Ezekiel 44:15-31

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_44:15-31.md

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+title = "Ezekiel 44:15–31"
+date = "2023-07-12"
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+
+### [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.