Ezekiel 44
-Ezekiel is brought back by the way of the outer gate of the
sanctuary, which faces to the east, by the LORD. The gate was shut by decree of
the Almighty, not to be opened and with no one else entering by it, “for the
LORD God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut (Ezekiel
44:1-2).” Then there is talk of the prince. Whether this is the Messiah or
someone else is a matter of conjecture and interpretation. From the text it is
not completely clear. This prince will eat before the LORD, and he shall enter
by the way of the porch of the gate and shall go out the same way. He, if this
is the same prince, seems to be a mortal from the description in Ezekiel 46,
since he has an inheritance and sons (Ezekiel 46:16-18). Nonetheless, as
Ezekiel is brought by God by way of the north gate to the front of the Temple
house, he looked and saw the glory of the LORD filling the house of the LORD
causing him to fall on his face in holy reverence (Ezekiel 44:3-4). The LORD
speaks to him, “Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes and hear with your
ears all that I say to you concerning all the statutes of the house of the LORD
and concerning all its laws; and mark well the entrance of the house, with all
exits of the sanctuary (Ezekiel 44:5).” He goes further in telling His prophet
to speak to the rebellious house of Israel that the LORD says, “Enough of all
your abominations (Ezekiel 44:6).” He chastises them for allowing the
foreigners who were uncircumcised in heart and flesh to enter into His
sanctuary to profane it making His covenant with them void. God rightfully
accuses them of not keeping His charge of His holy things and letting these
foreign-pagan worshipers take control. The reiteration is made that no
foreigners that were allowed to live among the sons of Israel, who are
uncircumcised in heart or flesh, shall enter His sanctuary (Ezekiel 44:7-9).
Then the word of the LORD is critical toward the Levites who went far from Him
when Israel went astray after idols. They would bear the punishment for their
iniquity. Yet, they will still have ministerial duties and certain charges, but
their responsibilities certainly will be limited and in lesser capacities. They
were banished because they had been a stumbling block to the people and had
great iniquity before the LORD causing Him to swear against them. These will
not come before Him to serve as a priest unto God, nor will they come near His
most holy things. These will bear their shame and abominations, which they have
committed. However, in God’s grace they are not completely out of the Kingdom
(Ezekiel 44:10-14).
-The favored Levitical priests are the sons of Zadok, who
kept the LORD’s charge of His sanctuary even when the sons of Israel went
astray from their God. These are the ones who will be allowed to come before
Him in His holy places to stand before Him and offer Him the fat and the blood
by the LORD’s declaration. Their clothing will be linen with nothing that will
make them sweat as they minister in the inner court and in the house. No wool
is to be worn in the holy place. There are also strict hair codes as they are
not to have shaved heads, nor are they to let their locks grow long. They are
to keep their hair trimmed and neat, but not bald. They are not to have any
wine when they enter the inner court. They are not allowed to marry a widow
(except a widow of a priest) or a divorced woman. They are only allowed to take
virgins from the offspring of the house of Israel for marriage partners. They
have the charge of teaching the people the things of God in differentiation
between the holy and the profane. They will be responsible for helping people
discern the clean from the unclean. In disputes, the priests of Zadok will take
their stand to judge according to the Laws of the LORD, and they will keep all
of His appointed feasts and sanctify His Sabbaths. They shall not go to a dead
person to defile themselves, but there are some lawful exceptions here.
Cleansing rituals are reiterated and the proper ways to present offerings
before the LORD. Their inheritance will be from the LORD for He is their
possession, not land. They will eat from the sacrifices in abundance from every
devoted thing and first fruits contributions in Israel. In fact, the houses of
the Kingdom will be blessed as they bless the priests and their work before the
LORD (Ezekiel 44:15-31). These rites and rituals are from the Law of Moses
given in Exodus and Leviticus during the wilderness wanderings, but now they
come full circle in the eschaton. They represent the importance of approaching
the LORD God with respect and awe.
-*Application* Too often in our progressive times we
approach the King with flippancy and carelessness. He is holy and expects
holiness from His faithful subjects. Come before the Lord the right way with
reverence, awe, and appreciation in your worship. He is worthy!
Verses to Memorize:
Ezekiel 44:1-2
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