Ezekiel 44:4-14

New International Version

⁴ Then the man brought me by way of the north gate^(A) to the front of the temple. I looked and saw the glory of the Lord filling the temple^(B) of the Lord, and I fell facedown.^(C)

⁵ The Lord said to me, “Son of man, look carefully, listen closely and give attention to everything I tell you concerning all the regulations and instructions regarding the temple of the Lord. Give attention to the entrance^(D) to the temple and all the exits of the sanctuary.^{(E) 6} Say to rebellious Israel,^(F) ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Enough of your detestable practices, people of Israel! ⁷ In addition to all your other detestable practices, you brought foreigners uncircumcised in heart^(G) and flesh into my sanctuary, desecrating my temple while you offered me food, fat and blood, and you broke my covenant.^{(H) 8} Instead of carrying out your duty in regard to my holy things, you put others in charge of my sanctuary.^{(I) 9} This is what the Sovereign Lord says: No foreigner uncircumcised in heart and flesh is to enter my sanctuary, not even the foreigners who live among the Israelites.^(J)

¹⁰ “‘The Levites who went far from me when Israel went astray^(K) and who wandered from me after their idols must bear the consequences of their sin.^{(L) 11} They may serve in my sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and serving in it; they may slaughter the burnt offerings^(M) and sacrifices for the people and stand before the people and serve them.^{(N) 12} But because they served them in the presence of their idols and made the people of Israel fall^(O) into sin, therefore I have sworn with uplifted hand^(P) that they must bear the consequences of their sin, declares the Sovereign Lord.^{(Q) 13} They are not to come near to serve me as priests or come near any of my holy things or my most holy offerings; they must bear the shame^(R) of their detestable practices.^{(S) 14} And I will appoint them to guard the temple for all the work that is to be done in it.^(T)