Ezekiel 46:1

"This is what the Lord GOD says: 'The gate of the inner court that faces east must be kept shut during the six days of work, but on the Sabbath day and on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened.

Study Bible

This is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the instructions given. It is a common prophetic introduction, underscoring that the message is not from the prophet's own mind but from God Himself. This establishes the seriousness and sacredness of the command.

The gate of the inner court that faces east:
The east-facing gate holds significant symbolic meaning in biblical texts. The east is often associated with the presence and glory of God, as seen in Ezekiel 43:1-5, where the glory of the Lord enters the temple from the east. This gate's orientation also connects to the Garden of Eden, which had an entrance from the east (Genesis 3:24), symbolizing a return to divine fellowship.

must be kept shut during the six days of work:
The six days of work refer to the regular workweek, reflecting the creation pattern in Genesis 1, where God worked for six days and rested on the seventh. The closed gate during these days signifies a separation between the sacred and the secular, emphasizing the holiness of the temple and the need for reverence in approaching God.

but on the Sabbath day and on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened:
The Sabbath and New Moon were significant times of worship and rest in Israelite culture. The Sabbath, instituted in Genesis 2:2-3 and commanded in Exodus 20:8-11, is a day of rest and spiritual renewal. The New Moon, as mentioned in Numbers 28:11-15, was a time for special sacrifices and worship. Opening the gate on these days symbolizes access to God's presence and blessings, highlighting the importance of regular, dedicated times for worship and communion with God. This also foreshadows the ultimate rest and access to God provided through Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and divine authority giving instructions to the prophet Ezekiel.

2. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, who received visions and messages from God concerning Israel and the future.

3. The Inner Court
Part of the temple complex, representing a place of worship and divine presence.

4. The East Gate
A specific gate of the temple facing east, symbolizing the direction of God's glory and presence.

5. Sabbath and New Moon
Designated times for worship and rest, highlighting the rhythm of sacred time in Israel's religious life.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Sacred Time
The opening of the east gate on the Sabbath and New Moon underscores the importance of setting aside specific times for worship and reflection on God's presence.

Symbolism of the East Gate
The east gate facing the rising sun symbolizes hope, renewal, and the anticipation of God's glory. Believers are encouraged to orient their lives towards God's presence and promises.

Observance of the Sabbath
The Sabbath is a gift from God, providing a rhythm of rest and worship. Christians are called to honor this principle by dedicating time for rest and spiritual renewal.

God's Sovereignty in Worship
The instructions for the temple gates reflect God's sovereignty over worship practices. Believers are reminded to approach worship with reverence and obedience to God's commands.

Anticipation of Christ's Return
The opening of the gate can be seen as a metaphor for the anticipation of Christ's return, when believers will fully enter into God's presence.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of the Sabbath in Ezekiel 46:1 relate to the creation account in Genesis, and what does this teach us about the importance of rest?

2. In what ways can the symbolism of the east gate facing the rising sun inspire our daily walk with God?

3. How can Christians today observe the principle of the Sabbath in a way that honors God and provides spiritual renewal?

4. What does the opening of the east gate on specific days teach us about God's design for worship and sacred time?

5. How does the anticipation of the gate opening relate to the New Testament teachings on Christ's return and the believer's hope?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 2:2-3
The concept of the Sabbath as a day of rest originates from God's creation pattern, establishing a divine precedent for rest and worship.

Isaiah 66:23
The New Moon and Sabbath are mentioned as times when all flesh will come to worship before God, indicating their continued significance.

Psalm 24:7-10
The imagery of gates opening for the King of Glory connects to the opening of the east gate for divine presence and worship.

Hebrews 4:9-10
The Sabbath rest is a foreshadowing of the ultimate rest believers find in Christ, emphasizing spiritual rest and worship.