Ezekiel 46:1

“Thus saith the Lord God; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.”

Context:The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, and it contains visions and messages from God to the prophet Ezekiel. In this particular passage, Ezekiel receives instructions regarding the gate of the inner court of the temple that faces east.

Symbolism of the gate:The gate mentioned in this verse symbolizes access to the presence of God. In the Old Testament, the temple was the place where God’s presence dwelled, and it served as a meeting point between God and His people.

The significance of the six working days:The gate of the inner court was to remain shut during the six working days of the week. This represents the regular activities and labor of the people. It emphasises the importance of dedicating time and effort to earthly responsibilities and work.

The Sabbath:On the seventh day, the Sabbath, the gate was to be opened. The Sabbath was a day of rest and worship for the Israelites. By opening the gate on the Sabbath, it signified an invitation for God’s people to come and worship Him, to enter His presence, and to find rest from their labors.

The new moon:In addition to the Sabbath, the gate was also to be opened on the day of the new moon. The new moon marked the beginning of each lunar month and held special significance in the Israelite calendar. Opening the gate on this day symbolised the renewal of God’s covenant with His people and the opportunity for them to come before Him in worship and thanksgiving.

Application:While this passage specifically addresses the gate of the inner court in the temple, we can draw some spiritual lessons from it. It reminds us of the importance of setting aside specific times for worship, rest, and seeking God’s presence. Just as the gate was opened on the Sabbath and the day of the new moon, we should intentionally set apart time to worship God, to rest from our daily routines, and to seek spiritual renewal.

• Jesus Christ and the new covenant:As Christians, we can also see a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ in this passage. Through Jesus, we have access to the presence of God at all times, not just on specific days or occasions. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for all believers to enter into a personal relationship with God.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 46:1 teaches us about the importance of setting aside time for worship and seeking God’s presence. It reminds us of the significance of the Sabbath and the new moon in the Israelite calendar and encourages us to prioritise our spiritual well-being by dedicating time to rest and connect with God. As Christians, we also recognise the ultimate access we have to God through Jesus Christ, who opened the way for us to approach God’s throne at any time.