And the prince in the midst of them, when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth.
And the prince {H5387} in the midst {H8432} of them, when they go in {H935}, shall go in {H935}; and when they go forth {H3318}, shall go forth {H3318}.
[On these occasions,] the prince is to be among them when they enter; and when they leave, they are to leave together.
When the people enter, the prince shall go in with them, and when they leave, he shall leave.
And the prince, when they go in, shall go in in the midst of them; and when they go forth, they shall go forth together.
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Psalms 42:4
When I remember these [things], I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. -
1 Chronicles 29:20
And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the LORD your God. And all the congregation blessed the LORD God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the LORD, and the king. -
1 Chronicles 29:22
And did eat and drink before the LORD on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed [him] unto the LORD [to be] the chief governor, and Zadok [to be] priest. -
2 Samuel 6:14
And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might; and David [was] girded with a linen ephod. -
2 Samuel 6:19
And he dealt among all the people, [even] among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece [of flesh], and a flagon [of wine]. So all the people departed every one to his house. -
Nehemiah 8:8
So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading. -
Nehemiah 8:9
¶ And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
Ezekiel 46:10 provides a specific detail about the movement of "the prince" within the elaborate visionary temple complex described in Ezekiel, highlighting his orderly and integral participation in the sacred rituals alongside the people.
Context
This verse is situated within a lengthy prophetic section of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) that details a comprehensive vision of a new temple, its layout, its ordinances, and the worship practices associated with it. Given to the prophet during the Babylonian exile, this vision served as a powerful message of hope and restoration for a future Israel, emphasizing God's meticulous plans for a renewed covenant relationship and a purified sanctuary. Chapters 45 and 46 specifically outline the roles and regulations for the priests, Levites, and the prince, ensuring divine order in all aspects of temple worship.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew term used for "prince" is nasi (נָשִׂיא), which literally means "one lifted up" or "chief." This is significant because it is distinct from melech (מֶלֶךְ), the common word for "king." The use of nasi suggests a leader whose authority is derived from God's appointment and who operates within the divine framework, rather than an absolute monarch. This might imply a future governmental structure where the human leader is entirely subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The repetition of "go in" and "go forth" highlights the consistent, rhythmic, and orderly nature of the prince's movement, mirroring the congregation's actions and reinforcing his role as an exemplar.
Practical Application
Ezekiel 46:10 offers timeless principles for leadership and congregational life. It teaches that true spiritual leadership is characterized by participation, humility, and adherence to divine instruction. Leaders are called to set an example by actively engaging in worship and living according to God's established order, rather than standing aloof. For believers, this verse encourages a deeper appreciation for the order and purpose in corporate worship, reminding us that our participation in God's presence is both a privilege and a responsibility. Ultimately, the vision of a perfectly ordered sanctuary led by a righteous prince points to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest and perfect King, who perfectly leads us into the Father's presence and establishes the eternal order of His kingdom.