Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons.

EZEKIEL 46:3KJV
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Ezekiel 46:3 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 46:3 mean?

Ezekiel 46:3 describes how the people living in the land are to gather and worship at the entrance of a specific gate before the LORD on the sabbath days and at the times of the new moon. This verse sets out a pattern for communal worship, highlighting special times when the people are to come together before God.

In this part of Ezekiel, the prophet is relaying detailed instructions from God about worship practices for the restored temple. The focus here is on the participation of ordinary people ("the people of the land") and their role in honoring God during significant moments on the religious calendar, specifically the sabbaths and new moons, which were key times for worship and offerings.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 46:3

  • "people" (עָם, ʿam): This word refers broadly to the general population, not just priests or leaders, emphasizing that worship is for everyone in the community.
  • "worship" (שָׁחָה, shāchāh): This verb often means to bow down or prostrate oneself, showing deep respect and submission, indicating a physical act of reverence before God.
  • "door" (פֶּתַח, petaḥ) and "gate" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): These terms point to a specific location at the temple entrance, underlining the importance of coming to a designated, holy place for worship.
  • "sabbaths" (שַׁבָּת, shabbat) and "moons" (חֹדֶשׁ, chodesh): These words mark the regular weekly day of rest and worship (sabbath) and the monthly new moon festival, both important times in the biblical calendar for gathering before God.

Why Ezekiel 46:3 matters

  • Ezekiel 46:3 clarifies that worship at the temple was not just for priests or officials but was meant for all the people, highlighting the communal aspect of Israel's faith.
  • This verse connects the people's worship to specific, recurring times—sabbaths and new moons—showing the rhythm of regular, shared devotion in Israel's life.
  • By specifying the place ("at the door of this gate"), Ezekiel 46:3 ties worship to the restored temple's structure, emphasizing the importance of sacred space in the people's relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“sabbaths” Hebrew H7676 · used in 89 verses

  • Exodus 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
  • Leviticus 26:35 As long as it lieth desolate it shall rest; because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye dwelt upon it.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.