Ezekiel 40:46

46 and the chamber facing north is for the priests who keep watch over the altar. Of all the Levites, only the Zadokites may draw near to serve the LORD."

Ezekiel 40:46 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 40:46

And the chamber whose prospect is towards the north
The row of chambers on the side of the east gate; that side of it that was towards the north, and which the chambers in it faced: is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar;
the ministers of the Gospel, that take care of the altar, of public worship; that preach the Gospel, and administer ordinances; and who are to be taken care of themselves, and live of the Gospel, and have everything provided for them that is necessary, ( 1 Corinthians 9:13 1 Corinthians 9:14 ) : these are the sons of Zadok, among the sons of Levi;
these Levites, or priests, were of the family of Zadok; who descended from Aaron, and was the eldest house of Aaron, to whom the priesthood belonged; though it had been usurped a long time by the family of Ithamar; but, in Solomon's time, Abiathar, of that family, was dispossessed of it, and Zadok was placed in his stead, whose name signifies "just", or righteous; and was a type of Christ, the holy and just One, whose spiritual children and offspring are here meant: which come near to the Lord to minister unto him;
both preachers and people, who have near access to God through Christ, and minister before him in holy things, in praying, preaching, administering ordinances, and attending on the same.

Ezekiel 40:46 In-Context

44 Outside the inner gate there were two chambers in the inner courtyard. The one beside the north gate faced south, and the one beside the east gate faced north.

45 He spoke to me: "The chamber facing south is for the priests who keep watch over the temple,

46 and the chamber facing north is for the priests who keep watch over the altar. Of all the Levites, only the Zadokites may draw near to serve the LORD."

47 Then he measured the courtyard. It was square, one hundred fifty feet long and one hundred fifty feet wide. The altar was in front of the temple.

48 Then he brought me to the porch of the temple and measured its arches. They were seven and a half feet on each side, and the width of the gate was four and a half feet on each side.