Ezekiel 44:11

“Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, &c.] Though degraded from their office as priests and ministers of the word, yet being restored from their sins and errors, shall have a place in the house of God, and do their work there in a less honourable and a more servile way; as in former times, when ministers had sinned foully, and were degraded from their office, upon repentance they were not restored to that, but only admitted to lay communion; (see <122309>2 Kings 23:9): having charge at the gates of the house; like those sort of Levites who were porters and doorkeepers in the temple, or like our sextons or pew openers now: and ministering to the house; employed as the Gibeonites were…”

“Admonition to the ministering priests, grounded upon former neglect. Ezekiel 44:4 The north gate before the house - The north gate of the inner court. God expostulates with His people in the seat of their former idolatries Ezekiel 8:3. Ezekiel 44:5 Mark well - The careful arrangements made had all been intended to keep the temple and its surroundings from profanation. Hence, attention to these particulars is enjoined. Ezekiel 44:7 Strangers - This refers especially to the sin of unauthorized and unfaithful priests ministering in the services of the temple. Compare marginal references. Ezekiel 44:8 Mine holy things - The altar, its sacrifices, the sacred utensils, and the like. For yourselves…”

“Ministers - Servants employed in the lowest work. Sanctuary - Not the temple itself, but about the courts of it. Having charge - They shall be porters to open and shut, and sweep, and go on errands. To minister - To wait on the priests. Ezekiel 44:12”

“they shall be: As few, if any, of those who, before the captivity, had been guilty in these respects, lived to witness the restoration of the temple service; and as it does not appear that their descendants were thus degraded for the idolatry of their ancestors; it is probable that a thorough reformation of the whole church, or the prevalence of pure religion among the converted Jews, is here predicted. having charge: Eze 44:14, Eze 40:45; 1Chr. 26:1-19 shall slay: Ch2 29:34, Ch2 30:17, Ch2 35:10, Ch2 35:11 and they: Num 16:9, Num 18:6 Ezekiel 44:12”