Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.
Concerning the eastern gate: 'Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.' The eastern gate through which God's glory entered (43:1-4) must remain shut because of God's holiness—what He sanctifies by His presence remains set apart. The phrase 'no man shall enter in by it' creates exclusivity and mystery. Only 'the prince' may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD (44:3), suggesting messianic significance. Christian tradition has interpreted this sealed gate christologically—Jesus entered through the virgin birth (the sealed gate representing Mary's perpetual virginity in some traditions), though this typological reading is debated. The core truth: what God sanctifies remains holy.
Historical Context
The eastern gate of Jerusalem's old city (Golden Gate) has been sealed since the Ottoman period, leading some to connect it to Ezekiel's prophecy. Jewish and Christian interpretation has generated extensive speculation about this gate's significance. Whether the prophecy describes a future literal temple's eastern gate or symbolizes Christ's unique entrance into the world and His exclusive mediatorship, the passage emphasizes God's holiness and sovereignty in determining access to His presence. Under the old covenant, strict regulations governed who could approach God and how. The new covenant provides access through Christ alone (John 14:6, Hebrews 10:19-20)—He is the gate (John 10:7, 9).
Questions for Reflection
What does the sealed gate teach about God's holiness and the exclusivity of access to His presence?
How does Christ fulfill the principle that only the divinely-appointed Prince provides access to God?
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Analysis & Commentary
Concerning the eastern gate: 'Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.' The eastern gate through which God's glory entered (43:1-4) must remain shut because of God's holiness—what He sanctifies by His presence remains set apart. The phrase 'no man shall enter in by it' creates exclusivity and mystery. Only 'the prince' may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD (44:3), suggesting messianic significance. Christian tradition has interpreted this sealed gate christologically—Jesus entered through the virgin birth (the sealed gate representing Mary's perpetual virginity in some traditions), though this typological reading is debated. The core truth: what God sanctifies remains holy.