Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 44

Introduction

The relation of the different classes of people to the temple and its courts.

Ezekiel 44:1-3. The position of the Prince.

Verse 1

Outward sanctuary - The court of the priests, as distinguished from the temple itself. This gate was reserved for the prince, to whom it was opened on certain days. Only a prince of the house of David might sit down in the priests’ court (compare Ezekiel 46:1-2).

Verse 2

The Lord hath entered in - See Ezekiel 43:2.

Verse 3

The prince - Foretold under the name of David Ezekiel 34:24. The rabbis understood this to be the Messiah.

To eat bread - See Leviticus 2:3; Leviticus 24:9; according to the old Law these feasts belonged only to the priests; none of the rest of the congregation, not even the king, might partake of them. The new system gives to the “prince” a privilege which he did not before possess; the prince, as the representative of the Messiah, standing in a higher position than the kings of old. “To eat bread” may also include participation in the animals sacrificed, portions of which were reserved for those of the people who offered them.

Verses 4-16

Lifted up mine hand - i. e., “The Lord sware” Ezekiel 20:5, that they should bear their iniquities.

Verses 17-31

Oblation - Offering, margin “heave-offering” (see Ezekiel 45:1; Exodus 25:2; Exodus 29:27; Notes and Pref. to Leviticus).