From 62a74a2c7f66c551b3ed6c5f71ea576e094ea2b6 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Lyle Mantooth Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 08:20:41 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Ezekiel 44:15-31 --- content/bible_journal/ezekiel_44:15-31.md | 42 +++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 42 insertions(+) create mode 100644 content/bible_journal/ezekiel_44:15-31.md diff --git a/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_44:15-31.md b/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_44:15-31.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d8e1a2c --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/ezekiel_44:15-31.md @@ -0,0 +1,42 @@ ++++ +title = "Ezekiel 44:15–31" +date = "2023-07-12" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel44.15-31) + +It suddenly strikes me that the Lord is emphasizing to Ezekiel that the priests +that serve in the temple are Levitical priests. Israel wasn't supposed to have +any other kind of priest, and it is very rare for the Bible to describe any +other kind. (Melchizedek in Genesis 14 is a very interesting exception; all +other priests either server false gods or falsely serve the Lord in disobedient +ways like the Levites in Judges 17–19.) Let's not forget all the reasons the +Lord has given for Israel's punishment and exile. The priests that had been +serving were letting the people go astray into idolatry and immorality. If +foreigners had been serving in the temple, maybe they were serving as priests, +too, which would be against the laws for the priesthood that Moses had been +given. + +We are told that Zadok's line is the one family of priests that will be allowed +to continue serving as priests in the new temple, for they were faithful to the +Lord. Zadok served as high priest during David's and Solomon's reign. Abiathar +was also high priest during David's reign, but was dismissed from service when +he supported Adonijah to be the next king instead of Solomon whom the Lord had +chosen. + +What follows is mostly a summary of the regulations regarding the priesthood: +how they should dress, whom they may marry, and what duties they have to the +community outside of worship services. These appear to be a reiteration of what +is found in the book of Leviticus, though I don't remember if there used to be +restrictions on the priests' hair styles before. + +Finally, there are instructions for the duties of the people towards the +priests. They are to support them financially through the sacrifices offered +because the priesthood is not given an inheritance of land among the other +tribes. The Lord Himself is their portion, and He provides for them out of the +offerings of the rest of the people. + +* * * + +Because of Your holiness, we cannot approach You on our own terms, but must +submit to Your decrees.