Ezekiel 44:29
They shall eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings. Everything in Israel devoted to the LORD will belong to them.
They shall eat the grain offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings.
In the context of Ezekiel 44, this phrase refers to the duties and privileges of the Levitical priests, specifically the sons of Zadok, who remained faithful to God during Israel's apostasy. The grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings were part of the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 2, 4, 5). These offerings were meant to atone for sin and express devotion to God. The priests were allowed to consume portions of these offerings as part of their sustenance, signifying their role as mediators between God and the people. This consumption also symbolized the priests' participation in the holiness and atonement processes. The grain offering, often made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, represented dedication and thanksgiving to God. The sin and guilt offerings were specifically for atonement, highlighting the priests' role in the spiritual cleansing of Israel. This practice foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills and surpasses these offerings through His atoning death (Hebrews 10:10-14).

Everything in Israel devoted to the LORD will belong to them.
This phrase underscores the principle that what is consecrated to God is set apart for His service and, by extension, for those who serve Him. In ancient Israel, items or offerings devoted to the LORD were considered holy and were often given to the priests for their use and sustenance (Numbers 18:8-19). This provision ensured that the priests, who had no inheritance of land like the other tribes, were supported by the community they served. The concept of devotion to the LORD implies a total dedication, often involving a vow or a special act of consecration. This principle is seen in the New Testament as well, where believers are called to offer themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The priests' entitlement to these devoted things highlights their unique role and the respect and honor due to those who serve in God's presence. This also points to the ultimate devotion of Christ, who was wholly dedicated to the Father's will, and through whom believers are called to live lives devoted to God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is known for his visions and messages concerning the restoration of Israel and the temple.

2. The Levitical Priests
Specifically, the sons of Zadok, who are set apart to serve in the temple and are given specific duties and privileges, including consuming certain offerings.

3. The Temple
The central place of worship for Israel, representing God's presence among His people and the focal point of the sacrificial system.

4. Offerings
The grain, sin, and guilt offerings are part of the sacrificial system, each with specific purposes related to worship, atonement, and dedication to God.

5. Israel
The nation chosen by God, whose religious practices and covenant relationship with God are central to the context of this passage.
Teaching Points
Priestly Provision
The provision for the priests through offerings underscores God's care for those who serve Him. It reminds us of the importance of supporting those in ministry today.

Holiness and Dedication
The offerings symbolize dedication to God and the need for holiness. Believers are called to live lives set apart for God, reflecting His holiness in their daily actions.

Fulfillment in Christ
The sacrificial system points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Understanding the Old Testament offerings enriches our appreciation of Christ's atoning work.

Community and Worship
The communal aspect of offerings highlights the importance of corporate worship and community in the life of believers. We are called to participate actively in the life of the church.

Stewardship and Generosity
The concept of dedicating offerings to God challenges us to consider how we use our resources. Are we generous and faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us?
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the Levitical priests in Ezekiel 44:29 inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today?

2. In what ways do the grain, sin, and guilt offerings reflect aspects of our relationship with God?

3. How can the principles of holiness and dedication seen in the offerings be applied to our personal lives?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

5. How does understanding the communal nature of worship in ancient Israel challenge or encourage our participation in church life today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 6-7
These chapters provide detailed instructions on the offerings mentioned in Ezekiel 44:29, explaining their significance and the priests' role in them.

Numbers 18
This chapter outlines the duties and privileges of the Levitical priests, including their right to certain offerings, which parallels the privileges described in Ezekiel.

Hebrews 7-10
These chapters discuss the priesthood of Jesus Christ, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and the new covenant, highlighting the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in Christ.
The Devoted ThingJ.R. Thomson Ezekiel 44:29
A Good Minister of Jesus ChristW. Clarkson Ezekiel 44:17-31
Substantial WealthJ.D. Davies Ezekiel 44:27-30
People
Ezekiel, Israelites, Joel, Levites, Zadok
Places
Holy Place
Topics
Belong, Cereal, Dedicated, Devoted, Eat, Error, Grain, Guilt, Guilt-offering, Meal, Meal-offering, Meat, Meat-offering, Oblation, Offering, Offerings, Present, Sin, Sin-offering, Specially, Theirs, Trespass, Trespass-offering
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezekiel 44:29

     7370   guilt offering

Ezekiel 44:28-30

     4442   firstfruits

Library
That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within in his Occupation among the Things that are Without, nor Neglect to Provide
The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Epistle iv. To Cyriacus, Bishop.
To Cyriacus, Bishop. Gregory to Cyriacus, Bishop of Constantinople. We have received with becoming charity our common sons, George the presbyter and Theodore your deacon; and we rejoice that you have passed from the care of ecclesiastical business to the government of souls, since, according to the voice of the Truth, He that is faithful in a little will be faithful also in much (Luke xvi. 10). And to the servant who administers well it is said, Because thou hast been faithful over a few things,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal,
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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