Ezekiel 44:23
They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about rituals; it emphasizes that teaching God's people to distinguish the "holy" from the "common" and the "clean" from the "unclean" is a vital spiritual task. This discernment is essential for living a life set apart for God, a duty that seems to have been neglected before the exile.
In these visions of the restored temple, Ezekiel is shown the specific roles of the new, righteous priests. Following the condemnation of the corrupt priests and the people's general unfaithfulness, God outlines the duties of those who will serve Him faithfully. This includes not only performing temple rituals but also diligently instructing the people, ensuring they understand and uphold the distinctions between sacred and ordinary, and between purity and impurity, a teaching role that had been sadly neglected.
In a world that often blurs the lines, who helps us see the difference? Ezekiel points to a vital priestly role. But what does this teaching truly involve?
A Duty of Distinction
Ezekiel 44:23 places a clear charge on the priests: "They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean." This wasn't just about rituals; it was about fundamental understanding.
This teaching role was so crucial that neglecting it was a sign of spiritual decay, leading to a loss of understanding of God's ways.
The Bible uses terms like 'holy,' 'common,' 'clean,' and 'unclean' frequently. But what do they really mean for us today?
Ezekiel's vision unpacks these crucial distinctions.
More Than Rituals
The terms 'holy' and 'common' point to a fundamental separation. 'Holy' things were set apart for God's use and presence, demanding reverence. 'Common' things were everyday, ordinary matters.
Similarly, 'clean' and 'unclean' were about more than just physical hygiene. They indicated fitness or unfitness for approaching God or participating in community life.
Understand the original words
qodesh · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Being set apart or consecrated specifically for God’s use; it describes the nature of God, His dwelling place, and items or people dedicated to His service.
chol · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
That which is mundane, ordinary, or secular; it is the opposite of holy and refers to things not specifically set apart for divine service.
tame · Hebrew Adjective
Ritual impurity that prevents a person from approaching God or participating in sacred community life; it may result from moral failure, certain bodily functions, or contact with death.
tahor · Hebrew Adjective
Ritual purity that permits participation in the worship of God; it refers to a state of being acceptable and fit for the sanctuary.
Ezekiel's instruction to teach the difference between holy and common, clean and unclean, comes at a critical juncture. The people had just experienced the devastating destruction of their Temple and homeland, a direct consequence of their spiritual and moral failures, which included a breakdown in discerning and upholding holiness. This prophetic mandate calls for a restored priesthood to re-establish clear spiritual boundaries and teach true worship, ensuring such a catastrophe never repeats.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The Northern Kingdom of Israel falls to the Assyrian Empire, leading to the deportation of many Israelites. This event marked a significant religious and cultural disruption, weakening adherence to Mosaic Law.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon conquers Judah and deports a portion of the population, including the prophet Daniel. This begins the period of the Babylonian exile.
597 BC
Second Deportation to Babylon
Babylon deports more Judeans, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel himself. The spiritual and religious leadership is severely disrupted.
587/586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
This passage directly echoes Ezekiel's command to the priests, stating they are to 'make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.'
Deuteronomy 24:8Here, the instruction to the priests to distinguish between clean and unclean is linked to observing and carrying out all the law of the Lord, highlighting the serious responsibility of teaching God's standards.
Malachi 2:7This verse laments the failure of priests to teach God's ways, stating 'for the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.' It underscores the critical importance of the teaching duty mentioned in Ezekiel.
1 Timothy 3:2Paul's description of a bishop requiring him to be 'apt to teach' reflects the same need for knowledgeable instruction that Ezekiel outlines for the priests in this future temple setting.
Hebrews 5:14The author speaks of mature believers having their 'faculties trained to distinguish good from evil,' which parallels the people's need to learn discernment between holy and common, and clean and unclean, through the priests' teaching.
pulpitEzekiel 44:23: "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean."
Verses 23, 24. - Among the priests' official duties four things are prescribed. (1) The education of the people in the fundamental principles of their religion, viz. that a distinction existed between the "holy" and "profane," or "common," and in the practical application of that principle, the art of discerning between the "unclean" and the "…
pooleEzekiel 44:23: "And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean."
They shall teach; by their place they were bound to instruct the people, Leviticus 10:10,11 ; this was part of their work, to read the law, expound it, and resolve questions arising about it. They were to be, as ministers ought now to be, apt to teach , 1 Timothy 3:2 . Between the holy and profane; whether legally and ceremonially so, or moral…
This verse isn't just about rituals; it emphasizes that teaching God's people to distinguish the "holy" from the "common" and the "clean" from the "unclean" is a vital spiritual task. This discernment is essential for living a life set apart for God, a duty that seems to have been neglected before the exile.
In these visions of the restored temple, Ezekiel is shown the specific roles of the new, righteous priests. Following the condemnation of the corrupt priests and the people's general unfaithfulness, God outlines the duties of those who will serve Him faithfully. This includes not only performing temple rituals but also diligently instructing the people, ensuring they understand and uphold the distinctions between sacred and ordinary, and between purity and impurity, a teaching role that had been sadly neglected.
In these visions of the restored temple, Ezekiel is shown the specific roles of the new, righteous priests. Following the condemnation of the corrupt priests and the people's general unfaithfulness, God outlines the duties of those who will serve Him faithfully. This includes not only performing temple rituals but also diligently instructing the people, ensuring they understand and uphold the distinctions between sacred and ordinary, and between purity and impurity, a teaching role that had been sadly neglected.
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Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple. The majority of the remaining population is exiled to Babylon, leading to a profound crisis of faith and identity.
c. 571 BC
Ezekiel's Last Vision Recorded
Ezekiel receives his final visions concerning the future restoration of Israel, including detailed plans for a new Temple and a renewed priesthood, as recorded in chapters 40-48.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus conquers Babylon, and the following year, Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homeland.
"They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean." — This verse isn't just about rituals; it emphasizes that teaching God's people to distinguish the "holy" from the "common" and the "clean" from the "unclean" is a vital spiritual task. This discernmen…
