Ezekiel 44

Ezekiel 44:1-14=GOD, THE BUILDER OF HIS OWN HOUSE-

The Prince/Ruler and King are interchangeable (1 Samuel 9:16, 10:1; 2 Samuel 5:2-3;1 Chronicles 29:22; Ezekiel 34:23-25, Ezekiel 37:25; Isaiah 55:3-4; Jeremiah 30:8-9, and Hosea 3:5). A ruler can even be a High Priest (Acts 23:5). This is not King David himself, but His descendant (See Ezekiel 37:24-28 & 1 Kings 12:16 for evidence). No one was worthy to enter the OUTER East Gate except for God. God remained in this space because He promised this will be His permanent dwelling (Revelation 15:8). Once the Cross/DOA sacrifice was completed, the Holy Spirit would be released in a universal manner as seen in Ezekiel 47. Although Prince Jesus was the only one allowed to fellowship with God (eat the showbread with Him in the OUTER Vestibule of the East Gate-only from the inside), even He had limitations. Just like the High Priest had to wait one year between sacrifices, Christ had to wait one generation (40 years) between the cross sacrifice (30AD) and the DOA sacrifice (70AD). Prince Jesus couldn't enter through the OUTER East Gate after the Glory of God. He had to go through a side entrance called the vestibule or porch via the INNER East Gate (only during the Sabbath and New Moon Festivals), which was only possible through the north or south outer gateways. In Verse 5, Ezekiel is instructed to “Mark well”, to see, and to hear. He was NOT commanded to write a blueprint or get a list of materials for construction. God said He will be the Builder of his House. He wants a House Not Made by Human Hands. This will be a Temple where sin will not dwell. Prior to the Temple's destruction, Israel failed by allowing uncircumcised pagans (Numbers 3:10) to lead worship and introduce idols in the sanctuary. 2 Kings 11:4 (ESV), Joshua 9:23-27, and Ezra 8:20 (KJV). Once circumcised, Gentiles were permitted to serve alongside Jews. Numbers 15:14, Isaiah 56:3-6, Zechariah 14:2. 

Ezekiel 44:15-31=THE MINISTRY OF THE ZADOK PRIESTHOOD-The Sons of Zadok are known for their faithfulness. This relates back to Zadok with David during a time of Apostasy. Notice in Verse 16, this is talking about the table-altar from Ezekiel 41:22 and Ezekiel 43:13-27. The ones that are close to the table will have the most intimate relationship with God. They will be partakers of redemptive history. This is the Cross/DOA sacrifice for 70AD. This same imagery can be found in Revelation 11:1-2 where those in the sanctuary (Greek word-Naos) were preserved while the disobedient in the outer courts were slaughtered. 

The next few passages will describe the consecration practices; a discernment of the Holy from the common (Exodus 19:21-24, 29:37, 30:29, Haggai 2:12, and Leviticus 6:27). These practices are not intended to be literal or exact representations, but as general principles for the New Covenant. The Sons of Zadok will not introduce outside influences unto the Holy things of God (see Matthew 7:6, 1 Timothy 3:2-7-possible NT parallel). These OT descriptions are to help the reader to see how the Sons of Zadok will live under a higher standard of Holiness. This is in contrast to the Old Covenant. First, their priestly garments must remain in the inner court. By wearing their garments in the outer court, a transmission of Holiness would have occurred. Holiness couldn't be transmitted in a common place. Therefore, the recipient would have been executed or had to serve in the sanctuary permanently. Second, their turbans prevented "sinful sweat." In principle, it is not allowed to have outside agents come into the holy places. Third, there was no need to shave their heads or keep their hair long. Head shaving in the Old Covenant was associated with mourning while the New Covenant was associated with joy. This may be symbolic of all the Zadok Priests. They are called naturally to practice some form of the Nazirite vow in Numbers 6:1-21, Acts 21:26. Fourth, this priesthood will maintain godly and healthy relationships similar to the description in 2 Chronicles 31:1-21. They will be responsible to teach discernment to the House of Israel (Ezekiel 22:26). This included situations of controversy. Perfect obedience is written in the hearts of the Elect. The “righteous” Jew in the OT would observe the Law perfectly by conducting all the sacrifices and feasts. In the NT, the Law is written on the heart of every believer. They are motivated by the heart of God. In verse 25, the Sons of Zadok are given a word of caution in reference to approaching dead people/things. Walking by the dead would make one susceptible to contracting a disease/"death". This precaution was used to maintain the cleanliness and safety of the Israelites.  In verse 28-31, God is the Zadok priests' inheritance. God provides the best for them. We will receive the riches of Christ as His priests. The priests were not permitted to eat unclean, torn animals. This was another way to avoid disease transmission. Again, this is symbolism to describe that the Zadok priests were the highest expression of holiness. This is similar to how Hezekiah instructed the priests to be cleansed before performing their re-dedication Temple ceremony responsibilities (2 Chronicles 23:5,15,31).