Charles Ellicott Commentary Ezekiel 46

The first fifteen verses of this chapter belong to Ezekiel 45. The prince was required to provide and bring the sacrifices for himself and for the people (Ezekiel 45:17); therefore, as soon as the yearly festivals have been described, directions are given (Ezekiel 46:1–3) for the conduct of the prince at these sacrifices. He was required to be always present, while attendance on the part of the people was obligatory only at the yearly festivals. The prophet then goes on to provide for the sacrifices for the Sabbaths and new moons, for free-will offerings, and for the daily sacrifices.

The gate of the inner court. It has already been provided (Ezekiel 44:1–3) that the outer gate on the east should be kept closed, except for the prince. The same thing is now commanded for the east gate of the inner court also; and, further, the days are specified, the Sabbaths and new moons, on which it shall be used by the prince.

Stand by the post of the gate.— The prince is to enter the sanctuary by the east gate of the outer court, pass through that court to the inner gate, and worship at the threshold of the gate immediately adjoining the inner court, while the priests prepare his sacrifices. But he is not to enter the inner court, or to assume any priestly functions. Afterwards he is to go out by the same way (Ezekiel 46:8 and Ezekiel 44:3), and the gate stands open until evening, though no one else is to enter through it.

Worship at the door.— The people, insofar as they might be present on the Sabbaths and new moons, are not to worship in the same place as the prince; but in the outer court, at the entrance of the east gate to the inner court.

Six lambs ... and a ram.— The burnt offering for the Sabbath, according to the Mosaic law (Numbers 28:9), was two lambs. This is greatly increased here, and the “meat offering” for the ram is also made larger, while that for the lambs (Ezekiel 46:5) is left to the prince’s generosity.

A young bullock ... and six lambs, and a ram. —The law required for the new moons, for a burnt offering, two young bulls, seven lambs, and a ram (Numbers 28:11), so that this sacrifice is diminished here; it also required a he-goat for a sin offering, which is not mentioned here.