Ezekiel 44:17

¶ And it shall come to pass, [that] when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.

And it shall come to pass, that when they enter {H935} in at the gates {H8179} of the inner {H6442} court {H2691}, they shall be clothed {H3847} with linen {H6593} garments {H899}; and no wool {H6785} shall come {H5927} upon them, whiles they minister {H8334} in the gates {H8179} of the inner {H6442} court {H2691}, and within {H1004}.

"'Once they enter the gates of the inner courtyard, they are to wear linen clothing; they are not to wear any wool while serving at the gates of the inner courtyard or inside it.

When they enter the gates of the inner court, they are to wear linen garments; they must not wear anything made of wool when they minister at the gates of the inner court or inside the temple.

And it shall be that, when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, while they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.

Ezekiel 44:17 details specific clothing regulations for the priests serving in the visionary Temple, emphasizing purity and reverence in their sacred duties. This verse highlights the importance of specific garments—linen over wool—for those ministering in the inner court.

Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's extensive vision of a new Temple, detailed in chapters 40-48. This prophetic vision, given to the prophet during the Babylonian exile, provided hope and a blueprint for a future, purified worship. Chapter 44 specifically outlines the duties and requirements for the priests, particularly highlighting the Zadokite priests, who remained faithful to God. The meticulous instructions regarding their attire underscore the profound holiness expected in God's presence and the precise nature of future worship in this restored temple.

Key Themes

  • Purity and Holiness: The primary reason for linen garments was their association with cleanliness and purity. Unlike wool, linen does not absorb sweat as readily, which was considered defiling in the sacred space. This symbolized the need for priests to maintain both ritual and spiritual purity before God.
  • Distinction and Separation: These specific clothing requirements set the priests apart, visually distinguishing them as servants dedicated to God's holy service. Their attire was not merely practical but a visible sign of their unique consecrated role, emphasizing the sacredness of their office.
  • Reverence in Worship: The detailed regulations reflect the immense reverence due to God. Every aspect of Temple service, down to the clothing worn by the priests, was to be conducted with the utmost respect and adherence to divine instruction, signifying the gravity of ministering before the Almighty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "linen" here is bad (בַּד), which consistently refers to fine linen used for priestly garments and sacred coverings throughout the Old Testament. This material was chosen for its clean, smooth, and absorbent qualities, contrasting sharply with wool. The prohibition against "wool" (צֶמֶר - tsemer) is further explained in the following verse (Ezekiel 44:18), stating that priests were not to wear anything that caused sweat. Sweat was associated with human exertion, physical defilement, and perhaps even the fallen nature of humanity, thus deemed unsuitable for divine service in the holy sanctuary.

Practical Application

While believers today do not serve in a literal Temple with specific garment requirements, the principles of Ezekiel 44:17 remain profoundly relevant. As followers of Christ, we are called to be a royal priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices and engaging in spiritual worship. This verse reminds us of the importance of approaching God with:

  • Spiritual Purity: We are to put off the "garments" of sin and unrighteousness and be clothed in Christ's righteousness (Galatians 3:27), seeking to live holy lives.
  • Reverence and Intentionality: Our worship, whether personal devotion or corporate gathering, should be marked by intentionality and deep respect for God's holiness, recognizing His awesome presence.
  • Distinction in Conduct: Our lives should reflect our calling as those set apart for God, distinguishing us from the world's ways and values.
The meticulous care for physical attire in the Old Testament foreshadows the spiritual preparation and reverence required for new covenant worship, where the heart's posture matters most.

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.

  • Revelation 19:8

    And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

  • Exodus 28:43

    And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy [place]; that they bear not iniquity, and die: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.

  • Exodus 39:27

    And they made coats [of] fine linen [of] woven work for Aaron, and for his sons,

  • Exodus 39:29

    And a girdle [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, [of] needlework; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Exodus 28:39

    And thou shalt embroider the coat of fine linen, and thou shalt make the mitre [of] fine linen, and thou shalt make the girdle [of] needlework.

  • Exodus 28:40

    ¶ And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.

  • Revelation 4:4

    And round about the throne [were] four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.

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