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+title = "Ezekiel 44:1–14"
+date = "2023-07-11"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Ezekiel44.1-14)
+
+The Lord takes Ezekiel back to the eastern gate of the outer court, and he sees
+that it is now shut. The Lord explains that it will remain that way because He
+Himself used that gate to enter the temple, and no one else may use it any
+more, because it is set apart for Him. Instead, the prince of the city will use
+the gateway as a room to eat bread before the Lord. He will have to enter from
+the court and sit underneath the wall (which is thick enough to make a whole
+room when the outer gate is shut).
+
+Finally we are told the reasons for the priesthood to be restricted to the
+family of Zadok out of all the descendents of Aaron. During the long history of
+Israel, they were faithful to keep charge of the sanctuary while everyone else
+was following after foreign gods. At least part of reason for this going astray
+is attributed to foreigners being allowed in the temple. But before anyone gets
+riled up thinking the Lord is being racist, these foreigners are said to be
+"uncircumcised in heart and flesh" (_vv. 7 and 9_). This means they were not
+even approaching following the commandments of the Lord, they had not joined
+His covenant community, and thus had no business being inside the Lord's
+sanctuary, where not even the devout lay Israelites were supposed to go.
+Contrast these with the stories of Ruth, Rahab, and the wives of Joseph and
+Moses.
+
+Though the Levites and most of the priests led the people astray, they may
+still serve in the sanctuary, though the priests have been "demoted" to doing
+the same menial jobs as the Levites. They will slaughter the sacrifices, guard
+the gates, and minister to the people. But they will not go in to the Holy
+Place to minister before the Lord.
+
+* * *
+
+You are faithful to keep Your covenant and Your promises, even when we fail to
+uphold ours.