Ezekiel 46:8

And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof.

And when the prince {H5387} shall enter {H935}, he shall go {H935} in by the way {H1870} of the porch {H197} of that gate {H8179}, and he shall go forth {H3318} by the way {H1870} thereof.

"'When the prince enters, he is to go in by way of the vestibule of the gate, and he is to leave the same way.

When the prince enters, he shall go in through the portico of the gateway, and he shall go out the same way.

And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of the gate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof.

Ezekiel 46:8 (KJV): "And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of [that] gate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof."

Context

This verse is found within Ezekiel's detailed vision of the future temple and its regulations, described in chapters 40-48. Specifically, chapter 46 outlines the ordinances for the prince's offerings and movements within the temple complex, particularly concerning access to the inner court through the east gate on special days like the sabbath and new moons. This verse focuses on the precise, prescribed route the prince must follow when entering and exiting.

Key Themes

  • The Prince's Unique Role: The "prince" (Hebrew: nasi) in this vision is given a distinct, defined role in leading worship and interacting with the temple structure, signifying a place of prominence but also accountability.
  • Order and Regulation in Worship: The meticulous instructions regarding the prince's entry and exit highlight the highly structured and ordered nature of worship in this future temple vision, where every action is directed by divine command.
  • Specific Access Points: The requirement for the prince to use the porch of the gate for both entry and exit underscores that even a leader's access to the sacred space is limited and specific, emphasizing the holiness of the temple and the need for adherence to divine protocol.

Linguistic Insights

The term "prince," nasi (נָשִׂיא), is used here for a significant leader in the restored community. The word "porch," ulam (אוּלָם), refers to the vestibule or entrance hall of a building or gate. The phrase "by the way thereof" emphasizes that the prince follows a specific, established path through this part of the gate structure, not deviating from the prescribed route.

Related Scriptures

The role and allotment of the prince are further described in Ezekiel 45. The regulations for the prince's presence at the east gate on the sabbath and new moons are detailed in Ezekiel 46:1-3, showing that his access is specific to these times and via this particular route, distinct from others.

Reflection and Application

This verse, within the broader context of Ezekiel's temple vision, illustrates God's nature as a God of order and holiness. It shows that even leaders are under divine authority and have specific roles and limitations within God's plan. The structured access can remind us that approaching God, even for those in positions of leadership, requires humility and adherence to the way He has provided. It speaks to the importance of structured, intentional, and obedient worship.

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.

  • Colossians 1:18

    And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.

  • 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 44:3

    [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.

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