Ezekiel: For His GlorySample

The altar had been made ready for worship in the previous chapter. This chapter continues with details about access to it (vv. 1–3) and those who minister in the temple (vv. 4–31). 

The eastern gate is shut because Yahweh had returned through it (vv. 1–3). No one else can access the sacred area of the temple the same way that God had. The permanence of the gate’s closure reinforces God’s lasting residence among His people (cf. 43:6– 7). Nonetheless, the prince can enter the gatehouse to eat a sacred meal before Yahweh.

The theme of restriction of access appears in the next section (vv. 4–14; cf. 43:11). A failure to restrict access within the temple led to worship abuses in the past. Foreigners were allowed to act as guards in the temple (2 Kgs. 11:14– 19) but they are strictly forbidden now (v. 9). The Levites, as guards, will bar the entry of foreigners (vv. 10–11). Levites will also minister by slaughtering burnt offerings and sacrifices on behalf of the people. But this is a restricted role because they had been a stumbling-block to the people in Israel’s history (vv. 12–13). 

Those who were faithful to God, however, are granted the privilege of serving God Himself (vv. 15–31). The Zadokites can access the inner court and offer sacrifices at the altar. This is because of their faithful service in the past (vv. 15–16). They still have to follow certain regulations. There are restrictions on clothing, hair length, the drinking of wine, marriage partners, and proximity to corpses (vv. 17–27). Their duties include sacrificing, teaching, and judging (vv. 23–24). They are to model what they teach (v. 24). The Zadokites have no landed inheritance; Yahweh alone is their inheritance (v. 28; cf. Num. 26:52–62). Their support comes through the offerings of the people (vv. 29–31). 

In short, the Zadokites are to be particularly careful to remain holy because they minister directly before God. The Levites are involved in practical support and maintenance of the temple.

Reflection

This division of ministry between those whose service focuses more directly on God and those focusing more on support or practically helping people finds a correlation in the early church (Acts 6:1-6). The Apostles Paul and Peter make a similar broad division in gifting (Eph 4:11-12; 1 Peter 4:10-11). Thank God that He gives His people a variety of different but equally valuable gifts and skills in order to build up His church.