Ezekiel 40:46

And the chamber whose prospect [is] toward the north [is] for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these [are] the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

And the chamber {H3957} whose prospect {H6440} is toward {H1870} the north {H6828} is for the priests {H3548}, the keepers {H8104} of the charge {H4931} of the altar {H4196}: these are the sons {H1121} of Zadok {H6659} among the sons {H1121} of Levi {H3878}, which come near {H7131} to the LORD {H3068} to minister {H8334} unto him.

while the room facing north is for the cohanim in charge of the altar; these are the descendants of Tzadok, who are the descendants of Levi designated to approach ADONAI and serve him."

and the chamber that faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, the only Levites who may approach the LORD to minister before Him.”

and the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok, who from among the sons of Levi come near to Jehovah to minister unto him.

Ezekiel 40:46 is part of Ezekiel's grand vision of a new temple, described in chapters 40-48. This specific verse details the purpose of a particular chamber within this elaborate, divinely revealed structure and identifies the priests designated to serve there.

Context

Following the destruction of the first Temple and the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is given a prophetic vision of a new, idealized temple, far more magnificent and orderly than the previous one. This vision, starting in Ezekiel 40:1, provided hope for Israel's restoration and a renewed, pure worship of God. Verse 46 focuses on the precise arrangement for the priestly service, emphasizing the importance of specific roles and locations within this future spiritual center.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Holiness: The meticulous detail given to the temple's layout and the specific roles of its personnel underscores God's desire for perfect order and absolute holiness in worship. Every aspect, from the chambers to the assigned priests, is designed to facilitate pure and acceptable service to the Lord.
  • The Distinction of the Zadokite Priesthood: The verse explicitly states that the chamber is for "the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi." This highlights a significant distinction within the Levitical priesthood. The descendants of Zadok were recognized for their loyalty and faithfulness during critical periods in Israel's history, notably serving King David (e.g., 1 Kings 2:35). In Ezekiel's vision, they are given the privileged position of being "keepers of the charge of the altar" and those who "come near to the LORD to minister unto him," signifying their unique access and responsibility in the most sacred duties. This distinction is further elaborated upon in Ezekiel 44:15-16.
  • Intimate Service and Access to God: The phrase "come near to the LORD to minister unto him" emphasizes the profound privilege and sacred duty of these priests. Their role was not merely ceremonial but involved a consecrated proximity to God's presence, facilitating the spiritual life of the nation through the sacrificial system.

Linguistic Insights

The name Zadok (צָדֹוק - Tsadok) means "righteous" or "just." This etymological meaning underscores the character and faithfulness that distinguished this priestly line and made them uniquely qualified for the intimate service described in the vision. Their lineage was associated with adherence to God's commands.

Practical Application

While the detailed temple vision of Ezekiel is largely understood to be symbolic or eschatological, its principles offer timeless truths for believers today:

  • Faithful Service is Valued: Just as the sons of Zadok were honored for their faithfulness, God values dedication and purity in our service. Our "charge" is to serve Him with integrity in whatever capacity we are called.
  • Drawing Near to God: The New Covenant, established through Christ, offers all believers direct access to God. We are called a "royal priesthood," able to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22). This verse reminds us of the privilege and responsibility of this access.
  • Purity in Worship: The meticulous standards for the Zadokite priests reflect God's unchanging demand for holiness from those who approach Him. Our worship and service should be offered with reverence and a pure heart.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 44:15

    But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD:

  • Ezekiel 43:19

    And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.

  • 1 Kings 2:35

    ¶ And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his room over the host: and Zadok the priest did the king put in the room of Abiathar.

  • Numbers 18:5

    And ye shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar: that there be no wrath any more upon the children of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 48:11

    [It shall be] for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.

  • Numbers 16:5

    And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

  • Leviticus 10:3

    ¶ Then Moses said unto Aaron, This [is it] that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.

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