Ezekiel 42:14

When the priests enter therein, then shall they not go out of the holy [place] into the utter court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they [are] holy; and shall put on other garments, and shall approach to [those things] which [are] for the people.

When the priests {H3548} enter {H935} therein, then shall they not go out {H3318} of the holy {H6944} place into the utter {H2435} court {H2691}, but there they shall lay {H3240} their garments {H899} wherein they minister {H8334}; for they are holy {H6944}; and shall put {H3847}{H3847} on other {H312} garments {H899}, and shall approach {H7126} to those things which are for the people {H5971}.

When the cohanim come, they will not go out of the [Especially] Holy Place into the outer courtyard; rather, they will leave [in these rooms] the clothes they use when ministering, because they are holy. They will put on other clothes and only then approach the areas permitted to the people."

Once the priests have entered the holy area, they must not go out into the outer court until they have left behind the garments in which they minister, for these are holy. They are to put on other clothes before they approach the places that are for the people.”

When the priests enter in, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the outer court, but there they shall lay their garments wherein they minister; for they are holy: and they shall put on other garments, and shall approach to that which pertaineth to the people.

Commentary

Ezekiel 42:14 describes a specific regulation for the priests within the visionary temple that the prophet Ezekiel saw. This verse highlights the strict separation between the sacred and the common, emphasizing the profound holiness required for those serving God.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy and detailed vision given to Ezekiel, spanning chapters 40-48, which describes a magnificent new temple. This temple is often understood as a symbolic representation of God's perfect dwelling place, whether a literal future temple, a spiritual reality in the church, or the eternal state. The intricate rules, including those for the priests, underscore the purity and order that characterize God's presence. The immediate context of Ezekiel 42 details the chambers and courts surrounding the temple, setting the stage for priestly functions and the importance of distinguishing between the holy and the common.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Separation: The core message is the sanctity of priestly service and the objects used therein. The garments are "holy," meaning they are set apart for God's exclusive use. This necessitates a clear distinction between the sacred space and attire, and the common areas and activities.
  • Reverence for God's Presence: The requirement for priests to change their garments before leaving the inner, holy areas demonstrates profound respect for God's holiness and the sacredness of His dwelling. It prevents anything consecrated for divine service from being defiled or treated casually in the presence of the people.
  • Order and Ritual Purity: This regulation underscores the meticulous order God demands in worship and the importance of ritual purity for those who approach Him. Such detailed instructions ensured the integrity of the temple service and the proper conduct of the priests.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) signifies being set apart, consecrated, or dedicated to God. It implies an intrinsic purity and separateness from the common or profane. In this verse, it's applied directly to the priests' garments, underscoring their consecrated nature and the need to protect that sanctity.

Practical Application

While we do not minister in a physical temple with literal holy garments today, the principle of Ezekiel 42:14 remains highly relevant. It speaks to the need for believers, who are now called a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), to maintain a spiritual separation and reverence. Our lives, actions, and attitudes should reflect the holiness of God whom we serve. This means:

  • Distinguishing Sacred from Secular: Recognizing that while we live in the world, we are not "of the world" (John 17:16). There are aspects of our spiritual walk and service that are uniquely consecrated to God and should be guarded from worldly influences or casual treatment.
  • Integrity in Service: Approaching our spiritual duties and worship with intentionality and reverence, understanding that we are ministering before a holy God.
  • Transformation: Just as the priests changed garments, believers are called to "put on the new man" (Ephesians 4:24), shedding old ways and adopting a lifestyle consistent with their calling as God's holy people.

This verse reminds us that serving God requires a consecrated life, marked by reverence and a clear distinction between what is dedicated to Him and what is common.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 44:19

    And when they go forth into the utter court, [even] into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered, and lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.

  • Leviticus 8:7

    And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound [it] unto him therewith.

  • Zechariah 3:4

    And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

  • Zechariah 3:5

    And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by.

  • Isaiah 61:10

    ΒΆ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

  • Exodus 29:4

    And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

  • Exodus 29:9

    And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.
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