Ezekiel 44 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Ezekiel 44 meaning explained in AI Summary

This chapter focuses on the holiness of God's temple and the restoration of proper worship after the exile.

1. The Closed Eastern Gate (vv. 1-3): The outer eastern gate of the temple is shut, symbolizing God's judgment and the end of idolatry. It will remain closed because the Lord has entered through it and declared it holy.

2. Rebuke of the Princes (vv. 4-9): Ezekiel rebukes the Israelite leaders for allowing foreigners to defile the sanctuary by performing priestly duties. This highlights the importance of maintaining the separation between the holy and the profane.

3. The Punishment and Role of the Levites (vv. 10-14): Because the Levites strayed from God and participated in idolatry, they are demoted from their priestly roles. They will serve in the temple, but in a lesser capacity, performing menial tasks. This emphasizes the consequences of unfaithfulness.

4. The Responsibilities of the Zadokite Priests (vv. 15-31): In contrast, the Zadokite priests, who remained faithful to God, are given exclusive rights to approach the altar and offer sacrifices. They are to teach the people the difference between the holy and the profane and serve as judges in religious matters. This underscores the importance of faithfulness and purity in worship.

5. Regulations for the Priests (vv. 15-31): Specific regulations are given for the priests, including their clothing, marriage practices, and interactions with the dead. These rules emphasize their holiness and separation from defilement.

Overall Message:

Ezekiel 44 emphasizes the sanctity of God's presence and the need for purity and faithfulness in worship. It highlights the consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness while offering hope for restoration through proper worship led by a consecrated priesthood. The chapter serves as a blueprint for the future temple and a reminder of the importance of honoring God in all aspects of life.

Ezekiel 44 bible study ai commentary

The central theme of Ezekiel 44 is the re-establishment of divine order and absolute holiness in worship, centered on the glorious presence of God. Following the vision of God's glory returning to the temple, this chapter lays out the practical implications. It details strict regulations for access to the sanctuary, particularly through the permanently shut East Gate, and radically restructures the priesthood. A clear line is drawn between the demoted Levites, punished for past idolatry, and the exalted sons of Zadok, rewarded for their faithfulness. The chapter is a blueprint for a purified community and ministry, where separation, purity, and unwavering loyalty to Yahweh are the non-negotiable requirements for drawing near to Him.

Ezekiel 44 context

This vision was given to Ezekiel and the Judean exiles in Babylon. They were living with the memory of the first temple, which had been desecrated by idolatry (Ezekiel 8) and ultimately destroyed. The laws in this chapter are both a critique of Israel's past failures and a divine blueprint for future, ideal worship. They are designed to instill hope for restoration while simultaneously serving as a solemn warning against repeating the sins that led to exile. The emphasis on Zadok's line reflects historical priestly divisions and legitimizes the group that was considered faithful during the monarchy's decline.

Ezekiel 44:1-3

Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut. And the LORD said to me, “This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut. Only the prince may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD. He shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way.”

In-depth-analysis

The Shut East Gate: The gate through which Yahweh's glory returned (Eze 43:1-4) is now permanently sealed.
- Significance: It powerfully symbolizes the permanent, abiding presence of God. Unlike the first temple, where the glory departed (Eze 10:19), it will not leave again. It consecrates the gate beyond human use.
Polemic: This directly refutes any notion of God's presence being temporary or accessible on human terms. In many ancient Near Eastern religions, kings or high priests would perform ritual entries through main gates, but here, not even the prince can use the main passage, showing God's supreme and unique holiness.
The Prince (nasi'): This is a key figure in Ezekiel 40-48. He is a political leader, likely of the Davidic line, but his authority is limited.
- He is not a priest and cannot enter the inner court.
- His worship is confined to the gateway, where he eats a sacred meal "before the LORD," signifying fellowship but also distance.
- This figure contrasts with pre-exilic kings who often overstepped their authority and interfered with priestly functions.

Bible references

Ezekiel 43:2-4: ...the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the east... and the glory of the LORD entered the temple by the gate facing east. (The reason the gate is now holy and shut).
Genesis 3:24: ...at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim... to guard the way to the tree of life. (Guarding access to a holy place from the east is a primeval theme).
Ezekiel 46:1-2: Thus says the Lord GOD: The gate of the inner court that faces east shall be shut... but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened... The prince shall enter... (Further details on the prince's specific, limited access).
Revelation 21:27: But nothing unclean will ever enter it... (The principle of holy access into God's presence culminates in the New Jerusalem).

Cross references

Eze 10:19 (glory departing east); Rev 3:7 (He who opens and no one will shut); Zech 6:12-13 (the Branch will build the temple and rule); John 10:9 (Jesus as the only door/gate).

Ezekiel 44:4-5

Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple, and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple of the LORD. And I fell on my face. And the LORD said to me, “Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I shall tell you concerning all the statutes of the house of the LORD and all its laws. And mark well the entrance to the temple and all the exits from the sanctuary.

In-depth-analysis

Glory Fills the Temple: Ezekiel is again confronted by the overwhelming kavod (heavy, glorious presence) of Yahweh, causing him to fall in prostration. This is the source and reason for all the laws that follow.
Mark Well: The command to "mark well" (Hebrew: sim leb, literally "set your heart/mind") is repeated, emphasizing the critical importance of these regulations. Past disregard for God's ordinances led to the temple's destruction; future fidelity is paramount.
Focus on Boundaries: The instruction to pay close attention to all entrances and exits highlights the chapter's theme of separation and controlled access. Holiness requires clearly defined boundaries.

Bible references

Ezekiel 1:28: ...This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell on my face... (Ezekiel's consistent reaction to God's glory).
1 Kings 8:10-11: ...the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. And the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud... (The similar event at the dedication of Solomon's Temple).
Exodus 40:34-35: Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. (The precedent set with the first sanctuary).

Cross references

Eze 3:23 (Ezekiel falling on his face); Isa 6:1-5 (Isaiah's reaction to God's holiness); Rev 1:17 (John's reaction to the glorified Christ).

Ezekiel 44:6-9

“And you shall say to the rebellious house, to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: O house of Israel, enough of all your abominations, in admitting foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and flesh, to be in my sanctuary, profaning my temple, when you offer to me my food, the fat and the blood. You have broken my covenant, in addition to all your abominations. And you have not kept charge of my holy things, but you have set others to keep my charge in my sanctuary for you.“Thus says the Lord GOD: No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and flesh, shall enter my sanctuary, of all the foreigners who are among the people of Israel.

In-depth-analysis

Rebellious House: This sharp address identifies the core problem: Israel's chronic rebellion and idolatry.
Abomination of Foreigners: The primary charge is allowing foreigners—specifically those "uncircumcised in heart and flesh"—to serve in the sanctuary. This defiled God's house. It was likely a practice of paganizing kings to hire foreign mercenaries or temple personnel.
Uncircumcised in Heart ('arel leb): This is the crucial phrase. The prohibition is not merely ethnic; it is spiritual. Physical circumcision without internal purity and devotion is meaningless. God demands total consecration.
Broken Covenant: This failure was not a minor infraction but a fundamental breach of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh.

Polemics

This is a direct indictment of the policies of kings like Solomon (who built high places for his foreign wives' gods) and especially Manasseh (2 Kings 21), who filled the temple with foreign cults and practices. It corrects the pre-exilic syncretism where political convenience and pagan influence were allowed to corrupt Yahweh's worship.

Bible references

Deuteronomy 10:16: Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. (The foundational OT call for inner purity).
Acts 7:51: “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit.” (Stephen uses Ezekiel's exact language to condemn the religious leaders of his day).
Nehemiah 13:4-9: ...Eliashib the priest... was allied to Tobiah... and I came to Jerusalem and I found out the evil that Eliashib had done... I was very angry, and I threw all the household furniture of Tobiah out of the chamber. (The post-exilic historical application of this principle).
Ephesians 2:11-12: ...remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise... (The state of Gentiles before Christ, who breaks down the dividing wall).

Cross references

Lev 22:25 (foreigners not to provide offerings); Jer 9:25-26 (judgement on the circumcised with uncircumcised hearts); Acts 21:28 (Paul being falsely accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple).

Ezekiel 44:10-14

“But the Levites who went far from me, going astray from me after their idols when Israel went astray, shall bear their punishment. They shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge at the gates of the temple and ministering in the temple. They shall kill the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before the people, to minister to them. Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have sworn concerning them, declares the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their punishment. They shall not come near to me, to serve me as priest...

In-depth-analysis

The Demoted Levites: This section pronounces judgment on the general body of Levites who participated in or facilitated idolatry at the "high places" throughout Israel.
Their Punishment and Role: They are not entirely excluded, but permanently demoted.
- Permitted: They can serve as gatekeepers, temple guards, and assistants who slaughter the peoples' sacrifices.
- Prohibited: They are barred from the most sacred duties—approaching God's altar, handling the holy offerings, or entering the Holy Place. They cannot function as priests.
Stumbling Block of Iniquity: Their sin was not just personal; they led the people astray. Their reduced role is a perpetual, public reminder of the consequences of ministerial unfaithfulness. This corresponds to the actions of Josiah in 2 Kings 23:8-9, who brought the priests from the high places to Jerusalem but did not allow them to serve at the main altar.

Bible references

2 Kings 23:9: However, the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the LORD in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers. (A direct historical precedent for Ezekiel's vision).
Numbers 18:2-3: And with you bring your brothers, the tribe of Levi... they shall minister to you and to the whole tent, but they shall not come near the vessels of the sanctuary or the altar, lest they, and you, die. (Reaffirming the original roles, but now with a punitive re-stratification within the Levites).
1 Timothy 3:6: He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. (A NT principle that leadership requires proven faithfulness).

Cross references

1 Kings 12:31 (Jeroboam's sin of appointing non-Levitical priests); Mal 2:8 (priests causing many to stumble).

Ezekiel 44:15-16

“But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the people of Israel went astray from me, shall come near to me to minister to me. And they shall stand before me to offer me the fat and the blood, declares the Lord GOD. They shall enter my sanctuary, and they shall approach my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.

In-depth-analysis

The Exalted Zadokites: In stark contrast, the sons of Zadok are confirmed as the only legitimate line for the priesthood proper.
Their Reward: Their faithfulness during Israel's apostasy is remembered and rewarded with exclusive access to the holiest duties:
- "Come near to me": The very essence of the priesthood.
- "Offer... fat and blood": The most vital parts of the sacrifice.
- "Approach my table": A reference to the altar of burnt offering or the table of showbread; an intimate act of service.
Historical Context: This legitimizes the priestly line that began when Solomon deposed Abiathar (from the line of Eli) and installed Zadok as the sole high priest (1 Kings 2:27, 35). This vision gives that historical event a divine, theological seal of approval for the future.

Bible references

1 Kings 2:35: And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada over the army in his place, and the king put Zadok the priest in the place of Abiathar. (The historical establishment of the Zadokite line).
1 Samuel 2:35: And I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who shall do according to what is in my heart and in my mind. And I will build him a sure house... (The prophecy against Eli's house, which is seen as fulfilled in Zadok).
Hebrews 7:25: Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him... (Christ as the ultimate faithful high priest who grants true access to God).

Cross references

Eze 40:46; 43:19; 48:11 (Consistent exaltation of Zadokites in the vision).

Ezekiel 44:17-27

This section outlines the specific, strict regulations for the serving Zadokite priests, emphasizing purity and separation.

17-19: Garments and Separation
Linen Only: They must wear linen garments in the inner court. Wool is forbidden because it causes sweat. Sweat is a symbol of human toil under the curse (Gen 3:19) and impurity, whereas linen symbolizes righteousness and purity (Rev 19:8).
Disrobing: They must remove their holy garments in designated chambers before entering the outer court. This prevents the "transference" of holiness to common people, which would improperly and dangerously consecrate them. Holiness is powerful and must be carefully mediated.20-22: Personal Conduct
Hair: No baldness (pagan mourning rite) or long, untamed hair (Nazarite vow or vanity), but trimmed hair. This represents order, moderation, and control.
Wine: Prohibited before entering the inner court to ensure sobriety and sound judgment in holy matters (Lev 10:9).
Marriage: Stricter rules than for general priests in Leviticus. They must marry Israelite virgins or widows of other priests. This elevates their required purity to the level of the Mosaic High Priest (Lev 21:13-14), signifying the high status of all serving Zadokites.23-27: Duties and Defilement
Teaching: They have a didactic role to teach the people the difference between holy/common and clean/unclean.
Judging: They are to preside as judges in disputes, ruling according to God's law.
Defilement: Rules for corpse defilement are given, restricting contact to only the closest family members. Afterward, a seven-day purification and a sin offering are required before they can resume service.

Bible references

Exodus 28:39-42: You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen... (The original command for priestly linen garments).
Revelation 19:8: ...it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. (The symbolic meaning of linen in the NT).
Leviticus 10:9-11: “Drink no wine or strong drink... when you go into the tent of meeting... you are to distinguish between the holy and the common...” (The direct Mosaic precedent for abstinence and the teaching role).
Leviticus 21:13-14: And he [the High Priest] shall take a wife in her virginity... (The Mosaic law for the High Priest, now applied to all Zadokites).

Cross references

Hag 2:12 ('If someone carries holy meat...'); Mal 2:7 (a priest's lips should guard knowledge); Deut 17:8-9 (priests as supreme judges); Num 19:11-13 (laws of corpse defilement).

Ezekiel 44:28-31

“This shall be their inheritance: I am their inheritance. And you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession. They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs. And the first of all the firstfruits of all kinds, and every offering of all kinds from all your offerings, shall belong to the priests... that a blessing may rest on your house. The priests shall not eat of anything, whether bird or beast, that has died of itself or is torn by beasts.”

In-depth-analysis

God as Inheritance: The priests receive no territorial allotment of land. Their inheritance and possession is Yahweh Himself. This is the ultimate spiritual provision and signifies their complete dependence on and devotion to Him.
Physical Provision: Their sustenance comes directly from the peoples' worship: portions of the sacrifices and the firstfruits (bikkurim). This system binds the priesthood and the laity together in mutual dependence.
Blessing for the Laity: The text explicitly states that providing for the priests brings a "blessing" upon the household of the one giving. Supporting God's ordained ministry is an avenue of divine blessing.
Dietary Laws: They must adhere to the strictest dietary laws, not even eating animals that died naturally or were killed by predators, reinforcing their commitment to the highest standard of purity.

Bible references

Numbers 18:20: And the LORD said to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land... I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel.” (The foundational statement of the priests' divine inheritance).
Deuteronomy 18:1-2: The Levitical priests, all the tribe of Levi, shall have no portion or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the LORD’s food offerings as their inheritance. (Reiteration in Deuteronomy).
Malachi 3:10: Bring the full tithe into the storehouse... and thereby put me to the test... if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. (The principle that giving to God's work brings divine blessing).
1 Corinthians 9:13-14: Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple... In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. (Paul applies this principle to the support of NT ministers).

Cross references

Neh 10:35-37 (post-exilic covenant to bring firstfruits); Lev 22:8 (priestly dietary law); Php 3:8 (counting all as loss for the sake of Christ).

Ezekiel chapter 44 analysis

Gradations of Holiness: This chapter masterfully illustrates the concept of graded holiness, which radiates from God himself. There is a hierarchy of space (Holy of Holies > Inner Court > Outer Court) and of persons (Yahweh > Zadokites > Levites > Israelites > Foreigners). Each level has different regulations and levels of access, teaching that approaching the infinitely holy God is a mediated and carefully controlled process.
The Priesthood and Christ: While Ezekiel details a restored Aaronic/Zadokite priesthood, the New Testament declares it fulfilled and superseded by Christ. Jesus is the great High Priest from the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7), who is both perfectly holy and offers a final, perfect sacrifice. The Zadokites, in their faithfulness and exclusive right to approach God, serve as a type or foreshadowing of Christ.
The Priesthood of All Believers: The principles of holiness in Ezekiel 44 are reapplied to all Christians in the NT. Believers are called a "holy priesthood" and a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5, 9), tasked with offering "spiritual sacrifices." The requirements of purity, separation from the world's defilement, teaching God's truth, and living a life wholly set apart for God are spiritualized and extended to every member of the Church. The regulations of Ezekiel 44 thus become a powerful metaphor for the sanctification required of all who are in Christ.
Interpretive Tension (Literal vs. Symbolic): The presence of animal sacrifices in this temple vision creates a major theological question for Christians, as the book of Hebrews stresses the finality of Christ's sacrifice.
- Dispensational view: This temple will be literally built during a future millennium, and the sacrifices will be memorial in nature, looking back on Christ's work, much like the Lord's Supper does now.
- Symbolic view: The entire vision is a symbolic portrait of perfect worship. It uses the familiar language and imagery of the Old Covenant to describe spiritual realities fulfilled in Christ, the Church, and ultimately in the eternal state (the New Jerusalem of Revelation 21-22), where there is no temple because God Himself is the temple.

Ezekiel 44 summary

Ezekiel 44 establishes the rules of holiness for the new temple. It begins with the East Gate, shut forever because God's glory entered through it, symbolizing His permanent presence. This necessitates a new order: foreigners are barred, unfaithful Levites are demoted to lesser tasks as a consequence of their past idolatry, and only the faithful sons of Zadok are permitted to serve as priests at the altar. The chapter concludes by detailing the Zadokites' strict requirements for purity in dress, personal conduct, marriage, and diet, clarifying that their true inheritance is not land but God Himself, who is their provision and possession.

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Ezekiel 44 AI Image Audio and Video

Ezekiel chapter 44 kjv

¹ Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut.
² Then said the LORD unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the LORD, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut.
³ It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.
⁴ Then brought he me the way of the north gate before the house: and I looked, and, behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD: and I fell upon my face.
⁵ And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD, and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary.
⁶ And thou shalt say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; O ye house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,
⁷ In that ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.
⁸ And ye have not kept the charge of mine holy things: but ye have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves.
⁹ Thus saith the Lord GOD; No stranger, uncircumcised in heart, nor uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any stranger that is among the children of Israel.
¹⁰ And the Levites that are gone away far from me, when Israel went astray, which went astray away from me after their idols; they shall even bear their iniquity.
¹¹ Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them.
¹² Because they ministered unto them before their idols, and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; therefore have I lifted up mine hand against them, saith the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their iniquity.
¹³ And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy place: but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed.
¹⁴ But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein.
¹⁵ But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD:
¹⁶ They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.
¹⁷ And it shall come to pass, that when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.
¹⁸ They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat.
¹⁹ And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered, and lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.
²⁰ Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.
²¹ Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.
²² Neither shall they take for their wives a widow, nor her that is put away: but they shall take maidens of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow that had a priest before.
²³ And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
²⁴ And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.
²⁵ And they shall come at no dead person to defile themselves: but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for brother, or for sister that hath had no husband, they may defile themselves.
²⁶ And after he is cleansed, they shall reckon unto him seven days.
²⁷ And in the day that he goeth into the sanctuary, unto the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, saith the Lord GOD.
²⁸ And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.
²⁹ They shall eat the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering: and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.
³⁰ And the first of all the firstfruits of all things, and every oblation of all, of every sort of your oblations, shall be the priest's: ye shall also give unto the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in thine house.
³¹ The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast.

Ezekiel chapter 44 nkjv

¹ Then He brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary which faces toward the east, but it was shut.
² And the LORD said to me, "This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the LORD God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut.
³ As for the prince, because he is the prince, he may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD; he shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gateway, and go out the same way."
⁴ Also He brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple; so I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD; and I fell on my face.
⁵ And the LORD said to me, "Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes and hear with your ears, all that I say to you concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD and all its laws. Mark well who may enter the house and all who go out from the sanctuary.
⁶ "Now say to the rebellious, to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "O house of Israel, let Us have no more of all your abominations.
⁷ When you brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in My sanctuary to defile it?My house?and when you offered My food, the fat and the blood, then they broke My covenant because of all your abominations.
⁸ And you have not kept charge of My holy things, but you have set others to keep charge of My sanctuary for you."
⁹ Thus says the Lord GOD: "No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart or uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter My sanctuary, including any foreigner who is among the children of Israel.
¹⁰ "And the Levites who went far from Me, when Israel went astray, who strayed away from Me after their idols, they shall bear their iniquity.
¹¹ Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary, as gatekeepers of the house and ministers of the house; they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them.
¹² Because they ministered to them before their idols and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity, therefore I have raised My hand in an oath against them," says the Lord GOD, "that they shall bear their iniquity.
¹³ And they shall not come near Me to minister to Me as priest, nor come near any of My holy things, nor into the Most Holy Place; but they shall bear their shame and their abominations which they have committed.
¹⁴ Nevertheless I will make them keep charge of the temple, for all its work, and for all that has to be done in it.
¹⁵ "But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who kept charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near Me to minister to Me; and they shall stand before Me to offer to Me the fat and the blood," says the Lord GOD.
¹⁶ "They shall enter My sanctuary, and they shall come near My table to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge.
¹⁷ And it shall be, whenever they enter the gates of the inner court, that they shall put on linen garments; no wool shall come upon them while they minister within the gates of the inner court or within the house.
¹⁸ They shall have linen turbans on their heads and linen trousers on their bodies; they shall not clothe themselves with anything that causes sweat.
¹⁹ When they go out to the outer court, to the outer court to the people, they shall take off their garments in which they have ministered, leave them in the holy chambers, and put on other garments; and in their holy garments they shall not sanctify the people.
²⁰ "They shall neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow long, but they shall keep their hair well trimmed.
²¹ No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court.
²² They shall not take as wife a widow or a divorced woman, but take virgins of the descendants of the house of Israel, or widows of priests.
²³ "And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
²⁴ In controversy they shall stand as judges, and judge it according to My judgments. They shall keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed meetings, and they shall hallow My Sabbaths.
²⁵ "They shall not defile themselves by coming near a dead person. Only for father or mother, for son or daughter, for brother or unmarried sister may they defile themselves.
²⁶ After he is cleansed, they shall count seven days for him.
²⁷ And on the day that he goes to the sanctuary to minister in the sanctuary, he must offer his sin offering in the inner court," says the Lord GOD.
²⁸ "It shall be, in regard to their inheritance, that I am their inheritance. You shall give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession.
²⁹ They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering; every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs.
³⁰ The best of all firstfruits of any kind, and every sacrifice of any kind from all your sacrifices, shall be the priest's; also you shall give to the priest the first of your ground meal, to cause a blessing to rest on your house.
³¹ The priests shall not eat anything, bird or beast, that died naturally or was torn by wild beasts.

Ezekiel chapter 44 niv

¹ Then the man brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, the one facing east, and it was shut.
² The LORD said to me, "This gate is to remain shut. It must not be opened; no one may enter through it. It is to remain shut because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered through it.
³ The prince himself is the only one who may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the LORD. He is to enter by way of the portico of the gateway and go out the same way."
⁴ Then the man brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple. I looked and saw the glory of the LORD filling the temple of the LORD, and I fell facedown.
⁵ The LORD said to me, "Son of man, look carefully, listen closely and give attention to everything I tell you concerning all the regulations and instructions regarding the temple of the LORD. Give attention to the entrance to the temple and all the exits of the sanctuary.
⁶ Say to rebellious Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Enough of your detestable practices, people of Israel!
⁷ In addition to all your other detestable practices, you brought foreigners uncircumcised in heart and flesh into my sanctuary, desecrating my temple while you offered me food, fat and blood, and you broke my covenant.
⁸ Instead of carrying out your duty in regard to my holy things, you put others in charge of my sanctuary.
⁹ This is what the Sovereign LORD says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh is to enter my sanctuary, not even the foreigners who live among the Israelites.
¹⁰ "?'The Levites who went far from me when Israel went astray and who wandered from me after their idols must bear the consequences of their sin.
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.
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.
¹⁷ "?'When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen clothes; they must not wear any woolen garment while ministering at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple.
¹⁸ They are to wear linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They must not wear anything that makes them perspire.
¹⁹ When they go out into the outer court where the people are, they are to take off the clothes they have been ministering in and are to leave them in the sacred rooms, and put on other clothes, so that the people are not consecrated through contact with their garments.
²⁰ "?'They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long, but they are to keep the hair of their heads trimmed.
²¹ No priest is to drink wine when he enters the inner court.
²² They must not marry widows or divorced women; they may marry only virgins of Israelite descent or widows of priests.
²³ They are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
²⁴ "?'In any dispute, the priests are to serve as judges and decide it according to my ordinances. They are to keep my laws and my decrees for all my appointed festivals, and they are to keep my Sabbaths holy.
²⁵ "?'A priest must not defile himself by going near a dead person; however, if the dead person was his father or mother, son or daughter, brother or unmarried sister, then he may defile himself.
²⁶ After he is cleansed, he must wait seven days.
²⁷ On the day he goes into the inner court of the sanctuary to minister in the sanctuary, he is to offer a sin offering for himself, declares the Sovereign LORD.
²⁸ "?'I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession.
²⁹ They will eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings and the guilt offerings; and everything in Israel devoted to the LORD will belong to them.
³⁰ The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household.
³¹ The priests must not eat anything, whether bird or animal, found dead or torn by wild animals.

Ezekiel chapter 44 esv

¹ Then he brought me back to the outer gate of the sanctuary, which faces east. And it was shut.
² And the LORD said to me, "This gate shall remain shut; it shall not be opened, and no one shall enter by it, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered by it. Therefore it shall remain shut.
³ Only the prince may sit in it to eat bread before the LORD. He shall enter by way of the vestibule of the gate, and shall go out by the same way."
⁴ Then he brought me by way of the north gate to the front of the temple, and I looked, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple of the LORD. And I fell on my face.
⁵ And the LORD said to me, "Son of man, mark well, see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I shall tell you concerning all the statutes of the temple of the LORD and all its laws. And mark well the entrance to the temple and all the exits from the sanctuary.
⁶ And say to the rebellious house, to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: O house of Israel, enough of all your abominations,
⁷ in admitting foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and flesh, to be in my sanctuary, profaning my temple, when you offer to me my food, the fat and the blood. You have broken my covenant, in addition to all your abominations.
⁸ And you have not kept charge of my holy things, but you have set others to keep my charge for you in my sanctuary.
⁹ "Thus says the Lord GOD: No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and flesh, of all the foreigners who are among the people of Israel, shall enter my sanctuary.
¹⁰ But the Levites who went far from me, going astray from me after their idols when Israel went astray, shall bear their punishment.
¹¹ They shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having oversight at the gates of the temple and ministering in the temple. They shall slaughter the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before the people, to minister to them.
¹² Because they ministered to them before their idols and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel, therefore I have sworn concerning them, declares the Lord GOD, and they shall bear their punishment.
¹³ They shall not come near to me, to serve me as priest, nor come near any of my holy things and the things that are most holy, but they shall bear their shame and the abominations that they have committed.
¹⁴ Yet I will appoint them to keep charge of the temple, to do all its service and all that is to be done in it.
¹⁵ "But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the people of Israel went astray from me, shall come near to me to minister to me. And they shall stand before me to offer me the fat and the blood, declares the Lord GOD.
¹⁶ They shall enter my sanctuary, and they shall approach my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.
¹⁷ When they enter the gates of the inner court, they shall wear linen garments. They shall have nothing of wool on them, while they minister at the gates of the inner court, and within.
¹⁸ They shall have linen turbans on their heads, and linen undergarments around their waists. They shall not bind themselves with anything that causes sweat.
¹⁹ And when they go out into the outer court to the people, they shall put off the garments in which they have been ministering and lay them in the holy chambers. And they shall put on other garments, lest they transmit holiness to the people with their garments.
²⁰ They shall not shave their heads or let their locks grow long; they shall surely trim the hair of their heads.
²¹ No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court.
²² They shall not marry a widow or a divorced woman, but only virgins of the offspring of the house of Israel, or a widow who is the widow of a priest.
²³ They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
²⁴ In a dispute, they shall act as judges, and they shall judge it according to my judgments. They shall keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed feasts, and they shall keep my Sabbaths holy.
²⁵ They shall not defile themselves by going near to a dead person. However, for father or mother, for son or daughter, for brother or unmarried sister they may defile themselves.
²⁶ After he has become clean, they shall count seven days for him.
²⁷ And on the day that he goes into the Holy Place, into the inner court, to minister in the Holy Place, he shall offer his sin offering, declares the Lord GOD.
²⁸ "This shall be their inheritance: I am their inheritance: and you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession.
²⁹ They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering, and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs.
³⁰ And the first of all the firstfruits of all kinds, and every offering of all kinds from all your offerings, shall belong to the priests. You shall also give to the priests the first of your dough, that a blessing may rest on your house.
³¹ The priests shall not eat of anything, whether bird or beast, that has died of itself or is torn by wild animals.

Ezekiel chapter 44 nlt

¹ Then the man brought me back to the east gateway in the outer wall of the Temple area, but it was closed.
² And the LORD said to me, "This gate must remain closed; it will never again be opened. No one will ever open it and pass through, for the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered here. Therefore, it must always remain shut.
³ Only the prince himself may sit inside this gateway to feast in the LORD's presence. But he may come and go only through the entry room of the gateway."
⁴ Then the man brought me through the north gateway to the front of the Temple. I looked and saw that the glory of the LORD filled the Temple of the LORD, and I fell face down on the ground.
⁵ And the LORD said to me, "Son of man, take careful notice. Use your eyes and ears, and listen to everything I tell you about the regulations concerning the LORD's Temple. Take careful note of the procedures for using the Temple's entrances and exits.
⁶ And give these rebels, the people of Israel, this message from the Sovereign LORD: O people of Israel, enough of your detestable sins!
⁷ You have brought uncircumcised foreigners into my sanctuary ? people who have no heart for God. In this way, you defiled my Temple even as you offered me my food, the fat and blood of sacrifices. In addition to all your other detestable sins, you have broken my covenant.
⁸ Instead of safeguarding my sacred rituals, you have hired foreigners to take charge of my sanctuary.
⁹ "So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: No foreigners, including those who live among the people of Israel, will enter my sanctuary if they have not been circumcised and have not surrendered themselves to the LORD.
¹⁰ And the men of the tribe of Levi who abandoned me when Israel strayed away from me to worship idols must bear the consequences of their unfaithfulness.
¹¹ They may still be Temple guards and gatekeepers, and they may slaughter the animals brought for burnt offerings and be present to help the people.
¹² But they encouraged my people to worship idols, causing Israel to fall into deep sin. So I have taken a solemn oath that they must bear the consequences for their sins, says the Sovereign LORD.
¹³ They may not approach me to minister as priests. They may not touch any of my holy things or the holy offerings, for they must bear the shame of all the detestable sins they have committed.
¹⁴ They are to serve as the Temple caretakers, taking charge of the maintenance work and performing general duties.
¹⁵ "However, the Levitical priests of the family of Zadok continued to minister faithfully in the Temple when Israel abandoned me for idols. These men will serve as my ministers. They will stand in my presence and offer the fat and blood of the sacrifices, says the Sovereign LORD.
¹⁶ They alone will enter my sanctuary and approach my table to serve me. They will fulfill all my requirements.
¹⁷ "When they enter the gateway to the inner courtyard, they must wear only linen clothing. They must wear no wool while on duty in the inner courtyard or in the Temple itself.
¹⁸ They must wear linen turbans and linen undergarments. They must not wear anything that would cause them to perspire.
¹⁹ When they return to the outer courtyard where the people are, they must take off the clothes they wear while ministering to me. They must leave them in the sacred rooms and put on other clothes so they do not endanger anyone by transmitting holiness to them through this clothing.
²⁰ "They must neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow too long. Instead, they must trim it regularly.
²¹ The priests must not drink wine before entering the inner courtyard.
²² They may choose their wives only from among the virgins of Israel or the widows of the priests. They may not marry other widows or divorced women.
²³ They will teach my people the difference between what is holy and what is common, what is ceremonially clean and unclean.
²⁴ "They will serve as judges to resolve any disagreements among my people. Their decisions must be based on my regulations. And the priests themselves must obey my instructions and decrees at all the sacred festivals, and see to it that the Sabbaths are set apart as holy days.
²⁵ "A priest must not defile himself by being in the presence of a dead person unless it is his father, mother, child, brother, or unmarried sister. In such cases it is permitted.
²⁶ Even then, he can return to his Temple duties only after being ceremonially cleansed and then waiting for seven days.
²⁷ The first day he returns to work and enters the inner courtyard and the sanctuary, he must offer a sin offering for himself, says the Sovereign LORD.
²⁸ "The priests will not have any property or possession of land, for I alone am their special possession.
²⁹ Their food will come from the gifts and sacrifices brought to the Temple by the people ? the grain offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings. Whatever anyone sets apart for the LORD will belong to the priests.
³⁰ The first of the ripe fruits and all the gifts brought to the LORD will go to the priests. The first batch of dough must also be given to the priests so the LORD will bless your homes.
³¹ The priests may not eat meat from any bird or animal that dies a natural death or that dies after being attacked by another animal.