Interpretation Helps for Ezekiel 44-48

For this second half of the temple section of Ezekiel, here are some explanations of some of the tougher parts:

• The "prince"--to me the prince really sounds like it would be Jesus in certain parts (like where he has privileged access through the gate) and at other parts not so much (like providing items for the sacrifices but not carrying out the sacrifices). The commentaries only say the prince is the ruler of the Lord's people. Perhaps the prince isn't intended to directly represent Christ but some aspects of him as ruler of God's people do?
• In Ezekiel 46:9-10 where the people are to enter one gate and exit the opposite gate--this appears simply to be a crowd control measure.
• The temple's river in Ezekiel 47:1-12 represents the blessings that flow from the Lord. The river gets deeper as these blessing flow out into the world and multiply as they are transmitted by God's people. Where the freshwater flows into saltwater and miraculously turns the water fresh--this represents the ability of God's blessings to produce miracles in changing hearts and lives.