Ezekiel 46:10

KJV

And the prince in the midst of them, when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

[On these occasions,] the prince is to be among them when they enter; and when they leave, they are to leave together.

Berean Standard Bible

When the people enter, the prince shall go in with them, and when they leave, he shall leave.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:10 provides a meticulous detail of "the prince's" movements within the visionary temple complex, emphasizing his complete and orderly participation in the sacred rituals alongside the people. This verse underscores the divine precision governing all aspects of worship in the future temple, portraying a leader who is fully integrated into the community's spiritual life and perfectly aligned with God's established ordinances, serving as an exemplar of devotion and obedience, reflecting God's demand for holiness and order in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the final, extensive section of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which describe a detailed vision of a new temple, its precise layout, its sacred ordinances, and the renewed worship practices within it. Following the intricate architectural descriptions in chapters 40-42 and the glorious return of God's presence in chapter 43, Ezekiel transitions to the regulations concerning the temple's service. Chapters 44-46 focus on the roles of the priests, Levites, and the prince, establishing strict rules for their conduct and offerings. Specifically, chapter 46 outlines the various offerings and the procedures for entering and exiting the temple gates, particularly on Sabbaths and New Moons. Verse 10, therefore, is a specific regulation concerning the prince's movement, ensuring his orderly and integrated participation in the worship alongside the congregation, reinforcing the meticulous divine order that permeates the entire vision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received this elaborate vision during the Babylonian exile (circa 573 BC), a period of profound national despair for the Israelites. Stripped of their temple, their land, and their monarchy, the people faced an existential crisis. In this context, the vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring covenant faithfulness. It painted a picture of a future, idealized Israel, purified and dwelling in a land where God's presence would be meticulously honored. The emphasis on precise regulations for the temple and its leadership, including the prince, would have resonated with a people who had experienced the chaos and destruction resulting from disobedience and unrighteous leadership. The vision contrasts sharply with the corrupt leadership and idolatrous practices that led to the exile, promising a future where divine order and holiness would prevail, ensuring proper worship and God's sustained presence among His people.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 46:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Ezekiel. First, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Holiness**, emphasizing that every aspect of the future temple's operation, including the movement of its leaders, is strictly prescribed by God to maintain purity and reverence. This reflects God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for holiness in His presence, a theme prevalent since the detailed instructions for the tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Second, the verse underscores **Integrated Leadership**, portraying the prince not as an aloof monarch but as a participant who enters and exits "in the midst of them," signifying his solidarity with the people in worship. This contrasts with the often-corrupt and self-serving kings of pre-exilic Israel, as seen in passages like [Ezekiel 34](/ezekiel/34 "Ezekiel 34 - Prophecy Against the Shepherds of Israel"). Finally, the figure of **The Prince** himself is a key theological theme. Distinct from the traditional "king" (מֶלֶךְ, _melech_), the "prince" (נָשִׂיא, _nasi_) operates under divine law, pointing towards an ideal, perhaps Messianic, leader who perfectly embodies obedience and guides the people in true worship, fulfilling the vision of a righteous ruler found in prophecies like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Coming Messiah").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ_):** This term (H5387) denotes "an exalted one," a "chief," or "ruler," but it is notably distinct from the usual Hebrew word for "king" (_melech_). In Ezekiel's vision, the _nâsîyʼ_ is not an absolute monarch but a leader whose authority is derived from God and who operates strictly within the divine ordinances of the temple. This distinction emphasizes that even the highest human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate sovereignty and the meticulous order of His sanctuary. The term can also refer to a "rising mist" or "cloud," hinting at a divine, perhaps elusive, quality to this ideal leader.
* **Midst (Hebrew, _tâvek_):** The word (H8432) signifies "a bisection" or "the center," implying "among" or "within." When applied to the prince, it highlights his position as being fully integrated with the people. He is not separate or elevated above them in a way that would preclude shared experience, but rather he moves "in the midst of them," indicating his solidarity and shared participation in the ritual life of the community. This emphasizes his role as a leader who walks with his people, rather than above them.
* **Go in (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_):** This primitive root (H935) means "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications, often implying entry or arrival. In this context, it specifically refers to the act of entering the temple gates for worship. The repetition of "when they go in, shall go in" emphasizes the precise, synchronized, and orderly nature of this movement, underscoring the prince's adherence to the established divine protocol and his full participation in the sacred entry.
* **Go forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ_):** This primitive root (H3318) signifies "to go out" or "depart." Similar to "go in," its repetition ("when they go forth, shall go forth") highlights the exact and synchronized departure of the prince with the people. This consistent pattern of entry and exit reinforces the prince's role as an exemplary leader who models obedience and participation in the sacred rhythms of temple worship, ensuring that his departure is as orderly and integrated as his arrival.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the prince in the midst of them":** This clause establishes the central figure of the verse, "the prince" (_nâsîyʼ_), and his position within the worshipping community. He is not isolated or elevated above them in his movements, but rather fully integrated, signifying his solidarity and shared experience with the people in their sacred duties.
* **"when they go in, shall go in":** This phrase specifies the prince's action upon entry. The repeated verb form emphasizes the precise synchronization of his movement with that of the people. As the congregation enters the temple gates for worship, so too does the prince, adhering to the same divine protocol and demonstrating his shared commitment to reverent worship.
* **"and when they go forth, shall go forth":** This parallel clause describes the prince's action upon departure. Just as he enters with the people, he also exits with them. This consistent pattern underscores the orderly nature of worship in the visionary temple and the prince's role as an exemplar of obedience, participating fully and harmoniously in the sacred rhythms established by God.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 46:10 primarily employs **Repetition** and **Parallelism** to underscore its message. The phrases "when they go in, shall go in" and "when they go forth, shall go forth" utilize repetition of the verb "go" (in and forth) to emphasize the consistent, rhythmic, and orderly nature of the prince's movement. This repetition creates a sense of unwavering adherence to divine command and a mirroring of the congregation's actions, highlighting the meticulous precision required in the visionary temple. The structure of the verse itself is a clear example of **Parallelism**, where the entry action is balanced by the exit action, reinforcing the idea of a complete and symmetrical participation. This literary technique highlights the meticulous divine order governing all activities within the visionary temple, where every movement, even of the highest human authority, is precisely prescribed and executed in harmony with the community. The **Symbolism** of the prince's integrated movement also points to an ideal leadership that is not detached but fully immersed in the spiritual life and obedience of the people, serving as a living embodiment of the divine order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:10 profoundly illustrates the principle of leadership by example and the paramount importance of divine order in worship. The prince, though exalted, is not exempt from the communal rhythms of worship; his synchronized entry and exit with the people underscore that true spiritual authority is exercised within the bounds of God's revealed will and in solidarity with the congregation. This vision challenges any notion of an elite leadership detached from the spiritual life of the community, instead presenting a model where leaders are the foremost examples of obedience and reverence. The meticulous detail in the temple ordinances, of which this verse is a part, reflects God's character as a God of order, holiness, and intentionality in all matters pertaining to His presence and worship. This meticulousness ensures that all aspects of worship are conducted in a manner that honors God and facilitates genuine encounter with Him, establishing a pattern for all who lead in God's name.

* [Numbers 27:16-17](/numbers/27-16 "Numbers 27:16-17 - Joshua Appointed Leader")
* [Psalm 122:1](/psalm/122-1 "Psalm 122:1 - A Song of Ascents to Jerusalem")
* [Hebrews 10:25](/hebrews/10-25 "Hebrews 10:25 - Do Not Neglect Meeting Together")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 46:10 offers profound insights for contemporary faith and leadership. It challenges us to consider the nature of our own participation in corporate worship and the example we set for others, whether in formal leadership roles or simply as members of the body of Christ. The prince's integrated movement reminds us that true spiritual leadership is characterized not by privilege or separation, but by humble participation and unwavering adherence to God's revealed will. For all believers, this verse calls for a deeper appreciation of the order and intentionality in our gatherings, recognizing that our collective worship is a sacred act of drawing near to God. It encourages us to be fully present, engaged, and aligned with the Spirit's leading in our spiritual disciplines, understanding that our individual and corporate obedience contributes to the overall health and holiness of the community. Ultimately, this passage inspires us to seek a life of consistent, orderly, and heartfelt devotion, mirroring the perfect example of our divine leader, Jesus Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prince's synchronized movement with the people challenge or affirm your understanding of spiritual leadership today?**
* **In what ways can you, as an individual, more fully and intentionally participate in the corporate worship life of your community?**
* **What does the meticulous detail of the temple regulations, as seen in this verse, teach us about God's character and His desire for order in our lives?**
* **How might a deeper appreciation for divine order transform your approach to personal spiritual disciplines?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the prince" in Ezekiel's vision, and is he a king?**

Answer: The "prince" (Hebrew: _nâsîyʼ_, H5387) in Ezekiel's vision is a significant figure, distinct from the pre-exilic Davidic kings (Hebrew: _melech_). While he holds a position of authority, his role is clearly subordinate to the divine ordinances of the temple. He is not an absolute monarch but a leader who operates strictly within the boundaries set by God, particularly concerning the sacred space and its rituals. Many scholars interpret this figure as an ideal future leader of Israel, possibly a Messianic figure or a righteous ruler in a restored kingdom, who perfectly embodies obedience and leads the people in true worship. His distinction from "king" emphasizes that in the future, God's direct sovereignty over His people and temple will be paramount, with human leadership serving as a faithful steward of His divine order.

**Why is the prince's movement so specifically described as "when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth"?**

Answer: The precise description of the prince's synchronized movement (H935 for "go in," H3318 for "go forth") emphasizes several key points. Firstly, it highlights the **divine order and meticulousness** that governs all aspects of the visionary temple. Every action, even of the highest human authority, is divinely prescribed and executed with precision. Secondly, it underscores the prince's **solidarity and integration** with the people. He is not an aloof or privileged figure, but one who participates fully in the communal worship, entering and exiting "in the midst" (H8432) of them. This demonstrates leadership by example, where the leader is the foremost in obedience and reverence. Finally, it signifies the **harmonious flow of worship**, where all participants, from the prince to the common worshiper, move in unison according to God's established rhythms, ensuring holiness and reverence in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 46:10, with its depiction of an ideal prince perfectly integrated into the worship life of his people and meticulously adhering to divine ordinances, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The earthly prince of Ezekiel's vision, though righteous, remains a human figure operating within a physical temple. Jesus, however, is the true and eternal Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), who not only perfectly embodies obedience but also inaugurates a new covenant where He Himself is both the temple and the ultimate High Priest. Unlike the prince who merely enters and exits with the people, Jesus is the very "way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")), through whom all believers gain access to the Father. He perfectly fulfilled the law and prophets, not merely by adhering to rituals but by offering Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). As our great High Priest, He has entered "once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Entry into the Holy Place")). The prince's solidarity with his people in Ezekiel foreshadows Christ's identification with humanity, taking on flesh to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")) and leading us into true worship "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - True Worshipers")). In Christ, the meticulous order of the visionary temple is transcended and perfected, as He establishes His spiritual kingdom where He reigns as King, perfectly leading His redeemed people into eternal communion with God.

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

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.