Ezekiel 46:1

KJV

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; The gate {H8179} of the inner {H6442} court {H2691} that looketh {H6437} toward the east {H6921} shall be shut {H5462} the six {H8337} working {H4639} days {H3117}; but on the sabbath {H7676}{H3117} it shall be opened {H6605}, and in the day {H3117} of the new moon {H2320} it shall be opened {H6605}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"This is what Adonai ELOHIM says: 'The east gate of the inner courtyard is to be shut on the six working days, but on Shabbat it is to be opened, and on Rosh-Hodesh it is to be opened.

Berean Standard Bible

“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.

American Standard Version

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:1 establishes a specific divine regulation concerning the East Gate of the inner court within the visionary temple described by the prophet. This verse dictates that the gate is to remain shut during the six working days but must be opened on the Sabbath and on the day of the New Moon. These meticulously detailed instructions underscore God's sovereignty over access to His sacred presence, emphasizing the distinct holiness of certain times for worship and communion within the restored Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 46:1 is situated within the latter portion of Ezekiel's prophetic book, specifically within chapters 40-48, which detail an elaborate vision of a new temple, its precincts, and the regulations governing worship within it. This section follows the prophet's profound experience of being transported to a very high mountain and shown a detailed blueprint of a future temple (Ezekiel 40:1-4). Chapter 43 describes the return of the glory of the Lord to the temple through the East Gate, marking it as a particularly sacred and significant entry point (Ezekiel 43:1-5). Chapter 44 outlines rules for the priests and Levites, and chapter 45 details the holy districts and the prince's portion. Chapter 46, where this verse resides, continues to elaborate on the prince's offerings and the specific regulations for the gates, particularly the East Gate, highlighting the divine order for worship and access to God's presence in this eschatological temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received these visions during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense national despair for the Israelites, who had lost their temple, their land, and their monarchy. The detailed temple vision served as a powerful message of hope and restoration, providing a blueprint for a future ideal state where God's presence would dwell among His people in holiness. The regulations concerning the Sabbath and New Moon were deeply rooted in Israelite religious practice, stemming from the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Sabbath Commandment") for the Sabbath; [Numbers 28:11-15](/numbers/28-11 "Numbers 28:11-15 - New Moon Offerings") for New Moon offerings). These were established times for communal worship, special sacrifices, and drawing near to God. The emphasis on the East Gate, which in the First Temple period was often associated with the king's entrance, takes on new significance in Ezekiel's vision, pointing to a divinely ordained order for the future prince and the people's access to the sacred space.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's temple vision. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Order and Holiness**, illustrating God's meticulous design for worship and the sacred space. Every detail, including gate access, is divinely ordained, reinforcing the sanctity of God's presence. Secondly, it highlights the **Sanctity of Sacred Times**, particularly the Sabbath and New Moon, which are set apart from "working days" as special occasions for communal worship and divine encounter. This echoes the broader biblical emphasis on consecrated time (e.g., [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord")). Thirdly, the regulated opening and shutting of the gate speaks to **Controlled Access to God's Presence**. While God desires fellowship, access is not arbitrary but according to His prescribed terms, balancing His transcendence with His desire for His people to draw near (cf. [Ezekiel 44:9](/ezekiel/44-9 "Ezekiel 44:9 - No Foreigners in the Sanctuary")). These themes collectively paint a picture of a restored community living in perfect alignment with God's holy will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gate (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** From H8179, meaning "an opening, i.e. door or gate." In this context, it refers specifically to the East Gate of the inner court, a crucial point of entry and exit in the visionary temple. Its controlled status signifies regulated access to the most sacred areas.
* **Sabbath (Hebrew, _shabbâth'_):** From H7676, meaning "intermission, i.e. (specifically) the Sabbath." This term denotes the seventh day of the week, consecrated for rest and worship according to divine command. Its specific mention here underscores its continued importance as a holy day in the restored temple economy.
* **New Moon (Hebrew, _chôdesh'_):** From H2320, meaning "the new moon; by implication, a month." This refers to the first day of each month in the Israelite calendar, which was observed with special sacrifices and gatherings as a designated time for worship and renewal. Its inclusion alongside the Sabbath highlights its significance as a sacred observance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening phrase functions as a divine oracle, emphasizing that the following instructions are not human decrees but direct commands from God Himself. The use of "Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) highlights God's supreme authority and covenant faithfulness, lending absolute weight to the regulations that follow.
* **"The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days;":** This clause establishes the default state of the East Gate of the inner court. It is to remain closed for the majority of the week, signifying a restricted access to the immediate vicinity of the sanctuary. The "inner court" is the area closest to the temple building, and the "east" direction is significant as the path through which God's glory had entered the temple in Ezekiel's vision. This closure emphasizes the holiness and exclusivity of the sacred space.
* **"but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.":** This clause provides the exceptions to the gate's closure. On the Sabbath and the New Moon, the gate is to be opened. This indicates specific, divinely appointed times when greater access to the inner court is permitted. These days were already established as holy days in Israelite tradition, marked by special worship and offerings. Their designation here reinforces their unique sanctity and the opportunity for the people (or specifically the prince, as context in Ezekiel 46 suggests) to draw nearer to God in corporate worship.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Legal Language** and **Symbolism**. The precise and prescriptive nature of the language ("shall be shut," "shall be opened") is characteristic of legal or regulatory texts, underscoring the divine authority and the binding nature of these commands. This legalistic precision is not merely about rules but about establishing a divinely ordered cosmos. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the description of the gate itself and its operation. The East Gate, through which God's glory entered (Ezekiel 43:1-5), symbolizes the point of divine ingress and egress, making its regulated access highly significant. Its opening and shutting symbolize controlled access to God's presence, highlighting both His transcendence (requiring specific conditions for approach) and His immanence (desiring to be met at designated times). The distinction between "working days" and "Sabbath/New Moon" also symbolizes the sacred separation of time, where certain periods are consecrated for special communion with the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:1, though describing a visionary temple, powerfully articulates enduring theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with His people. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over worship and access to His presence, emphasizing that communion with Him is not arbitrary but divinely ordered and contingent upon His revealed will. The meticulous regulations highlight the importance of holiness, intentionality, and reverence in approaching the divine. Furthermore, the distinction between working days and sacred times reinforces the biblical principle of setting apart specific periods for focused worship and spiritual renewal, recognizing God as the Lord of time and the source of all blessing. This vision provided hope for a future characterized by perfect order and uninterrupted fellowship with God, even amidst the despair of exile.

* [Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Exodus 3:5 - Holy Ground")
* [Leviticus 19:30](/leviticus/19-30 "Leviticus 19:30 - Reverence for the Sanctuary")
* [Isaiah 58:13-14](/isaiah/58-13 "Isaiah 58:13-14 - Honoring the Sabbath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 46:1, while rooted in a specific prophetic vision, offers profound principles for contemporary believers. It calls us to consider the intentionality and reverence with which we approach God. In an age where access to God is often perceived as unrestricted through Christ, this verse reminds us that while our access is indeed bold and free, it is not casual. It is a sacred privilege that demands our intentionality, respect for God's holiness, and a commitment to His revealed ways. The distinction between "working days" and "Sabbath/New Moon" serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of setting aside dedicated time for spiritual rest, reflection, and corporate worship. In our busy lives, this principle encourages us to guard our time for communion with God, recognizing that true rest and renewal come from honoring His design for our lives and our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "regulated access" to God's presence in Ezekiel's vision shape your understanding of reverence and intentionality in your own worship today?**
* **In what practical ways can you "open the gate" of your heart and schedule to prioritize sacred time for God, similar to the Sabbath and New Moon observances?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's character, particularly His holiness and His desire for ordered communion with His people?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "East Gate" in Ezekiel's temple vision?**

Answer: The East Gate holds profound significance in Ezekiel's vision because it is the gate through which the glory of the Lord entered the temple (see [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple")). This event marks the gate as a uniquely sacred point of divine presence and access. Its regulated opening and shutting, as described in [Ezekiel 46:1](/ezekiel/46-1 "Ezekiel 46:1 - Gate Regulations"), underscores God's control over who enters and when, emphasizing the holiness of His dwelling place and the specific times He ordains for His people to draw near. It symbolizes the divine order established for worship in the restored community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel's temple vision describes a literal structure and regulations for a future Israel, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ. The meticulously regulated access to the inner court through the East Gate foreshadows the ultimate and perfect access to God's presence provided through Jesus Christ. The shutting of the gate on working days and its opening on the Sabbath and New Moon symbolize the limitations of the Old Covenant system, where full and continuous access to God was restricted and mediated through prescribed rituals and times. However, in Christ, the true "gate" to God's presence has been permanently opened. Jesus declared, "[I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")." Through His sacrificial death on the cross, the veil of the temple, which separated the holy place from the Most Holy Place, was torn from top to bottom (see [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")), signifying that the way into God's immediate presence is now freely and eternally accessible for all who believe. The Sabbath and New Moon observances, which pointed to a need for special times of communion, find their ultimate rest and fulfillment in Christ, who is our true Sabbath rest (see [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - The Sabbath Rest for the People of God")). Thus, Ezekiel 46:1, with its emphasis on regulated access, ultimately points to the superior and complete access we have to the Father through the finished work of the Lamb of God (cf. [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Boldness to Enter the Holiest")).

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

Isaiah 66:23

And it shall come to pass, [that] from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

Ezekiel 44:1

¶ Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it [was] shut.

Ezekiel 44:2

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.

Exodus 20:9

Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

Ezekiel 46:6

And in the day of the new moon [it shall be] a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish.

Genesis 3:19

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.

Luke 13:14

And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.