Ezekiel 46:9
But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.
Ezekiel 46:9 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the Lord instructs the people to enter the temple from one gate and exit from the opposite gate during the solemn feasts. This practice symbolizes the idea of moving forward and progressing spiritually. By not returning through the same gate they entered, the worshippers are encouraged to keep advancing in their faith journey and not remain stagnant or go back to their previous ways. It emphasizes the importance of growth, transformation, and new beginnings in one's relationship with God. Additionally, this ritual could also represent leaving behind sin and entering into a new life of righteousness. The act of going out through a different gate serves as a reminder to continually move closer to God and not stay in the same place spiritually. Overall, this verse teaches the importance of continuous growth and forward movement in one's spiritual life.
Theological Overview
This verse, found in the book of Ezekiel, serves as a symbolic and theological instruction for the people of the land when they come before the LORD during solemn feasts. The specific direction in which worshippers are to enter and exit the gates of the temple is significant in its spiritual meaning. The act of entering through one gate and exiting through another signifies a transformation and renewal of one's inner being. It symbolizes leaving behind the old ways and entering into a new way of life, one that is aligned with God's will. The emphasis on not returning through the same gate by which one entered reinforces the idea of moving forward and progressing in one's spiritual journey. It serves as a reminder that true worship involves continual growth, change, and transformation in the presence of the LORD. By following these instructions, the people of the land are encouraged to seek a deeper connection with God and to walk in His ways with purpose and dedication.
Ezekiel 46:9 in other translations
American Standard Version
But when the people of the land shall come before Jehovah in the appointed feasts, he that entereth by the way of the north gate to worship shall go forth by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth straight before him.
World English Bible
But when the people of the land shall come before Yahweh in the appointed feasts, he who enters by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he who enters by the way of the south gate shall go out by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate by which he came in, but shall go out straight before him.
Douay-Rheims
But when the people of the land shall go in before the Lord in the solemn feasts, he that goeth in by the north gate to adore, shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that goeth in by the way of the south gate, shall go out by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go out at that over against it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
But when the people of the land shall come before the Lord in the solemne feastes, hee that entreth in by the way of the North gate to worship, shall goe out by the way of the South gate: and he that entreth by the way of the South gate, shall goe foorth by the way of the North gate: hee shall not returne by the way of the gate whereby hee came in, but they shall goe forth ouer against it.