And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
And they shall teach {H3384} my people {H5971} the difference between the holy {H6944} and profane {H2455}, and cause them to discern {H3045} between the unclean {H2931} and the clean {H2889}.
"'They are to teach my people the difference between holy and common and enable them to distinguish between clean and unclean.
They are to teach My people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to discern between the clean and the unclean.
And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
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Ezekiel 22:26
Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. -
Leviticus 10:10
And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean; -
Leviticus 10:11
And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses. -
2 Timothy 2:24
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, -
2 Timothy 2:25
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; -
Hosea 4:6
¶ My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. -
Zephaniah 3:4
Her prophets [are] light [and] treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law.
Ezekiel 44:23 (KJV)
"And they shall teach my people [the difference] between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean."
Commentary:
This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of a restored temple and the regulations for the priests (specifically the sons of Zadok) who will serve there in the future. It highlights a crucial function of the priesthood beyond offering sacrifices: education.
Historical and Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, the Levitical priests were the custodians of God's law and the mediators of the covenant. Their role included not only temple service but also instructing the people in matters of religious practice, law, and distinguishing between states of ritual purity and impurity, which affected participation in worship and community life. This vision in Ezekiel reinforces and perhaps elevates this teaching role for the priests in the future temple.
Key Themes and Messages: The central theme is the importance of discernment and instruction in maintaining holiness within the community. The priests are tasked with helping the people understand God's standards—how to distinguish between what is set apart for God (holy) and what is common or ordinary (profane), and between what is ritually acceptable before God (clean) and what is not (unclean). This knowledge was essential for living in covenant relationship with God and approaching Him rightly. It underscores that true worship involves understanding and adhering to God's definitions of purity and holiness, not just performing rituals.
Linguistic Insights: The Hebrew words are significant:
The verb "teach" (יָרוּ - yaru) is related to the word for "Torah" (instruction/law), emphasizing the priests' role as authoritative interpreters and instructors of God's will. The verb "discern" (וְהִבְדִּילוּ - vehivdilu) comes from the root בדל (badal), meaning "to divide," "separate," or "distinguish," highlighting the necessity of making clear distinctions according to God's standards.
Cross-references: This priestly duty of teaching aligns with earlier instructions, such as Leviticus 10:10, given to Aaron and his sons after the death of Nadab and Abihu, who failed to distinguish between holy and profane.
Practical Application: While the Levitical priesthood has passed away with the New Covenant, the principle of needing to understand and distinguish between what is holy and what is profane, clean and unclean (in a spiritual and moral sense) remains vital for believers. Leaders and teachers in the church have a responsibility to instruct God's people in righteousness, helping them discern truth from error, godly living from worldly compromise, and what pleases God from what does not. Every believer also has a responsibility to grow in discernment through studying God's Word and relying on the Holy Spirit.