Ezekiel 46: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezekiel 46 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The east gate of the inner court shall remain shut on the six working days but opened on the Sabbath and new moon (vv. 1-3). The prince enters through the porch of the gate to offer burnt and peace offerings, worshipping at the threshold (vv. 2-8). During appointed feasts, worshippers enter through different gates and must exit through the opposite gate (vv. 9-12). Each day, a lamb is to be prepared as a burnt offering, with a meal offering included (vv. 13-15). The prince's gifts to his sons are their inheritance, while gifts to servants return after a year (vv. 16-18). Priests have specific duties in the holy rooms where they handle offerings, and there are designated areas for boiling sacrifices (vv. 19-24).

Key verse

“‘Thus says the Lord Yahweh: “The gate of the inner court that looks toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened.”
Ezekiel 46:1 (WEB)

Outline

Ezekiel 46:1–3 Regulations for the East Gate
Ezekiel 46:4–8 Prince's Offerings and Worship
Ezekiel 46:9–12 Worship During Appointed Feasts
Ezekiel 46:13–15 Daily Offerings
Ezekiel 46:16–18 Inheritance Regulations for the Prince
Ezekiel 46:19–24 Priestly Duties and Locations

Discussion questions

In v5, what is the specific meal offering for the 'lambs'?
What is the stipulated action for the 'prince' in v12 when preparing offerings?
In v10, why does the 'prince' go in and out with the people during worship?
In v18, why is there a restriction on the prince regarding the people's 'inheritance'?
When have you seen a leader's actions positively influence a group's 'worship' or practice?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 46: Ezekiel 44, Ezekiel 45, Numbers 28.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 47.