Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryEzekiel 46

Gate of the inner court. A special sanctity was attached to the east inner gate (p. 716, H). Compare the regulations concerning the east outer gate (ch. 44:1–3).

Post of the gate. This was probably the post at the inner or western end of the gate structure. From this point the prince could watch the priests prepare the offering, but he was not allowed to enter the inner court or to assist in offering the sacrifices.

Nichol, F. D. (1978). The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary : The Holy Bible with exegetical and expository comment. Commentary Reference Series (Eze 45:3). Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Publishing Association.

At the door. The people who might be present on the sabbaths and new moons were to worship in the outer court near the inner gate. They could not enter the gate structure as could the prince, but were obliged to stay at the entrance.

In the sabbath. The sabbath offering that the prince is here commanded to offer is much larger than that required under the Mosaic law, which called for only two yearling lambs (Num. 28:9).

Meat offering. Or, “cereal offering” (see on Lev. 2:1).

New moon. Compare Num. 28:11–15. There is a decrease in the number of animals required.

Meat offering. See on Eze. 46:5. Compare Num. 28:11–15. There is a considerable increase in the requirements.

Solemn feasts. A unique arrangement is here prescribed for those present at the solemn feasts that all the males were expected to attend (Ex. 23:17; 34:23; Deut. 16:16). Probably to help secure order and possibly also to avoid their having to turn around, the people were instructed to come in either the north or south gate but to leave from the one opposite.

The midst of them. The meaning seems to be that on the yearly occasions the prince was to mingle with the people, joining them in their worship.

The solemnities. The proportions are the same as those laid down in vs. 5, 7; ch. 45:24.

Voluntary burnt offering. On freewill offerings under the Mosaic law see Lev. 7:16; 22:18, 21, 23; 23:38.

Every morning. There is a significant change in the daily burnt offering. Ezekiel mentions only the morning sacrifice, whereas under the Mosaic law one was offered both morning and evening (Num. 28:3–8). In either case the offering was to be a lamb, as before. The accompanying meat offering was to be slightly increased.

Give a gift. Verses 16–18 set forth regulations regarding lands held by the prince. He had two sections assigned him, one on either side of the oblation (ch. 45:7, 8).

Year of liberty. Doubtless the year of jubilee (Lev. 25:8–17).

There was a place. For the general location of the kitchens described in vs. 19, 20 see p. 716, U, U. The dimensions are not given.

Was a court. See p. 716, V, V, V, V.

Joined. The meaning of the Hebrew word thus translated is uncertain. For “courts joined” the LXX reads “a small court.”

Of building. These words are supplied. Perhaps masonry is meant.

Ministers of the house. Presumably the Levites. Boil the sacrifice. That is, in preparation for the sacrificial meal.