But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.
But when the people {H5971} of the land {H776} shall come {H935} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} in the solemn feasts {H4150}, he that entereth {H935} in by the way {H1870} of the north {H6828} gate {H8179} to worship {H7812} shall go out {H3318} by the way {H1870} of the south {H5045} gate {H8179}; and he that entereth {H935} by the way {H1870} of the south {H5045} gate {H8179} shall go forth {H3318} by the way {H1870} of the north {H6828} gate {H8179}: he shall not return {H7725} by the way {H1870} of the gate {H8179} whereby he came in {H935}, but shall go forth {H3318} over against {H5226} it.
But when the people of the land come before ADONAI at the designated times, whoever comes in to worship by way of the north gate is to leave by way of the south gate, and whoever comes in by way of the south gate is to leave by way of the north gate; he is not to go back out through the gate by which he entered but is to exit straight ahead of him.
When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the north gate to worship must go out by the south gate, and whoever enters by the south gate must go out by the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each must go out by the opposite gate.
But when the people of the land shall come before Jehovah in the appointed feasts, he that entereth by the way of the north gate to worship shall go forth by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth straight before him.
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Deuteronomy 16:16
Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty: -
Exodus 34:23
Thrice in the year shall all your men children appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel. -
Psalms 84:7
They go from strength to strength, [every one of them] in Zion appeareth before God. -
2 Peter 2:20
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. -
2 Peter 2:21
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. -
Exodus 23:14
Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year. -
Exodus 23:17
Three times in the year all thy males shall appear before the Lord GOD.
Ezekiel 46:9 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future temple and its elaborate ordinances. This specific verse outlines the meticulous rules for the movement of worshippers during the solemn feasts, emphasizing order and reverence in approaching the Lord.
Context
This verse is situated within chapters 40-48 of the Book of Ezekiel, which describe a highly detailed vision of a new temple, its courts, and the regulations governing its services. Given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, this vision served as a message of hope and a blueprint for a renewed covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel. The strict protocols for entry and exit, particularly during the solemn feasts (appointed festivals), underscore the sanctity of the temple and the importance of divine order in worship.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "solemn feasts" translates the Hebrew word mo'adim (מוֹעֲדִים), which refers to "appointed times" or "set seasons." This emphasizes that these festivals were not arbitrary gatherings but divinely ordained appointments for the people to meet with God. The specificity of the gates—north and south—further underscores the meticulous nature of the instructions, leaving no room for human improvisation where God's worship was concerned.
Significance and Application
The regulations in Ezekiel 46:9, though part of a vision for a specific temple and its ordinances, carry timeless principles relevant to believers today. They remind us that God values order and reverence in worship. While we no longer worship in a physical temple with such specific gate requirements, the principle of approaching God with intentionality and respect remains paramount. The New Testament similarly encourages all things to be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Furthermore, the symbolic idea of not returning the way one came can serve as a powerful reminder of spiritual transformation. When we encounter God in worship or through His Word, we are called to be changed, moving forward in our faith rather than reverting to our previous state. This verse encourages a mindset of continual spiritual growth and a respectful, purposeful approach to our relationship with the Holy God.