Page 249 - NOTES ON EZEKIEL

CHAPTER XLIV. 243
shame in the days of the kingdom. They are degraded
from their proper work—at least in its higher parts—and
are only allowed to do menial service for the sanctuary.
Sad contrast with the Levites in the days of Moses,
when even Aaron revolted! But it is the days of the
kingdom, and righteousness governs. Past reputation
will not suffice. If their sons have walked unfaith­
fully before Jehovah appears in glory, they must
hear the consequences. Jehovah shall be exalted in
that day, and those who have humbled themselves will
He exalt in due time.
So Israel must here learn in due time upon the
earth. We have had the prince and the Levites; the
rest of the chapter concerns the priests.
If evidence be wanted to know the just application of
this final vision (chaps, xl.-xlviii.), one can hardly con­
ceive of anything plainer or more decisive than the
latter verses of our chapter convey. It is not at all a
ministry to preach the good news of God in indiscrimi­
nate grace or to establish the children of God in His
truth and their privileges. The church state is gone
before this prophecy begins to be fulfilled, as surely
as that church state began long after the prophecy
was written. As we have seen the house of Jehovah
with its inner and outer courts, its gates and its porches,
its separate place, its chambers, and its sanctuary, so
now we have the sons of Zadok as the priests the
Levites who alone are authorised to draw near in divine
services for Israel.
It is in vain to plead that under Christianity there are
priests; for this does not mean a class of Christian
officials who represent their brethren and enjoy a