It is called the “Eastern Gate.”
Located in Jerusalem, well known around the world, I suppose.
It is blocked, walled up, shut … and has been for a long time, since Medieval days (since the year 1630 AD).
By the way, it’s also called the “Golden Gate” at times.
This is such a famed (both historically and prophetically) location in the City that multitudes have visited, photographed and reveled in its importance.
In fact, if I ever get to personally visit Jerusalem … the Lord willing, I want to see that “Gate!”
And Ezekiel 44, today’s chapter, mentioned this very place!
Verse 1 has Ezekiel relating the story: “Then he (an angel who looks like a man but glows like bronze) brought me back the way of the GATE of the outward sanctuary which LOOKETH TOWARD THE EAST; and it was shut.” (clearly the “Eastern Gate”)
Now the Lord just prophesied that the Gate (apparently used for entering both the Temple and the City) would some day be “shut.” This verb is used (translated) in the King James Bible once as “closed!” Again, very “clear.”
Verse 2 continues: “Then said the LORD (no longer the angel) unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it.” Again, this happened a thousand years after Ezekiel wrote these words. Enemies who had conquered Jerusalem “closed” the gate, they think permanently!
But WHY?
Ezekiel verse 2 adds yet more: “Because THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.” Look what Jesus has just been called, “THE LORD, THE GOD OF ISRAEL!”
Because once (an event that would have been prophecy too Ezekiel but is history to us) … JESUS literally entered that gate!
This would have been at Jesus’ “Triumphal Entry” (so-called yet today) when our Lord rode that little donkey into Jerusalem, a few days before His Crucifixion!
This is recorded in both Luke 19:28-48 and Matthew 21:1-16. From the Mount of Olives to the Temple, the route He used, would have carried Jesus right through the Eastern Gate!
Ezekiel is both a historian and a Prophet!
By the way, in our last Ezekiel chapter (yesterday’s lesson, chapter 43) we saw the Glory of God return to the temple … via the Eastern Gate!
Thrilling!
Now let me make a suggestion.
When Jesus comes again (to earth), after the Tribulation and Armageddon have ended … “His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east.” Zechariah 14:4
Then this occurs … based on Malachi 3:1, I believe: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the LORD (Jesus), whom ye seek, SHALL SUDDENLY COME TO HIS TEMPLE, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, HE SHALL COME, saith the LORD of hosts.” Wow!
And (again) the straightest route from the Mount of Olives to the Temple proper, its very heart … is right through the Eastern Gate!
Jesus will “open” that Gate some day!
And Ezekiel 44:3 may be a “hint” a “foreshadowing” or “symbol” of that grand Event! “It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.”
I know there is a lot of discussion over the identity of this “prince.” And it may (in fact, cannot) not literally be Jesus … but I am suggesting he can be a “type” of Jesus, the true Prince of God, Son of God, King of Kings!
If so … “HE SHALL ENTER IN BY WAY OF THE PORCH OF THAT GATE!”
Wow!
Is Ezekiel relevant yet today?
What a Book, God’s Word the Bible!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
The Lord willing, another “Ezekiel 44” Lesson tomorrow morning.