Ezekiel 44:11-14

11 They may serve in my sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and serving in it; they may slaughter the burnt offerings and sacrifices for the people and stand before the people and serve them.

12 But because they served them in the presence of their idols and made the people of Israel fall into sin, therefore I have sworn with uplifted hand that they must bear the consequences of their sin, declares the Sovereign LORD.

13 They are not to come near to serve me as priests or come near any of my holy things or my most holy offerings; they must bear the shame of their detestable practices.

14 And I will appoint them to guard the temple for all the work that is to be done in it.

Ezekiel 44:11-14 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL 44

This chapter treats of the eastern gate of the temple being appropriated to the use of the prince, Eze 44:1-3, of the sin of the Lord's people, in admitting strangers and unholy persons into the sanctuary, either to officiate or communicate there, Eze 44:4-9 of the degrading of the Levites, that went astray, assigning them inferior posts and service in the house of God, Eze 44:10-14 and of the establishment of the sons of Zadok in their ministry, who were faithful, Eze 44:15,16, then follow various laws relating to their garments; shaving of their heads; drinking wine; their marriage; performance of their ministerial work; their regard to the dead, and their food and maintenance, Eze 44:17-31.

Cross References

• 1. 2 Chronicles 29:34
• 2. Numbers 3:5-37; S Numbers 16:9; S 1 Chronicles 26:12-19
• 3. S Jeremiah 18:15
• 4. Psalms 106:26
• 5. 2 Kings 16:10-16; Jeremiah 14:10
• 6. S Ezekiel 16:61
• 7. Numbers 18:3; Hosea 5:1
• 8. Numbers 18:4; 1 Samuel 2:36; 2 Kings 23:9; S 1 Chronicles 23:28-32