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?