Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the sabbath it shall be opened, and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46:1. It's a really interesting and symbolic passage about God’s plan for His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is telling his people in Israel that some parts of the temple (a place of worship) are only meant to be used on specific days, and those days are reserved for a special purpose. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the Lord GOD…” : This is just God speaking directly to us. “…The gate of the inner court that looketh toward the east shall be shut the six working days…” : This describes a specific part of the temple – the inner court . "Looking toward the east" means it's oriented towards the rising sun. The "six working days" refers to the days of the week – Monday through Friday. It’s like saying, “Only this section of the temple is open for certain purposes.” “But on the sabbath it shall be opened…” : This is the crucial part! It says that on one specific day each week , – the Sabbath – the gate is opened . “…and in the day of the new moon it shall be opened.” : This adds another layer. It also says that on the Sabbath, the day of the new moon , the gate is opened. What does this all mean? This verse isn’t just about physical access to a building. It’s a symbolic message about: God’s Covenant with His People: The covenant (agreement) between God and Israel is a promise of special relationship and blessings. This verse reinforces that God's people have a unique place within His plan. Rest and Worship: The Sabbath is a time for rest, spiritual reflection, and worship – things that are not meant to be done every day. It’s a reminder to focus on what truly matters: God and His relationship with us. Hidden Revelation: The verse suggests that God has something special planned for his people that isn't immediately obvious, but is revealed through specific times and rituals. In short, it's telling us that God wants a certain part of His presence to be accessible only on specific days of the week – the Sabbath, and it’s a reminder to focus on spiritual things. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and there are different interpretations among scholars. But this explanation gives you a good basic understanding of its meaning within the context of biblical scripture. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a summary of its significance for different people (e.g., Christians, Jewish traditions)?

Definition: And the prince in the midst of them, when they go in, shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Ezekiel 46:10. It’s a pretty complex idea, but here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is about divine guidance and preparation. It means that God knows what he wants to happen when people enter into a special place or area of His presence. He anticipates their needs and prepares everything accordingly. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the prince in the midst of them…” : The "prince" is a symbolic representation of God himself. It's not a literal person, but rather an image of divine authority and leadership. “…when they go in…” : This refers to entering into a specific place – likely a temple or area dedicated to worship. “Shall go in; and when they go forth, shall go forth.” : This is the key part. It’s saying that God actively prepares everything for those who enter. He's setting the stage, anticipating their needs, and ensuring everything is ready. What does this mean practically? It suggests a few things: God is watching and involved: He’s not just passively allowing things to happen; he’s actively guiding and preparing. His plan is complete: It implies that God has a detailed plan for what will occur, and He’s meticulously working towards it. It's about trust and obedience: The verse encourages us to trust in God's guidance and to follow His instructions, even when we don’t fully understand them. In essence, the verse is a powerful statement of God's sovereignty – his complete control over all things. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and there are different interpretations among theologians. However, this explanation aims to capture its core meaning: that God is actively involved in preparing for people who enter into His presence. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Ezekiel 46? Discuss the significance of this verse within a broader context of biblical prophecy?

Definition: And in the feasts and in the solemnities the meat offering shall be an ephah to a bullock, and an ephah to a ram, and to the lambs as he is able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46:11. It's a really important rule about offering sacrifices in the Temple in Jerusalem during specific times. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that during certain religious festivals and celebrations in the Temple, sacrifices – specifically, a large amount of meat – would need to be offered in a specific size. Let's unpack each part: “And in the feasts and in the solemnities…” This refers to times when people are celebrating or honoring God. It’s about special events. “…the meat offering shall be an ephah…” An “ephah” was a large, heavy container used for sacrificial offerings. Think of it as a huge amount of food – enough to fill a large container. It’s the minimum size requirement. “…to a bullock, and an ephah to a ram…” This means that during these times, offering a significant quantity of meat would be required for bulls (male cattle) and rams (a male sheep). “and to the lambs as he is able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.” This is where it gets really interesting. It says: “An hin of oil” : This refers to a specific amount of olive oil. It's a very valuable resource used for purification and blessing. “to an ephah” : This means that plus the oil, you need to have at least 10 cubits (a unit of length) of food in a large container – an ephah. Putting it all together: During times of celebration and honoring God, sacrifices would need to be massive . A huge amount of meat, specifically for bulls and rams, would be required, along with a significant amount of olive oil (a precious commodity), all contained within a large container called an ephah. Why is this important? This verse establishes the maximum size and quantity of offerings that were permitted during those specific celebrations. It's about ensuring proper worship and honoring God in a way that reflects the importance of his gifts. In short, it’s a detailed rule about how much meat had to be offered to keep things holy during religious times. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse or would you like me to explain anything in more detail? For example, are you curious about: The historical context of this law? What the olive oil was used for?

Definition: Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, [one] shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth [one] shall shut the gate.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting passage about how God wants to connect with people through worship and offerings. Here's a simplified explanation: Basically, it says: “When someone makes a sincere, voluntary offering – like a burnt offering or peace offering – to God, he needs to open a special door (the ‘gate’). He then prepares everything for that offering, just as he did on the Sabbath day. After he’s finished with his offering, he needs to close that door.” Let's unpack it further: “Ezekiel 46:12” : This is the verse itself – it's from a chapter in the Bible called Ezekiel. “Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD…” : "Prince" means a leader, and "voluntary" means someone does it willingly, not because they’re forced. “Offering” is a way to show respect and gratitude to God. “[one] shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east…” : This is key! “Gate” refers to a special space or pathway for worship. “Looketh toward the east” means looking towards the direction of sunrise – it symbolizes hope, new beginnings, and a fresh start. “…and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day…” : The "sabbath" is a holy day in Jewish tradition where people are encouraged to rest and worship God. This verse says that when someone prepares an offering, they must follow a pattern similar to how God prepared his offerings during the Sabbath. “then he shall go forth; and after his going forth [one] shall shut the gate.” : This means the person who is preparing the offering needs to leave that space. Once the offering is finished, it’s time for someone else to use that space. Then, after the offering is complete, God wants us to close that space – a reminder of our worship and devotion. What does this mean in modern terms? It's about showing reverence and gratitude to God by making offerings. It suggests that God wants us to be close to him through regular worship and dedication. It’s a beautiful idea of a continuous, sacred connection. Think of it like this: God is setting up a special place for us to express our love and thankfulness to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Connect this verse to a specific story or theme in the Bible?

Definition: Thou shalt daily prepare a burnt offering unto the LORD [of] a lamb of the first year without blemish: thou shalt prepare it every morning.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46:13. It's a really important part of understanding how God wants us to relate to Him and participate in His plan for worship. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is about offering a special kind of sacrifice – a “burnt offering” – to God. It’s telling us that God wants us to show our devotion and respect by regularly giving something to Him. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt daily prepare…” : This means you are required to do this every single day. It's a consistent, regular practice. “…a lamb of the first year…” : This is the key part! A "lamb" was a special animal offered to God in ancient times. It had to be a young sheep – a lamb – and it had to be of the first year . This symbolizes innocence, purity, and new life. “without blemish” : This means that the offering must be perfect and free of any imperfections or flaws. It’s about being pure and genuine. “…prepared every morning.” : This is the most important part! It's not just any sacrifice, it has to be prepared every day . This emphasizes the importance of regular devotion and giving back to God. What does this say about our relationship with God? The verse suggests a close and ongoing connection with God. It’s saying that we shouldn’t just think about worshipping Him; we need to actively participate in His plan through consistent, heartfelt offerings. It's about showing reverence and acknowledging God's presence through our actions. In short: This verse encourages regular, sincere devotion – offering a sacrifice of purity and respect – as a way of building a relationship with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Ezekiel 46? Give some examples of what this kind of offering might look like in modern times (like a prayer or thank you)?

Definition: And thou shalt prepare a meat offering for it every morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of an hin of oil, to temper with the fine flour; a meat offering continually by a perpetual ordinance unto the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46. It's a pretty detailed instruction about how to offer food to God! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse tells us that we need to regularly give a specific amount of food – a “meat offering” – to the LORD every morning. Let's unpack each part: “Ezekiel 46:14…” : This is where the verse starts. It’s from a prophecy written by Ezekiel, a prophet in ancient Israel. “…And thou shalt prepare a meat offering for it every morning…” : This means you need to set aside a portion of food each day to give to God. “the sixth part of an ephah…” : An "ephah" was a large container used for storing grain and other goods in ancient times. So, this is 60 cups (or roughly 22 pounds). “…and the third part of an hin of oil…” : An “hin” was another large container – about 4 quarts. This is 3 quarts (roughly 1.5 pounds). "...to temper with the fine flour; a meat offering continually by a perpetual ordinance unto the LORD.” : This is the most important part. “Temper with the fine flour” means to mix it with a special type of grain. “A perpetual ordinance unto the LORD” means it’s a regular, ongoing practice that must be done. It's not just a one-time thing; it’s a tradition that God has established. So, what’s the point? This is a way for the Israelites to show their devotion and gratitude to God by regularly giving a portion of their food. It’s a symbolic act – like a regular offering – that reminds them they are connected to and dependent on God's provision. It emphasizes that the Lord is in control and deserves our respect and obedience. In short, it’s a requirement for a consistent and dedicated way to honor God through giving food. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give an example of how this practice might have been done in ancient times?

Definition: Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning [for] a continual burnt offering.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46:15. It's a really important part of understanding how the Old Testament Jewish people were to worship God. Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, it says: “Each morning, the Israelites (and those who are designated as priests) must prepare specific offerings – lamb sacrifices, meat offerings, and oil – for a continuous period of time.” Let's unpack it further: "Thus shall they prepare..." : This is an instruction. It’s not just any preparation; it’s a deliberate and ongoing process. "...the lamb..." : This refers to a sacrificial lamb, symbolizing God’s sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Lambs were a central part of the Jewish ritual. "...and the meat offering..." : This involves offering meat, representing sustenance and giving thanks to God for providing food. "...and the oil..." : Oil was used in worship and purification rituals, symbolizing spiritual purity. "...every morning [for] a continual burnt offering." : This is the crucial part! It means this preparation must be done every single day – not just once or twice. It’s a continuous, ongoing ritual designed to keep God’s presence alive and connected with him. Think of it like an ongoing prayer or remembrance. Why was this important? This practice was established as part of the Old Testament law, and it was meant to: Strengthen God's Relationship: It was a way for the Israelites to show their devotion and commitment to God through consistent worship. Keep the Temple Clean: The continuous burning offered symbolized that the temple (a place of worship) remained clean and dedicated to God. Demonstrate Obedience: It showed that they were following God’s rules and laws, demonstrating a sincere relationship with him. In short, it was a daily reminder of God's presence and a way for the Israelites to maintain a strong connection to Him through their worship. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context of this practice? Talk about its significance within Jewish tradition?

Definition: Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons’; it [shall be] their possession by inheritance.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46:16. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about God’s plan for the Temple in Jerusalem. Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “God says that if any of the priests or servants of the temple give a gift to a son, that son will inherit everything that belongs to him.” Let’s unpack that a little further: "Thus saith the Lord GOD..." : This is God speaking directly. "...If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons..." : This refers to a specific type of offering – a “gift” given by the priests and servants of the Temple. It’s like a special kind of prayer or sacrifice. "...the inheritance thereof shall be his sons’; it [shall] be their possession by inheritance." : This is the key part. "Inheritance" means something that belongs to someone – in this case, a son's inheritance. The phrase "by inheritance" reinforces that it’s a right or belonging that God gives to him. What’s the big picture? This verse is about God establishing a system of ownership for the Temple and its offerings. It’s a way for God to ensure that those who serve Him receive a portion of what He provides. It highlights that God wants his people to be part of His blessings and has established a clear, defined order. Context is important: This verse comes from a time when the Temple in Jerusalem was undergoing significant changes. It’s often interpreted as a reminder of God's control and purpose for the temple and its role in the lives of His people. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this passage? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: But if he give a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his to the year of liberty; after it shall return to the prince: but his inheritance shall be his sons’ for them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46:17. It’s a pretty complex passage, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about divine blessing and responsibility when God chooses to give something valuable (an “inheritance”) to someone. It’s a bit like a game of giving and taking, but with a really significant purpose. Let's unpack it part by part: 1. “But if he gives a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants…” - This means God is going to give a special blessing or reward – perhaps something valuable – to someone who’s trusted and dedicated to him. Think of it like a small, precious gift. 2. “…then it shall be his to the year of liberty.” - This is where it gets interesting. "Liberty" in this context means freedom, independence, and being free to do what God wants for you. So, whoever receives this gift will have time to enjoy that freedom. 3. “After it shall return to the prince:” – This is a crucial part. “Prince” refers to a ruler or leader – someone in power who holds authority. So, this gift is meant to be returned to the ruler/leader. It’s a symbolic act of giving back. 4. “But his inheritance shall be his sons’ for them.” - This is the most important part! God says that whoever receives this gift will have sons . These sons are not just any sons; they are God’s chosen children – those who inherit and benefit from the blessing. It's a promise of continuation and legacy. Putting it all together: God is giving a special blessing to someone, but this blessing isn't just for them. It’s meant to be shared and passed on. The idea is that whoever receives this gift will have children – their descendants – who will inherit and benefit from the blessing, essentially becoming part of God's plan for future generations. It emphasizes the importance of stewardship and responsibility – giving back to God and continuing His work through your family. In essence, it’s a promise of blessing and legacy that extends beyond the giver to their children. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea of divine providence and the interconnectedness of all things. It highlights that God's blessings aren't just for him, but also have a ripple effect – extending through generations. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give an example of how this verse might be applied in a real-life situation?

Definition: Moreover the prince shall not take of the people’s inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; [but] he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46:18. It’s a really important passage about God's care for His people and how He wants to protect them. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: God is saying that He will protect the people He has chosen, and He won’t allow them to be forced out of their homes or possessions. He wants to give them something special – an inheritance – so that His people stay together and don't get scattered. Let’s break it down word by word: “Moreover the prince shall not take of the people’s inheritance…” - This is a fancy way of saying "God will protect their possessions." "Prince" refers to a leader, like a king or ruler – essentially God being in charge and safeguarding His people. “…by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession…” - “Oppression” means unfair treatment or forcing someone to leave their home or position. This is a warning that God won't allow anyone to be taken away from what they have. “[but] he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession:” – This is the key part! God is giving them an inheritance. He’s giving them something valuable and lasting – an inheritance. “His own possession” means His own power, resources, or land. “…that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.” - This is a promise to protect them from being lost or separated. It's saying that God wants to keep His people together and secure their future. In simpler terms: God wants to safeguard the people He has chosen, and He’s giving them something – an inheritance – so they don’t get lost or dispersed. He wants to ensure their continued safety and belonging. What does this mean for us? This verse speaks to a deep sense of security and trust in God. It reminds us that God is responsible for protecting His people, and we should rely on Him for our well-being. It also highlights the importance of faithfulness and obedience – because it’s through faithfulness that we receive this blessing (the inheritance). --- Do you want me to: Explain a particular part in more detail? Connect this verse to another Bible passage?