FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Ezekiel 44:3
KJVIt 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.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final vision describes the temple, worship, life-giving waters, and the land. Its interpretation should be distinguished from what the vision itself depicts.
- 44:1 Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut.
- 44:2 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.
- 44:3 It 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.
- 44:4 Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.
- 44:5 And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezekiel son of Buzi, a priest and prophet among the exiles, is the named prophetic voice and traditional author. Biblical references: Ezekiel 1:1; Ezekiel 1:3. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ezekiel 40:1–48:35): Ezekiel is shown a visionary sanctuary, ordered worship, and land arrangements, which he is to declare to the house of Israel. The priestly and tribal groups in the vision are not all physically accompanying him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The house of Israel, with Ezekiel speaking especially among the Judean exiles in Babylonia. Some visions concern people in Jerusalem or other nations rather than people physically present with him. Biblical references: Ezekiel 3:11; Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 24:21. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The East Gate Assigned to the Prince. Read Ezekiel 44:1 through Ezekiel 44:5 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final vision describes the temple, worship, life-giving waters, and the land. Its interpretation should be distinguished from what the vision itself depicts. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book repeatedly dates visions by years of captivity. Events pictured in a vision, the time of receiving it, and the time of later fulfillment should be distinguished. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Ezekiel is among the exiles by the river Chebar. Visions carry him to other scenes, including Jerusalem; visionary location is not automatically ordinary physical travel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The East Gate Assigned to the Prince (Ezekiel 44:1 to Ezekiel 44:5). Start reading at Ezekiel 44:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The shepherd promise can be read alongside Jesus' teaching about the good shepherd. The connection should retain Ezekiel's concern for the scattered flock and the failure of Israel's shepherds. See Ezekiel 34:11, Ezekiel 34:23, John 10:11. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take warnings about personal responsibility and corrupt leadership seriously. When interpreting symbolic acts or visions, begin with the explanations supplied within the book. interpretation
Cited: Ezekiel 44:1, Ezekiel 44:5, Ezekiel 34:11, Ezekiel 34:23, John 10:11
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- for Ezek 46:2,8 2 Chr 23:13 2 Chr 34:31
- the prince Ezek 34:24 Ezek 37:25 Zech 6:12-13
- to eat Gen 31:54 Exod 24:9-11 Deut 12:7,17-18 Isa 23:18 Isa 62:9 1 Cor 10:18-33 Rev 3:20
- he shall enter Ezek 40:9 Ezek 46:2,8-10
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ezekiel 44
Ezekiel 1:1 Ezekiel 1:2 Ezekiel 1:3
Reproof of the Levites
Ezekiel 44:6–14FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The Duties of the Priests
Ezekiel 44:15–31FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1:1 Ezekiel 1:2 Ezekiel 1:3
The vision and commission
Ezekiel 1:1–3:27FocusGlory, the scroll, and responsibility
Judgment on Jerusalem
Ezekiel 4:1–24:27FocusSigns, visions, and covenant unfaithfulness
Oracles against the nations
Ezekiel 25:1–32:32FocusThe surrounding powers judged
After the fall: responsibility and restoration
Ezekiel 33:1–39:29FocusShepherding, cleansing, and renewed life
FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.