Ezekiel 44:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After the tabernacle was finished and Solomon constructed the temple, the glory of the Lord appeared, later diminishing when compared to the glory of the Gospel, as the Apostle explains: "For if what was boundless had glory, much more does that which remains have glory" (2 Cor. 3:10-11). We must be careful not to interpret the former glory's fading as complete destruction; rather, it signifies that when the full and perfect comes, that which is partial will fade away, akin to comparing the light of a lamp to the brilliance of the sun. Thus, it is said of John the Baptist: "He was a lamp, burning and shining" (John 5:35). However, when the Sun of righteousness appeared, the lamp's light was diminished, just as the Baptist himself stated: "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

The prophet fell on his face so that in his desire to see beyond human limitations, he would not lose his vision. Therefore, the Lord tenderly addresses him as "son of man" and instructs him to direct his heart, to look with his eyes, and to listen with his ears. First, it is essential to open one’s heart to comprehend the words being spoken; then, understanding must come through spiritual eyes, as the Lord said to Abraham: "Lift up your eyes and count the stars" (Genesis 15:5). Finally, one must heed the words of the Saviour: "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Luke 8:8), enabling the understanding of the sacred activities and ordinances of the temple. Ultimately, one must dedicate their heart to the paths of the temple, as there are various entrances to God, which represent the rituals of the sacred and the exits from the sanctuary. This serves as preparation for the prophet to grasp the teachings concerning the temple's ordinances.

It is worth noting that in this world, which is shrouded in evil and situated in the cold north, we receive instruction about the heavenly order.

Following these revelations, the Prophet once again witnesses the majesty of God at the northern gate and is commanded to tell the people—who were angry, curious, or obstinate, as some have interpreted—that they may find forgiveness for their previous sins. This was often done by allowing outsiders and the uncircumcised to enter the temple of God. Their principal error lay not only in having uncircumcised flesh but, more crucially, in possessing uncircumcised hearts. This indicates that true circumcision of the heart represents the fulfillment of the truth, whereas physical circumcision merely signifies the inward transformation of the mind. Thus, the Almighty commands that those who are spiritually uncircumcised and physically alien must remain distant from His holy boundaries. Furthermore, the Levites, who shared in the people’s transgressions and were drawn to idol worship, are to be removed from their positions and barred from the temple gates. They failed to offer the burnt or sin offerings and stayed away from the sacrifices, earning disgrace for their actions; unlike one generation of the sons of Zadok, who maintained their ancestral devotion, served faithfully, and safeguarded the temple along with their other duties.

It is declared by the Prophet that they shall not wear woolen garments at all, but will don linen attire during their priestly functions. Each one shall have a turban upon his head and fasten a belt around his waist. However, the people must exit among themselves, shall change from their priestly robes, and don other garments before leaving through the gates, for it is forbidden for those not ordained in the priesthood to come near the sacred vestments.