Summary
The chapter opens with God ordering the shut of the east gate because the Lord himself entered through it. Ezekiel is commanded to observe the entrance and exit rituals, then warned that Israel’s rebellion—allowing unclean foreigners into the sanctuary—brought abominations. The LORD declares that only circumcised Israelite priests may minister; all other Levites, although punished, will serve as caretakers of the holy things. Priestly dress is prescribed: linen garments, no wool, no sweat-inducing clothing, and specific prohibitions on shaving or drinking wine. Priests may marry widows with priestly lineage, teach the people the distinction between holy and profane, and judge disputes. They may defile themselves only in certain familial situations, then be cleansed and offer sin offerings. Priests receive the first fruits and offerings as their inheritance, with all sacrifices ultimately belonging to God. The passage ends with a restriction on priests eating dead or torn flesh.