What connections exist between Ezekiel 44:3 and Christ's role as our High Priest? Verse at a Glance “Only the prince himself may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD. He must enter by way of the portico of the gate and go out the same way.” (Ezekiel 44:3) Who the “Prince” Foreshadows • The “prince” is a Davidic figure uniquely allowed to sit in God’s immediate presence—something no ordinary Israelite could do. • Prophets repeatedly link a future Davidic ruler with both kingship and priestly functions (Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 33:17-18). • The New Testament identifies Jesus as Son of David (Matthew 1:1) and eternal High Priest (Hebrews 7:1-3, 14-17), bringing both roles together. Exclusive Access to God’s Presence • Old-covenant priests could minister in the holy place, but only the high priest stepped into the Most Holy Place, and only once a year (Leviticus 16:2-34). • Ezekiel’s prince enjoys continual access—he “may sit … before the LORD.” • Hebrews applies this picture to Christ: – “We have this hope as an anchor… Jesus has entered on our behalf as a forerunner, because He has become a high priest forever.” (Hebrews 6:19-20) – “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:12) Sitting Signals Finished Work • Priests in the tabernacle never sat; their work was unending (Hebrews 10:11). • The prince in Ezekiel 44 sits, anticipating the Messiah who declares, “It is finished” and then “sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12) • Christ’s seated posture guarantees that the atoning, mediating work is complete and accepted. Eating Bread Before the LORD • “Eat bread” echoes the fellowship offerings and the priestly privilege of consuming the showbread (Leviticus 24:5-9). • Jesus, as High Priest, not only enjoys fellowship with the Father but shares that communion with believers (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Entering and Exiting the Same Way • The prince “must enter… and go out the same way,” underlining an orderly, prescribed approach. • Hebrews 10:20 calls Christ’s flesh “a new and living way” into God’s presence. No alternative route exists; access is through Him alone (John 14:6). High-Priestly Themes Fulfilled in Jesus • Exclusivity—only One qualified (Acts 4:12). • Access—He brings us near (Ephesians 2:18). • Mediation—He intercedes continually (Hebrews 7:25). • Fellowship—He feeds us with Himself, the true Bread from heaven (John 6:35). Living in the Light of His Priesthood • Rest in His finished work; the seat is occupied. • Approach God confidently, for the gate is open through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Enjoy ongoing fellowship, “eating bread” in His presence now and anticipating the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). |
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