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Ezekiel 44:25

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And they shall come at no dead person to defile themselves: but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for brother, or for sister that hath had no husband, they may defile themselves.

And they shall come {H935} at no dead {H4191} person {H120} to defile {H2930} themselves: but for father {H1}, or for mother {H517}, or for son {H1121}, or for daughter {H1323}, for brother {H251}, or for sister {H269} that hath had no husband {H376}, they may defile {H2930} themselves.

They are not to come to any dead person, because this would make them unclean; however, for father, mother, son, daughter, brother or sister who has had no husband they may make themselves unclean.

A priest must not defile himself by going near a dead person. However, for a father, a mother, a son, a daughter, a brother, or an unmarried sister, he may do so,

And they shall go in to no dead person to defile themselves; but for father, or for mother, or for son, or for daughter, for brother, or for sister that hath had no husband, they may defile themselves.

Commentary

Context of Ezekiel 44:25

Ezekiel 44 is part of a detailed vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a new temple and its ordinances, often interpreted as a prophetic blueprint for a future ideal temple or as symbolic of God's dwelling among His people. This chapter specifically outlines the duties and regulations for the Zadokite priests, who are distinguished for their faithfulness. The laws here emphasize a strict standard of holiness and ritual purity for those who serve God directly in His sanctuary. The prohibition against contact with dead bodies is a recurring theme in Old Testament law, as death was associated with defilement and separation from life, which is God's domain. These regulations set the priests apart, ensuring they remained ritually clean to perform their sacred duties without bringing impurity into the holy precincts.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Priestly Purity and Separation: The primary message is the absolute necessity of ritual purity for priests. Their role as mediators between God and the people demanded a high level of separation from anything considered defiling, especially death. This underscored the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.
  • Exceptions for Immediate Family: While generally forbidden from touching dead bodies, the verse provides specific, compassionate exceptions for the closest family members: father, mother, son, daughter, brother, and an unmarried sister. This demonstrates a balance within God's law, acknowledging the natural human ties and the responsibility to mourn and care for one's immediate kin, even if it meant temporary ritual defilement. This temporary defilement would require subsequent purification rituals before the priest could resume full duties.
  • Holiness of God's Sanctuary: These laws reinforce the sanctity of the temple and the sacred space where God's presence was manifested. Priestly purity was crucial for maintaining the holiness of the entire worship system, ensuring that nothing unclean would profane the divine presence. Similar regulations can be found in Leviticus 21:1-4, which also outlines specific rules for priests regarding defilement from the dead.

Linguistic Insights

The key phrase "to defile themselves" comes from the Hebrew word ṭame' (טָמֵא), which means "to be unclean" or "to be polluted." In the Old Testament context, this often refers to ritual impurity rather than moral sin. Contact with a dead body rendered a person ritually unclean, requiring a period of separation and purification before they could participate in sacred worship or enter the temple. This concept highlights the stark contrast between life (associated with God's holiness) and death (associated with impurity).

Practical Application

While Christians are no longer bound by Old Testament ceremonial laws concerning ritual defilement, the principles behind these laws remain highly relevant. Believers are called to a spiritual purity and separation from the "dead works" and defilements of the world. Just as ancient priests were set apart for God's service, followers of Christ are called to be a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), living lives that reflect God's holiness. This involves:

  • Spiritual Purity: Striving to live free from the defilement of sin, worldly desires, and practices that contradict God's Word.
  • Commitment to God's Service: Prioritizing our devotion to God, recognizing that our lives are consecrated to Him.
  • Balancing Principles with Compassion: The exceptions for family members remind us that even in strict adherence to spiritual principles, there is room for love, compassion, and fulfilling our responsibilities to those closest to us, provided it does not lead to moral compromise. We are called to be in the world but not of the world, maintaining our spiritual integrity while engaging with human relationships and responsibilities.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:15 (2 votes)

    For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:16 (2 votes)

    ¶ Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we [him] no more.

  • Leviticus 21:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people:

  • Leviticus 21:6 (2 votes)

    They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, [and] the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.

  • Luke 9:59 (2 votes)

    And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

  • Luke 9:60 (2 votes)

    Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.