And in the day that he goeth into the sanctuary, unto the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering, saith the Lord GOD.
And in the day {H3117} that he goeth {H935} into the sanctuary {H6944}, unto the inner {H6442} court {H2691}, to minister {H8334} in the sanctuary {H6944}, he shall offer {H7126} his sin offering {H2403}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.
Then, on the day he enters the sanctuary, when he goes into the inner courtyard to minister in the sanctuary, he is to offer his sin offering,' says Adonai ELOHIM.
And on the day he goes into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he must present his sin offering, declares the Lord GOD.
And in the day that he goeth into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin-offering, saith the Lord Jehovah.
-
Numbers 6:9
And if any man die very suddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his consecration; then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it. -
Numbers 6:11
And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by the dead, and shall hallow his head that same day. -
Leviticus 8:14
¶ And he brought the bullock for the sin offering: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin offering. -
Leviticus 8:36
So Aaron and his sons did all things which the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses. -
Hebrews 7:26
For such an high priest became us, [who is] holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; -
Hebrews 7:28
For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, [maketh] the Son, who is consecrated for evermore. -
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.
This verse is part of a detailed vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future temple, its structure, and the regulations for worship and service within it. Specifically, it addresses the duties and requirements for the Levitical priests who were allowed access to the inner sanctuary.
Context
Ezekiel chapters 40-48 describe a visionary temple, distinct from both Solomon's temple and the post-exilic temple. Chapter 44 focuses on the priests and Levites, distinguishing between those who remained faithful during Israel's apostasy and those who did not. Only the faithful Zadokite priests are given access to the inner court and sanctuary. This verse outlines a specific requirement for these priests upon entering the most holy areas to perform their duties.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "sanctuary" is miqdash (מִקְדָּשׁ), meaning a holy place or consecrated area. "Inner court" is chātsēr happənîmîṯ (חָצֵר הַפְּנִימִית), referring to the court closest to the temple building itself, accessible only to priests performing duties. The term "sin offering" is ḥaṭṭā’ṯ (חַטָּאת), which can also mean "sin," emphasizing that the offering deals directly with the issue of sin.
Reflection and Application
While this vision relates to a specific temple context, the underlying principle of requiring purification before approaching God remains timeless. In the New Testament, believers have access to God not through repeated animal sacrifices, but through the single, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He is both our High Priest and the ultimate sin offering. This verse reminds us of the profound holiness of God and the cost required to stand in His presence, a cost fully paid by Christ, allowing us to draw near with confidence through Him.