Ezekiel 44:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

They will not approach Me to minister or to present offerings at the holy places, but they shall carry the disgrace of their actions. I will assign them as gatekeepers of the house for all its functions.

The Levitical priests, the descendants of Zadok, who remained faithful to My commands while Israel strayed from Me, are the ones who will draw near to serve Me, standing in My presence to offer Me sacrifices, both flesh and blood, says the Lord God. They will enter My sanctuary and partake in My offerings, serving Me and upholding My ordinances.

This testimony has been presented in both versions to illustrate how this passage is interpreted in the LXX and what is already expressed in the Hebrew texts. The LXX makes it clear that those who are uncircumcised in heart and flesh, living among the Israelites, will not be permitted to enter the sanctuary of God.

Following these revelations to the Prophet, he is again shown the glory of God at the northern gate, where he is commanded to convey to the people who are angry, curious, or obstinate—that they might be urged to atone for their previous sins. This was frequently demonstrated by their acceptance of foreigners and the uncircumcised in the temple of God. Their primary transgression was not only the uncircumcision of the flesh but, more significantly, the uncircumcision of the heart. This highlights that the true excellence of circumcision lies in the heart, while the physical act is merely a sign and seal of the inner transformation. Therefore, the Almighty instructs that those who are uncircumcised in spirit and foreign in body must keep away from the holy areas. The Levites, who have participated in the people's sin and delighted in idol worship, are to be removed from their offices and forbidden from standing at the temple gates. These individuals neither offered the burnt offerings nor the sin offerings, nor did they approach the sacrifices, but rather, through their wicked deeds, they brought shame upon themselves. Yet, one lineage of the Sadducees, who remained faithful in their devotion, served, guarded the temple, and fulfilled their duties in accordance with God’s requirements. It is written by the Prophet that they are not to wear woollen garments, but only linen during their priestly duties; each one should wear a turban and fasten a sash around their waist. The people are instructed to depart from them, change out of their priestly attire, and don other clothing before they exit to the gates, as it is unlawful for a non-priest to come near the garments of the priesthood.