Ezekiel 46:2
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.
Original Language Analysis
הַנָּשִׂ֡יא
And the prince
H5387
הַנָּשִׂ֡יא
And the prince
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
2 of 26
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
דֶּרֶךְ֩
by the way
H1870
דֶּרֶךְ֩
by the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 26
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
מִח֗וּץ
without
H2351
מִח֗וּץ
without
Strong's:
H2351
Word #:
6 of 26
properly, separate by a wall, i.e., outside, outdoors
וְעָמַד֙
and shall stand
H5975
וְעָמַד֙
and shall stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
7 of 26
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְעָשׂ֣וּ
shall prepare
H6213
וְעָשׂ֣וּ
shall prepare
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 26
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים
and the priests
H3548
הַכֹּהֲנִ֗ים
and the priests
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
12 of 26
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֽוֹלָתוֹ֙
his burnt offering
H5930
עֽוֹלָתוֹ֙
his burnt offering
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
14 of 26
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 26
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שְׁלָמָ֔יו
and his peace offerings
H8002
שְׁלָמָ֔יו
and his peace offerings
Strong's:
H8002
Word #:
16 of 26
properly, requital, i.e., a (voluntary) sacrifice in thanks
וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוָ֛ה
and he shall worship
H7812
וְהִֽשְׁתַּחֲוָ֛ה
and he shall worship
Strong's:
H7812
Word #:
17 of 26
to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
18 of 26
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְיָצָ֑א
then he shall go forth
H3318
וְיָצָ֑א
then he shall go forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
21 of 26
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
23 of 26
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Ezekiel 44:3It 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 46:8And 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.
Historical Context
Some Israelite kings (Uzziah, 2 Chronicles 26:16-21) wrongly assumed royal status granted priestly privileges, bringing judgment. This vision's regulations prevent such presumption, maintaining proper distinctions.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain appropriate boundaries and reverence in approaching God?
- What does it mean that all believers have equal access to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22) yet maintain appropriate reverence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prince would worship 'at the threshold of the gate' but not enter—he wasn't a priest. Even rulers worshiped with limitations, acknowledging distinctions in sacred roles. This teaches that leadership doesn't eliminate accountability or boundaries. Everyone, regardless of status, approaches God according to His prescribed order.