Ezekiel 44:31
The priests shall not eat of anything, whether bird or beast, that has died of itself or is torn by wild animals.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While this rule about not eating carrion or animals torn by predators was also for all Israelites, it's given specifically to the priests here to highlight their elevated standard of purity. It underscores that those closest to God are called to a life set apart, reflecting His holiness even in seemingly mundane details.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing specific regulations for the restored priesthood and temple. Ezekiel has been given a vision of a future temple, and these instructions clarify the priests' duties and what is permissible for them, echoing and re-establishing laws from the time of Moses. The verses immediately before focus on their offerings and tithes, while this instruction emphasizes their purity and the sacredness of their diet, reflecting a higher standard than for the general Israelite populace.
Why would God demand a stricter rule for priests regarding what they eat?
This verse, like others in Ezekiel's vision, reiterates laws found in Leviticus. While the prohibition against eating animals that died of themselves or were torn by predators applied to all Israelites, its repetition here for priests emphasizes their unique calling.
What deeper spiritual meaning might lie beneath this dietary law?
While the surface-level command is about physical food, its implications can extend to our spiritual lives.
Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
In the Old Testament, the priests (kohanim) were the tribe of Levi set apart by God for special service in the tabernacle or temple. They served as mediators between God and the people, responsible for teaching the law, offering sacrifices, and maintaining the ritual purity of the sanctuary.
nebelah · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
This refers to an animal that has died of natural causes, disease, or by other means apart from the prescribed method of ritual slaughter. Under the Mosaic Law, consuming such meat was strictly forbidden as it was considered ritually unclean (often because the blood had not been properly drained).
terefah · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
This refers to an animal that has been attacked, mauled, or killed by another predator. Similar to the prohibition against meat that died of natural causes, this was forbidden because the blood was not drained according to the sacrificial or dietary laws, rendering it ritually impure for consumption.
This prohibition, already part of the Mosaic Law for all Israelites, is reiterated for the priests in Ezekiel's vision. It emphasizes a higher standard of purity and holiness for those who serve God, ensuring they present only the best, even in their daily sustenance.
c. 1400 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Wanderings
The Law is given, including prohibitions against eating animals that died of themselves or were torn by wild beasts, initially to all Israelites.
c. 950 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
The central place of worship is established in Jerusalem, where the priests serve and where the laws concerning their duties and diet would be observed.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and First Temple
Babylonian forces conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many of the Jewish people, ending the sacrificial system and the functioning of the priesthood in its established form.
c. 590 BC— this verse
Ezekiel's Prophetic Ministry
Ezekiel prophesies to the exiles in Babylon, envisioning a restored Jerusalem and Temple with detailed instructions for its future priesthood and worship.
This passage explicitly states the same prohibition for priests, highlighting the ongoing holiness expected of those serving God, even in their daily meals.
Exodus 22:31This verse shows that even the general Israelite community was forbidden from eating flesh torn by wild animals, demonstrating a broader principle of avoiding that which is defiled or unnaturally taken.
Deuteronomy 14:21This passage permits the common Israelite to give or sell meat that died of itself to a foreigner, but not eat it, reinforcing the idea that such meat was considered unclean for the people of God.
Leviticus 17:15This verse extends the prohibition of eating blood and anything that died of itself to all Israelites, showing that the purity required of priests in Ezekiel is a heightened expression of a standard already in place for the entire nation.
ellicottEzekiel 44:31: "The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast."
(31) Dead of itself, or torn.— Comp. Leviticus 22:8 . The same law was binding upon all the Israelites. ( Leviticus 17:15 .) In the wilderness they were required to “cast it to the dogs” ( Exodus 23:31 ); afterwards they might give it to a stranger or sell it to an alien. ( Deuteronomy 14:21 .)
gillEzekiel 44:31: "The priests shall not eat of any thing that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it be fowl or beast."
The priests shall not eat of anything that is dead of itself, or torn,.... They shall have no need to eat of such things, being plentifully provided for with better; nor will it become them so to do through avarice, not allowing themselves to enjoy what is liberally given them. Here the Jewish doctors (t) observe that it is said, the priests shall not eat of these things, sugges…
While this rule about not eating carrion or animals torn by predators was also for all Israelites, it's given specifically to the priests here to highlight their elevated standard of purity. It underscores that those closest to God are called to a life set apart, reflecting His holiness even in seemingly mundane details.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing specific regulations for the restored priesthood and temple. Ezekiel has been given a vision of a future temple, and these instructions clarify the priests' duties and what is permissible for them, echoing and re-establishing laws from the time of Moses. The verses immediately before focus on their offerings and tithes, while this instruction emphasizes their purity and the sacredness of their diet, reflecting a higher standard than for the general Israelite populace.
This verse is part of a larger section detailing specific regulations for the restored priesthood and temple. Ezekiel has been given a vision of a future temple, and these instructions clarify the priests' duties and what is permissible for them, echoing and re-establishing laws from the time of Moses. The verses immediately before focus on their offerings and tithes, while this instruction emphasizes their purity and the sacredness of their diet, reflecting a higher standard than for the general Israelite populace.
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c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Many Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem and begin the process of rebuilding the Temple, restarting a form of priestly service.
"The priests shall not eat of anything, whether bird or beast, that has died of itself or is torn by wild animals." — While this rule about not eating carrion or animals torn by predators was also for all Israelites, it's given specifically to the priests here to highlight their elevated standard of purity. It under…
