Laws Governing the Priest

Ezekiel 44:1–31
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After the temple was described, its daily operation was explained to Ezekiel. A new way of life and worship will be practiced by the people during the Millennium. Yet in describing the holy standards in Israel’s future worship, Ezekiel asked the people of his day to reevaluate their present practices. He explained the duties of the temple ministers (chap. 44).

Ezekiel had been standing in the inner court of the temple, receiving instructions about the altar. Now he was led out of the inner court to the east gate of the outer court, and it was shut (vv. 1-3). This gate at the outer court opened toward the Kidron Valley and the Mount of Olives. Ezekiel had just seen the Lord enter it on His return to His temple. As Ezekiel went back into the inner court by way of the north gate, he saw the glory of the Lord filling the temple of the Lord (vv. 4-9). The duties of the Levites for the new temple were explained to Ezekiel (vv. 10-14). Because of their sinful practices before Israel’s fall to Babylon, their position will be downgraded in the new temple from ministers to servants.

Then Ezekiel discussed the duties of the priests of Zadok (vv. 15-19). The line of Zadok was one branch of the priestly line, a limited group of Levites. Zadok was appointed chief priest during Solomon’s reign (and hence over the first temple) because he faithfully supported Solomon as king. Though the people had sinned, the priests in Zadok’s line had remained faithful to God. The priests must not shave their heads or let their hair grow long (vv. 20-23). Completely shaving one’s head or letting one’s hair go unkempt were signs of mourning (Lev. 10:6; 21:5, 10). The priests will serve as judges, and will follow God’s regulations regarding the feasts and Sabbaths (vv. 24-27).

To emphasize the priests’ position as the Lord’s ministers, God will not let them possess land in Israel outside the allotment surrounding the temple (vv. 28-31). The reason is that He will be the only inheritance the priests have. He will be their possession. God will take care of those who minister before Him (Deut. 18:1-5), by having them live off the sacrifices the people will bring to the temple.

Application

It is one thing to serve the Lord out of duty but I want to serve Him out of genuine love for Him.