access through it. This underscores the reverence due to God's dwelling place.
  • The Unique Role of the Prince: The "prince" (Hebrew: nasi, meaning 'leader' or 'chieftain') is a distinct figure in Ezekiel's temple vision, separate from the priests and Levites. His privilege of sitting in the gate's porch to "eat bread before the LORD" signifies a special form of communion and fellowship with God, likely involving sacrificial meals or offerings. This points to a unique mediatorial or leadership role in the restored community.
  • Order and Regulation in Worship: The meticulous details provided in Ezekiel's vision, including specific entry and exit points, stress the importance of divine order and proper protocol in approaching God and conducting worship.

Linguistic Nuance: The "Prince" (Nasi)

The Hebrew word for "prince" used here is nasi (נָשִׂיא). This term is significant because it's distinct from melek, the usual word for "king." In Ezekiel's vision, the nasi represents a righteous, non-monarchical leader who operates under God's ultimate sovereignty, contrasting with the often-corrupt kings of Israel's past. Many biblical scholars interpret this figure as a type of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, or a righteous ruler in a future millennial kingdom, who embodies perfect worship and just governance.

The Prince's Privilege and Purpose

The prince's ability to "sit in it to eat bread before the LORD" is a profound privilege. Eating "bread before the LORD" often implies participation in a sacred meal, communion with God, or offerings made in His presence. This act symbolizes his intimate relationship with God and his role as a representative of the people in worship. His prescribed entry and exit through the porch of the same gate further emphasize his unique, divinely appointed status and restricted access, highlighting that this privilege is not for common use but for a specific, holy purpose.

Practical Application

While the vision of Ezekiel's temple has various interpretations (literal, symbolic, eschatological), the principles found in Ezekiel 44:3 remain relevant. For believers today, this verse can symbolize the unique access and communion we have with God through Jesus Christ. Just as the prince had special access to God's presence, so too do believers, through Christ's sacrifice, have the privilege to draw near to the throne of grace. It underscores the importance of reverence, order, and a sincere heart in our approach to God in worship and daily life, recognizing the holiness of His presence and the unique privilege of fellowship with Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 46:2

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:18

    Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

  • 1 Corinthians 10:33

    Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.

  • Ezekiel 34:24

    And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].

  • Ezekiel 37:25

    And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, [even] they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David [shall be] their prince for ever.

  • Genesis 31:54

    Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.

  • Ezekiel 40:9

    Then measured he the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts thereof, two cubits; and the porch of the gate [was] inward.

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