Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons.
Likewise the people {H5971} of the land {H776} shall worship {H7812} at the door {H6607} of this gate {H8179} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} in the sabbaths {H7676} and in the new moons {H2320}.
The people of the land are also to prostrate themselves in worship before ADONAI at the entrance to that gate on Shabbat and on Rosh-Hodesh.
On the Sabbaths and New Moons the people of the land are also to bow in worship before the LORD at the entrance to that gateway.
And the people of the land shall worship at the door of that gate before Jehovah on the sabbaths and on the new moons.
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Luke 1:10
And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. -
John 10:9
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. -
Hebrews 10:19
¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, -
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Ezekiel 46:3 (KJV) is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future temple and its elaborate system of worship. This verse specifically outlines the participation of "the people of the land" in worship services held at the temple gates on designated holy days.
Context of Ezekiel 46:3
This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapters 40-48, which describe a meticulously detailed vision of a new temple, its layout, rituals, and the restoration of God's dwelling place among His people. This vision followed the destruction of the first temple and the Babylonian exile, offering a message of hope and a future ideal state of worship. The "gate" mentioned is a specific entrance within this visionary temple complex, where the people would gather to participate in the sacred observances.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "sabbaths" is shabbatot (שַׁבָּתוֹת), referring to the weekly day of rest. "New moons" translates from roshei chodashim (רָאשֵׁי חֳדָשִׁים), literally "heads of months." These terms emphasize the cyclical, divinely appointed times for cessation from labor and focused worship, deeply embedded in Israel's covenant relationship with God.
Practical Application and Reflection
While the specific temple described in Ezekiel's vision is a subject of much theological discussion (whether literal future temple or symbolic of Christ and the Church), the principles of Ezekiel 46:3 remain relevant. For believers today, this verse underscores the value of:
Ezekiel 46:3 ultimately points to a future where God's people joyfully and consistently gather to worship Him in an ordered and reverent manner, reflecting the glory and presence of the Lord.