Book of Ezekiel: Chapter 46
This brief chapter in the book of Ezekiel continues to outline the rules and procedures about daily worship at the Temple. The rules in this chapter define how and when offerings and sacrifices are to be made. The chapter also describes, briefly, the kitchens that will be used in the Temple.
In this chapter, God specifies that the Temple’s sacred inner courtyard will be closed during the six workdays in the week. The Sabbath will be the only day the inner courtyard will be open. And when the Temple is open, that is when the Prince will make an offering.
God specifies many things about the worship to be done at the Temple. He specifies how the offerings need to be prepared, in what manner the priests should enter and exit the Temple, and how often Israelites were to make their offerings. These many rules created a very rigid and predictable worship style. The rhythm and continuity were something the Israelites needed in their lives. Once God returns to the Temple, the Israelites will no longer experience the ups and downs they continually experience in much of the Old Testament.
Key Verse:
“‘Every day you are to provide a year-old lamb without defect for a burnt offering to the Lord; morning by morning you shall provide it.” ~ Ezekiel 46:13
Question to ponder:
- Does a fluid, or non-rigid worship schedule help or hinder your connection with God?
