Ezekiel 44: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ezekiel 44 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh shows Ezekiel the shut gate of the sanctuary, which faces east (vv. 1-2). This gate will remain closed because Yahweh has entered through it.

Key verse

“‘“But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who performed the duty of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, shall come near to me to minister to me. They shall stand before me to offer to me the fat and the blood,” says the Lord Yahweh.”
Ezekiel 44:15 (WEB)

Outline

Ezekiel 44:1–2 The Shut Gate of the Sanctuary
Ezekiel 44:3 The Prince's Role
Ezekiel 44:4–5 Yahweh's Glory in the Temple
Ezekiel 44:6–8 Rebuke to Israel's Abominations
Ezekiel 44:9–14 Roles of Levites and Priests
Ezekiel 44:15–19 Duties of the Sons of Zadok
Ezekiel 44:20–31 Holiness and Inheritance of the Priests

Discussion questions

In v2, why is the east gate of the sanctuary described as 'shut'?
What does the term 'uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh' in v7 indicate about the people?
The Levites' punishment in vv. 10-12: why are they allowed to serve but not as priests?
In v15, what does the distinction of the sons of Zadok imply about faithfulness during Israel's unfaithfulness?
When have you felt the weight of 'abominations' as described in v6 in your own life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ezekiel 44: Numbers 18, Leviticus 21, Ezekiel 40.

Before next time: read Ezekiel 45.