Ezekiel 44:12

“Because they ministered unto them before their idols, &c.] Had officiated for them in the priest’s office, their idols being in the courts of the Lord at the same time; or preached unto them false doctrines, such as are not agreeable to the word of God; and led them into superstition and will worship, and confirmed them therein: and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity; or, “were for a stumbling block of iniquity”f802; unto them the means of their stumbling and falling; by their ministrations, teaching them unsound doctrine; and by their practices and example, leading them into a way of false worship, and dissoluteness of life and conversation; who ought to have been examples to…”

“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…”

“Iniquity - The punishment of it. Ezekiel 44:13”

“44:12-14 The Levites had encouraged . . . Israel to fall into deep sin by abandoning the Lord and worshiping idols. One of the consequences of that sin was that they could no longer enter the inner court of the Temple like the priests. However, by God’s grace, they would still have a significant ministry in serving the people and slaughtering their sacrifices. • The people as a whole were placed at a greater distance from God because of their idolatry. Prior to the Exile they would have slaughtered their own sacrifices (see Lev 1:5, 11); now they must hand them over to the Levites to be slaughtered on their behalf.”

“they ministered: Sa1 2:29, Sa1 2:30; Kg2 16:10-16; Isa 9:16; Hos 4:6, Hos 5:1; Mal 2:8, Mal 2:9 caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity: Heb. were for a stumbling-block of iniquity unto, etc. Eze 14:3, Eze 14:4 therefore: Eze 20:6, Eze 20:15, Eze 20:23, Eze 20:28; Deu 32:40-42; Psa 106:26; Amo 8:7; Rev 10:5, Rev 10:6 and they shall: Eze 44:10, Eze 44:13 Ezekiel 44:13”