Ezekiel 44:27

And on the day he goes into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, he must present his sin offering, declares the Lord GOD.

Study Bible

And on the day he goes into the sanctuary
This phrase refers to the specific time when a priest enters the sacred space of the temple. The sanctuary, in the context of Ezekiel, is the holy place where God's presence dwells. The emphasis on "the day" highlights the importance of preparation and purification before entering such a holy place. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and the need for cleansing before approaching God, as seen in Leviticus 16:3-4, where the high priest must undergo ritual purification before entering the Holy of Holies.

into the inner court
The inner court is a specific area within the temple complex, reserved for priests and those performing sacred duties. It is distinct from the outer court, which was accessible to the general Israelite population. The inner court's exclusivity underscores the separation between the holy and the common, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. This separation is also seen in the design of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:36), where different areas had varying levels of access based on holiness.

to minister in the sanctuary
Ministering in the sanctuary involves performing priestly duties such as offering sacrifices, burning incense, and maintaining the temple rituals. This service is a direct act of worship and obedience to God, reflecting the priest's role as a mediator between God and the people. The concept of ministering in the sanctuary is echoed in Hebrews 8:1-2, where Christ is described as a high priest who ministers in the true sanctuary in heaven.

he must present his sin offering
The requirement for a sin offering indicates the need for atonement and purification before serving in the temple. This offering acknowledges human sinfulness and the need for reconciliation with God. The sin offering is detailed in Leviticus 4, where it is prescribed for unintentional sins, emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin and the necessity of atonement. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect sin offering (Hebrews 10:12).

declares the Lord GOD
This phrase asserts the divine authority behind the command. The use of "declares the Lord GOD" emphasizes that these instructions are not merely ritualistic but are ordained by God Himself. It underscores the seriousness and sacredness of the priestly duties and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. This divine declaration is a common feature in prophetic literature, reinforcing the message's authenticity and authority, as seen throughout the book of Ezekiel.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book. His visions and prophecies often focus on the holiness of God and the restoration of Israel.

2. The Sanctuary
Refers to the holy place within the temple where priests minister. It symbolizes God's presence among His people and the need for purity and holiness.

3. The Inner Court
The area within the temple where only priests could enter to perform their duties. It represents a closer proximity to God's presence.

4. The Sin Offering
A sacrifice required to atone for sin, emphasizing the need for purification before approaching God.

5. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and holy God who establishes the laws and requirements for worship and service in His temple.

Teaching Points

Holiness in Service
The requirement for a sin offering before entering the sanctuary underscores the holiness required of those who serve God. As believers, we are called to live lives of purity and dedication.

The Necessity of Atonement
The sin offering points to the need for atonement before approaching God. This foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which cleanses us from sin and allows us to enter God's presence.

God's Sovereignty and Order
The detailed instructions for temple service reflect God's sovereignty and the order He establishes. Our worship and service should align with His commands and reflect His character.

The Role of the Priesthood
The priest's role in offering sacrifices is a precursor to the spiritual priesthood of all believers, who are called to offer spiritual sacrifices and intercede for others.

Approaching God with Reverence
The emphasis on preparation before entering the sanctuary teaches us to approach God with reverence and respect, acknowledging His holiness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement for a sin offering before entering the sanctuary in Ezekiel 44:27 relate to the concept of holiness in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the role of the priest in Ezekiel's time foreshadow the role of Christ as our high priest?

3. How can we, as a "royal priesthood," apply the principles of priestly service in our daily lives and interactions with others?

4. What does the detailed order of temple service in Ezekiel teach us about God's character and how we should approach worship today?

5. How can we ensure that our approach to God in prayer and worship reflects the reverence and preparation seen in the Old Testament priesthood?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4
Details the regulations for sin offerings, highlighting the importance of atonement and purification for those serving in the temple.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of Christ as the ultimate high priest and His once-for-all sacrifice, which fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament sacrificial system.

1 Peter 2:9
Describes believers as a royal priesthood, connecting the priestly duties in Ezekiel to the spiritual responsibilities of Christians today.