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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezekiel 44:16 They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezekiel/44-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/26_Ezk_44_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezekiel 44:16 - The Duties of the Priests" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. 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They will fulfill all my requirements.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/ezekiel/44.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They shall enter my sanctuary, and they shall approach my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/44.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/ezekiel/44.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“They shall enter My sanctuary, and they shall come near My table to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/ezekiel/44.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to serve Me and assume the responsibility I give them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/44.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and keep My charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/ezekiel/44.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and keep My charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“They shall enter My sanctuary; they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and keep the responsibility <i>given by</i> Me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/ezekiel/44.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“They shall enter into My sanctuary; and they shall come near to My table to minister to Me and they shall perform [the priestly] duty to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/ezekiel/44.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“They are the ones who may enter my sanctuary and approach my table to serve me. They will keep my mandate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/ezekiel/44.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are the ones who may enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to serve Me. They will keep My mandate. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/ezekiel/44.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />they shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/ezekiel/44.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They will come into my temple, where they will offer sacrifices at my altar and lead others in worship. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/ezekiel/44.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />they shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and they shall keep my charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/ezekiel/44.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They may enter my holy place, come near my table to serve me, and take care of everything I gave them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/ezekiel/44.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They alone will enter my Temple, serve at my altar, and conduct the Temple worship. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/ezekiel/44.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"They are to enter my sanctuary, approach my table to minister to me, and carry out my requirements. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/ezekiel/44.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They alone shall enter My sanctuary and draw near to My table to minister before Me. They will keep My charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/ezekiel/44.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They will enter my sanctuary, and approach my table to minister to me; they will keep my charge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/ezekiel/44.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />they shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my instruction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/ezekiel/44.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/ezekiel/44.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my instruction. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/ezekiel/44.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />they come into My sanctuary, and they draw near to My table to serve Me, and they have kept My charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/ezekiel/44.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> they come in unto My sanctuary, and they draw near unto My table to serve Me, and they have kept My charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/ezekiel/44.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They shall come into my holy place, and they shall draw near to my table, to serve me; and they watched my watches.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/ezekiel/44.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister unto me, and to keep my ceremonies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/ezekiel/44.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall draw near to my table, so that they may minister for me, and so that they may observe my ceremonies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/ezekiel/44.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They may enter my sanctuary; they may approach my table to serve me and carry out my service.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/ezekiel/44.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It is they who shall enter my sanctuary, it is they who shall approach my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/ezekiel/44.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/ezekiel/44.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Those shall enter into my Holy Place, and they shall approach my table so that they shall serve me, and they shall keep my observances<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/ezekiel/44.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />they shall enter into My sanctuary, and they shall come near to My table, to minister unto Me, and they shall keep My charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/ezekiel/44.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />These shall enter into my sanctuary, and these shall approach my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charges.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vET3Gmwku4s?start=13508" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/ezekiel/44.htm">The Duties of the Priests</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15</span>But the Levitical priests, who are descended from Zadok and who kept charge of My sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from Me, are to approach Me to minister before Me. They will stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood, declares the Lord GOD. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: hêm·māh (Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they.">They alone</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: yā·ḇō·’ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">shall enter</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4720.htm" title="4720: miq·dā·šî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A sacred place, sanctuary. Or miqqdash; from qadash; a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary or asylum.">My sanctuary</a> <a href="/hebrew/1992.htm" title="1992: wə·hêm·māh (Conj-w:: Pro-3mp) -- They. Or hemmah; masculine plural from halak; they."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7126.htm" title="7126: yiq·rə·ḇū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To come near, approach. A primitive root; to approach for whatever purpose.">and draw near</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/7979.htm" title="7979: šul·ḥā·nî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A table. From shalach; a table; by implication, a meal.">My table</a> <a href="/hebrew/8334.htm" title="8334: lə·šā·rə·ṯê·nî (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf:: 1cs) -- To minister, serve. A primitive root; to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to.">to minister before Me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: wə·šā·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">They will keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: miš·mar·tî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Fem. Of mishmar; watch, i.e. The act, or The sentry, the post; obj. Preservation, or Safe; fig. Observance, i.e. Duty or A usage or party.">My charge.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/10-19.htm">Hebrews 10:19-22</a></span><br />Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, / by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, / and since we have a great priest over the house of God, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-6.htm">Hebrews 9:6-8</a></span><br />When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. / But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. / By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-32.htm">Leviticus 16:32-33</a></span><br />The priest who is anointed and ordained to succeed his father as high priest shall make atonement. He will put on the sacred linen garments / and make atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, and for the priests and all the people of the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/28-43.htm">Exodus 28:43</a></span><br />Aaron and his sons must wear them whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister in the Holy Place, so that they will not incur guilt and die. This is to be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a></span><br />you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-26.htm">Hebrews 7:26-28</a></span><br />Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. / Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself. / For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-7.htm">Numbers 18:7</a></span><br />But only you and your sons shall attend to your priesthood for everything concerning the altar and what is inside the veil, and you are to perform that service. I am giving you the work of the priesthood as a gift, but any outsider who comes near the sanctuary must be put to death.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-6.htm">Revelation 1:6</a></span><br />who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/23-13.htm">1 Chronicles 23:13</a></span><br />The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/29-44.htm">Exodus 29:44</a></span><br />So I will consecrate the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve Me as priests.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-1.htm">Hebrews 5:1-4</a></span><br />Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. / He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and misguided, since he himself is subject to weakness. / That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-11.htm">2 Chronicles 29:11</a></span><br />Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/21-17.htm">Leviticus 21:17-23</a></span><br />“Say to Aaron, ‘For the generations to come, none of your descendants who has a physical defect may approach to offer the food of his God. / No man who has any defect may approach—no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed; / no man who has a broken foot or hand, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/5-10.htm">Revelation 5:10</a></span><br />You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-6.htm">Isaiah 61:6</a></span><br />But you will be called the priests of the LORD; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will feed on the wealth of nations, and you will boast in their riches.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.</p><p class="hdg">They shall enter</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/1-6.htm">Revelation 1:6</a></b></br> And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him <i>be</i> glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/41-22.htm">Ezekiel 41:22</a></b></br> The altar of wood <i>was</i> three cubits high, and the length thereof two cubits; and the corners thereof, and the length thereof, and the walls thereof, <i>were</i> of wood: and he said unto me, This <i>is</i> the table that <i>is</i> before the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/1-7.htm">Malachi 1:7,12</a></b></br> Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the LORD <i>is</i> contemptible… </p><p class="hdg">keep</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/18-7.htm">Numbers 18:7,8</a></b></br> Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest's office for every thing of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall serve: I have given your priest's office <i>unto you as</i> a service of gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8-10</a></b></br> And of Levi he said, <i>Let</i> thy Thummim and thy Urim <i>be</i> with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, <i>and with</i> whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah; … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezekiel/40-46.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-19.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-14.htm">Care</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-13.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-13.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-14.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/23-48.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-32.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-13.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-14.htm">Service</a> <a href="/ezekiel/41-22.htm">Table</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-14.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/46-17.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-4.htm">Approach</a> <a href="/daniel/1-11.htm">Care</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-11.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-4.htm">Draw</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm">Enter</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-19.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-11.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-11.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm">Minister</a> <a href="/daniel/8-12.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-27.htm">Sanctuary</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-24.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-5.htm">Service</a> <a href="/daniel/1-5.htm">Table</a> <a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Ezekiel 44</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-1.htm">The east gate assigned only to the prince</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-4.htm">The priests reproved for polluting the sanctuary</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-9.htm">Idolaters incapable of the priests office</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm">The sons of Zadok are accepted thereto</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm">Ordinances for the priests</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/44.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezekiel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezekiel/44.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They alone shall enter My sanctuary</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the exclusivity of the Levitical priests, specifically the sons of Zadok, who were chosen to serve in the sanctuary. Historically, the Zadokites were a priestly family that remained faithful to God during times of widespread idolatry in Israel. The sanctuary refers to the holy place where God's presence dwelt, highlighting the sacredness and purity required to enter. This exclusivity underscores the importance of holiness and obedience in approaching God, a theme consistent throughout the Old Testament.<p><b>and draw near to My table</b><br>The table likely refers to the table of showbread in the temple, which symbolized God's provision and covenant with Israel. Drawing near to the table signifies a close relationship with God and the privilege of serving in His presence. This act of drawing near is a precursor to the New Testament concept of believers having direct access to God through Jesus Christ, who is often seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the temple and its furnishings.<p><b>to minister before Me</b><br>Ministering before God involves performing sacred duties and offering sacrifices, which were central to the priestly role. This service was not just a ritual but a representation of intercession between God and His people. The priests' ministry foreshadows the mediatory work of Christ, who serves as the ultimate High Priest, interceding on behalf of humanity.<p><b>They will keep My charge</b><br>Keeping God's charge involves obedience to His commandments and maintaining the sanctity of worship. This phrase reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen servants, where faithfulness is rewarded with the privilege of serving in His presence. It also points to the broader biblical theme of stewardship and responsibility, which is echoed in the New Testament teachings on faithfulness and service in the Kingdom of God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/ezekiel.htm">Ezekiel</a></b><br>A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book. He receives visions and messages from God concerning the future of Israel and the temple.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctuary.htm">The Sanctuary</a></b><br>Refers to the holy place within the temple where God's presence dwells. It is a sacred space reserved for specific priestly duties.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_priests.htm">The Priests</a></b><br>Specifically, the sons of Zadok, who are faithful priests chosen to minister before God in the sanctuary. They are set apart due to their loyalty and adherence to God's commands.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_table.htm">The Table</a></b><br>Symbolizes the place of fellowship and communion with God, where offerings and sacrifices are made.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_charge.htm">The Charge</a></b><br>Represents the responsibilities and duties given by God to the priests, emphasizing obedience and faithfulness in their service.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_service.htm">Faithfulness in Service</a></b><br>Just as the sons of Zadok were chosen for their faithfulness, believers are called to serve God with loyalty and integrity. Our service should reflect our commitment to God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_and_obedience.htm">Holiness and Obedience</a></b><br>The priests' role in the sanctuary underscores the importance of holiness and obedience in our relationship with God. We are to approach God with reverence and a heart committed to His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/communion_with_god.htm">Communion with God</a></b><br>The table in the sanctuary symbolizes fellowship with God. As believers, we are invited to draw near to God through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/priestly_responsibilities.htm">Priestly Responsibilities</a></b><br>Just as the priests had specific duties, believers have spiritual responsibilities. We are called to be a "royal priesthood," serving God and others with love and dedication.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereign_choice.htm">God's Sovereign Choice</a></b><br>The selection of the sons of Zadok reminds us of God's sovereignty in choosing those who will serve Him. We are to trust in His wisdom and plan for our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezekiel_44.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 44</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_ezekiel_44_9_and_other_passages_align.htm">In Ezekiel 44:9, foreigners are barred from the sanctuary, yet other passages invite them to worship--how can these conflicting views on outsiders be reconciled?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where's_proof_zadokites_stayed_faithful.htm">Ezekiel 44:15 singles out Zadokite priests for special privileges--where is the historical record or proof that this priestly line remained uniquely faithful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_ezekiel_11_16_align_with_evidence.htm">In Ezekiel 11:16, how can the claimed scattering be reconciled with the limited archaeological and historical evidence for a mass dispersion at that specific time?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_priests'_inheritances_align_biblically.htm">Ezekiel 44:28 indicates priests have no inheritance apart from the Lord--how does this align with land allotment practices known from other biblical or historical sources?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They alone</span><br /><span class="heb">הֵ֜מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(hêm·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> </span><span class="str2">They</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall enter</span><br /><span class="heb">יָבֹ֣אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḇō·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My sanctuary</span><br /><span class="heb">מִקְדָּשִׁ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(miq·dā·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4720.htm">Strong's 4720: </a> </span><span class="str2">A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylum</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and draw near</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקְרְב֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·rə·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7126.htm">Strong's 7126: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My table</span><br /><span class="heb">שֻׁלְחָנִ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(šul·ḥā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7979.htm">Strong's 7979: </a> </span><span class="str2">A table, a meal</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to minister before Me.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשָׁרְתֵ֑נִי</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šā·rə·ṯê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8334.htm">Strong's 8334: </a> </span><span class="str2">To attend as a, menial, worshipper, to contribute to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">They will keep</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׁמְר֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·šā·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">My charge.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁמַרְתִּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(miš·mar·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guard, watch, charge, function</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/ezekiel/44-16.htm">Ezekiel 44:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/ezekiel/44-16.htm">OT Prophets: Ezekiel 44:16 They shall enter into my sanctuary (Ezek. Eze Ezk) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezekiel/44-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezekiel 44:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 44:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezekiel/44-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezekiel 44:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezekiel 44:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>