This chapter continues focusing on the restoration of the temple emphasizing that holiness is its essential ingredient. Initially it is stated that the eastern gate must always remain shut and no-one can enter through it because it was through this gate that God's glory entered. God then rebukes Israel's past "detestable practices" and insists that the Levites would only be permitted to do lesser tasks in the temple owing to their past unfaithfulness. However the "Levites and descendants of Zadok" will be given preference of service in the temple because of their resolute faithfulness in the past when everyone else went astray. The descendants of Zadok also received special instructions concerning what to wear, their conduct, teaching the people, acting as judges, avoiding ceremonial defilement and receiving their priestly inheritance. So we see that faithfulness to God is rewarded where as unfaithfulness has long lasting consequences. Spiritual leaders are called by God to minister through holy example and to teach and practice the truth.
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