Ezekiel 46:12
Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, one shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate.
Ezekiel 46:12 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse from Ezekiel 46:12 outlines the specific procedures for the prince when he prepares a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings to the Lord. Firstly, the gate that faces east is to be opened for him to enter. This gate was significant as it symbolized the way to the presence of God. The prince then proceeds to prepare his burnt offering and peace offerings, following the same rituals as on the Sabbath day. This emphasizes the importance of consistency and reverence in worship. After the offerings are made, the prince is to leave, and the gate is to be shut behind him. This closure of the gate signifies the conclusion of the sacred act and the separation between the sacred and the profane. Overall, this verse highlights the meticulous attention to detail and protocol required in presenting offerings to the Lord, ensuring that they are done in a respectful and orderly manner.
Theological Overview
In this verse from Ezekiel, the act of the prince offering a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings to the Lord is symbolic of a heart that longs to worship and please God. The voluntary nature of the offering indicates an expression of love and devotion to God rather than mere obligation or duty. The opening of the gate that faces east signifies the direction from which the glory of the Lord is believed to come, emphasizing the divine presence and the significance of the act of worship. By following the ritual of preparing his offerings on the Sabbath day, the prince demonstrates his commitment to honoring God regularly and consistently. The closing of the gate after the prince goes forth could represent the sacredness and exclusivity of the encounter between the prince and the Lord during the offering. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of sincere worship and devotion in the life of a believer, as well as the need for consistency and reverence in approaching God.
Ezekiel 46:12 in other translations
American Standard Version
And when the prince shall prepare a freewill-offering, a burnt-offering or peace-offerings as a freewill-offering unto Jehovah, one shall open for him the gate that looketh toward the east; and he shall prepare his burnt-offering and his peace-offerings, as he doth on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth one shall shut the gate.
World English Bible
When the prince shall prepare a freewill offering, a burnt offering or peace offerings as a freewill offering to Yahweh, one shall open for him the gate that looks toward the east; and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he does on the Sabbath day: then he shall go out; and after his going out one shall shut the gate.
Douay-Rheims
But when the prince shall offer a voluntary holocaust, or voluntary peace offering to the Lord: the gate that looketh towards the east shall be opened to him, and he shall offer his holocaust, and his peace offerings, as it is wont to be done on the sabbath day: and he shall go out, and the gate shall be shut after he is gone forth.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Nowe when the prince shall make a free burnt offring or peace offrings freely vnto the Lord, one shall then open him the gate, that turneth towarde the East, and hee shall make his burnt offring and his peace offrings, as he did on the Sabbath day: after, hee shall goe foorth, and when he is gone forth, one shall shut the gate.