Ezekiel 44:18

• The priests had special access to God. Because of this privilege, they also had greater responsibility to live in holiness. Their behavior was more restricted than that of the people.

  They had to wear linen clothing instead of wool. This helped prevent sweat, which would make them ritually unclean (see study note on Ezekiel 36:17). They also had to keep separate garments that were used only for sacred service.

• transmit holiness to the people with their garments: The priests had to be careful not to endanger others by passing on holiness. In the Old Testament, holiness was understood as something that could spread through contact. If a sacred object made an ordinary object or person holy, serious consequences could follow (compare Leviticus 10:1–3; 1 Samuel 6:19; 2 Samuel 6:6–7).

Now that the glory of the Lord had returned to the temple, access was critical. Who could approach this holy God? Like Ezekiel 43, this chapter focuses on the temple’s entrances and exits, as well as the duties and procedures for its use.