Ezekiel Chapter 44 Vs. 15-19

The Temple Ministers

Ezekiel 44:15-19

Then Ezekiel discussed the duties of the priests… of Zadok. The line of Zadok was one branch of the priestly line, a limited group of Levites. Zadok was appointed chief priest during Solomon’s reign (and hence over the first temple) because he faithfully supported Solomon as king (cf. 1Ki. 1:32-35; 2:26-27, 2:35). Though the people had sinned, the priests in Zadok’s line had remained faithful to God. So they will be restored to their position of honor. They are… to offer sacrifices (Eze. 44:15) and they alone are to enter the sanctuary and minister there. There were some who had not committed spiritual adultery with these idols and false gods. They will, now, take the offices of priest and high priest. The fat and the blood were God's alone. They were burned for the sweet smelling savor. These priests will serve as mediators between Israel and her God in much the same way as did the priests in Old Testament times.

This group of priests and high priest, that had not sinned, is welcomed into the sanctuary. They have clean hands and a pure heart. Notice that they minister to God.

This table is the altar of burnt offering.

These linen garments speak of the righteousness they are clothed in. They wore very plain linen clothes, when they came before God.

The fancy clothes were worn when the high priest represented God to the people. The linen garment was worn, when the high priest represented the people to God. We have nothing to offer God, but ourselves.

In verses 17-27 - “it shall come to pass”: Various standards govern priestly service, such as moderation v.20, and sobriety, v.21. They will model holy behavior as they teach the people to live their lives set apart to God.

Several Mosaic laws governing the priests were repeated by the Lord. The priestly vestments are to be made of linen (cf. Exo. 28:39-41). Linen is lighter than wool, which was not permitted because the priests must not wear anything that makes them perspire. The head has to do with the mind of man. The linen bonnet shows that man's mind offers nothing to God. The linen breeches covering the loins show extreme modesty. God did not want them wearing wool at all. The wool would cause them to sweat.



Before the priests go among the people in the outer court, they will change from the vestments they wear in ministering before the Lord. This will help people distinguish between the holy and the common. These linen garments were to be worn only in the most holy place. They were to be immediately taken off, after ministering in the most holy place. This was the reason for having the chambers close to the most holy place. They were to wear other garments, when they went out to the people.