Introduction: Ezekiel 46 outlines the specific instructions given to the prophet Ezekiel by God about the proper worship practices for the Israelites. The chapter is a continuation of the detailed regulations for worship that began in chapter 45. In this chapter, we see a focus on the offerings, the times of worship, and the roles of the prince and the people in the worship services. As we look deeper into this chapter, it reminds the believer of the importance of worship and the need for us to approach God with humility, reverence and obedience.
I. Ezekiel 46:1-8: The Sabbath and New Moon Offerings
In these verses, we see the instructions for the Sabbath and New Moon offerings. The east gate of the inner court is to be closed during the six working days but opened on the Sabbath and New Moon. The prince is to enter through the vestibule of the gate and present his burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. The people are also to worship at the entrance of the gate on these days. These verses remind us of the importance of setting aside specific times for worship, just as Exodus 20:8-11 commands us to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. The mention of the prince also points to the Messiah, as prophesied in Isaiah 9:6-7, who would come as the Prince of Peace.
II. Ezekiel 46:9-12: The Worship of the People
In these verses, we see the guidelines for the worship of the people. When they come to worship on the appointed feasts, they are to enter and exit through different gates to avoid over crowding. The prince is also to provide offerings for the people on these days. These verses remind us of the need for order and reverence in our worship, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40 where Paul instructs the church to do everything decently and in order. The role of the prince in providing offerings for the people also points to Christ, who offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins, as stated in Hebrews 9:28.
III. Ezekiel 46:13-15: The Daily Offerings
In these verses, we see the instructions for the daily offerings. A lamb is to be offered every morning as a burnt offering to the Lord, along with a grain offering and a drink offering. These verses remind us of the need for daily devotion and worship, as seen in Psalm 5:3 where David says, “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” The daily offerings also point to the sacrifice of Christ, who is the Lamb of God, as stated in John 1:29.
IV. Ezekiel 46:16-18: The Inheritance of the Prince
Here, we see the instructions for the inheritance of the prince. He is to give gifts to his sons out of his own inheritance, but any gifts given to his servants are to revert back to the prince upon the servant’s death. These verses remind us of the importance of stewardship and the passing down of our faith to the next generation, as seen in 2 Timothy 2:2 where Paul instructs Timothy to entrust the teachings to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. The inheritance of the prince also points to the inheritance we have in Christ, as stated in Romans 8:17.
V. Ezekiel 46:19-24: The Offerings of the Prince
Finally, we see the instructions for the offerings of the prince. He is to provide a sin offering, a grain offering, a burnt offering, and a peace offering for the people. The chapter concludes with a description of the kitchens where the offerings are to be prepared. These verses remind us of the need for atonement and the importance of the sacrificial system, as seen in Leviticus 17:11 where it states, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls.” The offerings of the prince also point to Christ, who is the ultimate sin offering, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Conclusion: Ezekiel 46 provides us with a detailed outline of the correct way God wants the Israelites to worship Him. This chapter should remind us of the importance of setting aside specific times for worship, the need for order and reverence in our worship, the importance of daily devotion, the significance of stewardship and passing down our faith, and the necessity of atonement through the sacrifice we were provided with, Jesus Christ. As Christians, we can see how these Old Testament instructions point to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is our Prince of Peace, our sacrificial Lamb, and our way to an inheritance in heaven. So let us approach God with the reverence, humility and obedience that He deserves, and may our worship be found pleasing to Him.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.