Ezekiel 46:16-24

content/bible_journal/ezekiel_46:16-24.md

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+title = "Ezekiel 46:16–24"
+date = "2023-07-18"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel46.16-24)
+
+In between these sections about offerings and how they are prepared, we are
+told how the prince is to treat his inheritance, that is, the land that is set
+aside for him. Specifically, he must keep it within his family, just as the
+land allotted to other families must stay with them. If any land is ever signed
+over to another person, it can only be kept until the year of liberty, when all
+debts are erased, slaves are freed, and collateral is returned. This had
+actually been the law since the time of Moses, but there had never been any
+evidence that Israel ever observed it.
+
+There also are admonitions that the prince must not evict anyone off the
+property they own and take it for himself. This was apparently a large problem
+throughout Israel's history, and the Lord wants to reiterate how inappropriate
+it was for the leader of the people to use his power for his own gain at the
+expense of his people.
+
+The final descriptions and measurements of the temple are given at the end of
+the chapter. Ezekiel is shown the kitchens of the temple where the grain
+offerings are baked and the sin and guilt offerings are boiled for the priests
+to eat. These are at the far western end of the inner court, as far from the
+outer court as possible. The outer court has four corners where the sacrificial
+meat for the rest of the people were to be prepared. Worship in Old Testament
+times involved communal meals as well as sacrifice and prayer.
+
+* * *
+
+Your laws and precepts declare Your holiness and benefit all Your people.