Ezekiel 46:1-8 – The right attitude to approach God.

Most of us roughly know what is the Sabbath but what is the new moon? Many references had been made to the new moon in the Old Testament. The Hebrew calendar is lunar based. When a new month began was depended on the sighting of the moon.  A new month began when messengers appointed to sight the moon announced the appearance of the silver lining of a new moon. On the first day of the new moon an offering would be brought to God by the people.   

Stipulated in Ezekiel 46:1-8 is the fourth regulation. It concerns celebration of the Sabbath and the new moon. The east gate leading into the Temple’s inner court from the outer court was to be shut every day except during the weekly Sabbath and the new moon.  For on these stipulated occasions sacrifices and offering had to be made to the Lord.  

Verses 1-2 said that on such occasions, the prince would enter through the vestibules but not through the gates. He could only come and stand at the doorpost to present the sacrifices and watch the priest carry out the sacrifices and the rituals. He was to leave once the ceremony was done. Likewise, the people could only worship at the doorway of the gate which would be shut by the evening. Verses 4-8 stipulate what the prince was to provide for both the Sabbath and New moon celebration. What must be done are all specified in these verses.

Three things are evident. The gate would be opened on the Sabbath and the new moon. Worship opportunity was given not only to Prince, priest but also to the people. Giving in worship must be made generously and not grudgingly.

Worship of God is a matter of great importance. It must not be entered into and engaged in an unserious manner. It calls for preparation and personal readiness. Don’t be shoddy in approaching God. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 prescribe how we should approach God. The preacher says, “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore, let your words be few.”