Definition: But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse – Ezekiel 46:9 – piece by piece. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage about how God wants to communicate with people through His Church. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: Imagine a special, sacred space for worship – a temple or place dedicated to God. God wants to have a close relationship with his people, and He’s setting up a specific way for that relationship to happen. Let’s unpack the parts: “But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts…” – This means everyone in the country is invited to worship at the temple. It's a special time, like a big, important religious event. “Solemn feasts” refers to times of prayer and celebration. “he that enterseth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate…” – This is the key instruction. Only people who are specifically invited to worship – those who come through a designated entrance – can enter the temple. It's like a special, exclusive pathway. “and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in…” - This is where it gets really powerful. Everyone who enters through the south gate (the designated entrance) must exit through the north gate. Importantly, they cannot go back to the south gate – it’s a complete and absolute separation. “but shall go forth over against it.” - This is the final instruction. They have to move across the north gate, leaving the south gate behind. In simpler terms, this verse means: God wants to be close with his people, but only those who are invited specifically and in a designated way can approach Him. It's about establishing a clear boundary – a protected space for worship. It’s a rule designed to keep the focus on God and His purpose. What does it tell us? Respect and Honor: The verse emphasizes that entering into God's temple is a sacred act, requiring respect and proper etiquette. Distinctive Path: It highlights that there are different ways to connect with God – some ways are open, while others require a specific pathway. Does this have any relevance today? Yes! This imagery can be applied to many areas of life – from religious practices to business relationships, or even personal relationships. It speaks to the importance of boundaries, exclusivity, and being mindful of where you’re going – both in terms of your actions and your connections with others. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse further? Give you a more detailed example related to a specific context (like marriage or leadership)?