Ezekiel 44 Study Notes

44:12-14 The specific violation described in this verse (ministered to the house of Israel before their idols) is not clear. Suggestions include the sins of the priesthood during the incident of the golden calf (Ex 32) and the announced judgment against the house of Eli during the days of Samuel (1Sm 2).

44:15-16 The priest Zadok traced his Levitical lineage to Aaron through Aaron’s son Eleazar (1Ch 6:50-53). He served as priest under David, along with Abiathar (2Sm 8:17; 15:24-29; 20:25). He supported Solomon and thus secured for himself and his descendants the privilege of serving in the Jerusalem temple (1Kg 1). Zadok was appointed chief priest during Solomon’s reign (and hence over the first temple) because he supported Solomon as king (1Kg 1:32-35; 2:26-27,35).

44:17-22 When the Zadokites entered the sanctuary, they had to be appropriately dressed for service to God. Clothes made of wool were forbidden because this material caused the wearer to perspire. Sweat, like other bodily excretions, was considered defiling (Dt 23:11-13). Other rules also would govern their behavior.

44:23 On teach . . . the difference between the holy and the common, see a similar purpose for priests in Lv 10:10-11.

44:24 Priests functioned as judges early in Israel’s history (1Sm 4:18; see also 2Ch 19:8-11).

44:25-27 The same requirements for priests (may not come near a dead person) are found in the Mosaic law (Lv 21:1-3).

44:28-30 The statement that priests were not to own land (I am their inheritance) is identical to the Mosaic legislation (Nm 18:20,23-24; Dt 10:9; Jos 13:14,33; 18:7).

44:31 The priests were not allowed to eat anything that had been torn by a wild animal or was found dead (Lv 22:8; Dt 14:21).