Ezekiel 44:12-16

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.

15 “ ‘But the Levitical priests, who are descendants of Zadok and who guarded my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, are to come near to minister before me; they are to stand before me to offer sacrifices of fat and blood, declares the Sovereign LORD.

16 They alone are to enter my sanctuary; they alone are to come near my table to minister before me and serve me as guards.

Ezekiel 44:12-16 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. S Jeremiah 18:15
• 2. Psalms 106:26
• 3. 2 Kings 16:10-16; Jeremiah 14:10
• 4. S Ezekiel 16:61
• 5. Numbers 18:3; Hosea 5:1
• 6. Numbers 18:4; 1 Samuel 2:36; 2 Kings 23:9; S 1 Chronicles 23:28-32
• 7. S 2 Samuel 8:17; S Ezra 7:2
• 8. S Exodus 29:13
• 9. S Jeremiah 33:18; S Ezekiel 40:46; Zechariah 3:7
• 10. S Ezekiel 41:22
• 11. Leviticus 3:16-17; Leviticus 17:5-6; Numbers 18:5; S 1 Samuel 2:35; Zechariah 3:7