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Ezekiel 46:2

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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.

And the prince {H5387} shall enter {H935} by the way {H1870} of the porch {H197} of that gate {H8179} without {H2351}, and shall stand {H5975} by the post {H4201} of the gate {H8179}, and the priests {H3548} shall prepare {H6213} his burnt offering {H5930} and his peace offerings {H8002}, and he shall worship {H7812} at the threshold {H4670} of the gate {H8179}: then he shall go forth {H3318}; but the gate {H8179} shall not be shut {H5462} until the evening {H6153}.

The prince is to enter by way of the outer vestibule of the gate and stand by the support of the gate. The cohanim are to prepare his burnt offering and peace offerings. Then he is to prostrate himself in worship at the threshold of the gate, after which he is to leave; but the gate is not to be shut until evening.

The prince is to enter from the outside through the portico of the gateway and stand by the gatepost, while the priests sacrifice his burnt offerings and peace offerings. He is to bow in worship at the threshold of the gate and then depart, but the gate must not be shut until evening.

And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of the 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.

Commentary

Ezekiel 46:2 details a specific ritual for the "prince" within the visionary temple described by the prophet Ezekiel. This verse is part of a larger, meticulous account (Ezekiel chapters 40-48) outlining the structure, rituals, and administration of a future temple, distinct from previous temples in Jerusalem.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a new temple and its associated ordinances, given to him while in Babylonian exile. Chapters 40-48 provide meticulous architectural details and regulations for worship, sacrifices, and the roles of priests and the prince. This profound vision offers a glimpse into an ideal, future state of worship for Israel, often interpreted as referring to the millennial kingdom or a spiritual reality. The specific instructions here ensure proper reverence and order in the temple's daily operations.

Key Themes

  • Orderly Worship and Protocol: The detailed instructions emphasize the paramount importance of order, reverence, and adherence to divine protocols in approaching God. Every action, from the prince's entry through "the porch of that gate without" to his departure, is precisely prescribed, highlighting God's demand for structured and respectful worship.
  • The Role of the Prince: The "prince" (Hebrew: nasi) is a prominent figure in these chapters, distinct from the high priest or king. Here, he is shown participating humbly in worship, standing by the gatepost while priests prepare his offerings. His entry and exit are regulated, signifying a leader who is also under God's authority and participates in the communal worship life. This highlights leadership by example in devotion.
  • Sacrifice and Atonement: The prince brings both burnt offerings ('olah), signifying total dedication and atonement, and peace offerings (shelamim), which denote fellowship, gratitude, and communal harmony with God. These offerings underscore the continuous need for reconciliation and thanksgiving in worship.
  • Divine Access and Presence: The detail that "the gate shall not be shut until the evening" suggests a continuous, open access to God's presence during the day for the prince's worship. This points to God's desire for ongoing fellowship and the availability of His presence to those who seek Him in the prescribed manner.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "prince" is nasi (נָשִׂיא), which can refer to a chieftain, leader, or prince. In Ezekiel's vision, this figure is a civil leader who plays a significant role in the temple's administration and worship, but is not the high priest. His actions here demonstrate a respectful, submissive posture before God, highlighting that even leaders must participate humbly in worship. The terms for "burnt offering" ('olah, meaning "that which ascends") and "peace offerings" (shelamim, related to shalom or "peace") convey the core purposes of these sacrifices: complete devotion and restoration of fellowship.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 46:2 provides several enduring lessons for believers today:

  • Reverence in Worship: The meticulous detail underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence, order, and intentionality. Our worship should reflect the holiness and majesty of God, whether in personal devotion or corporate gatherings.
  • Humble Leadership: The prince's actions serve as a powerful model for leadership. True spiritual leadership involves humility, active participation in worship, and submitting oneself to God's ordinances, setting a devout example for others to follow.
  • God's Open Invitation: The open gate symbolizes God's desire for continuous communion with His people. While the sacrifices of the Old Covenant pointed forward, believers today have bold access to God's throne of grace through the finished work of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all offerings (Hebrews 10:10). We are invited to draw near and worship Him continually.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 44:3 (5 votes)

    [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.

  • Ezekiel 46:8 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 34:31 (2 votes)

    And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed [be] thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:12 (2 votes)

    Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

  • 2 Chronicles 23:13 (2 votes)

    And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:13 (2 votes)

    For Solomon had made a brasen scaffold, of five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven,