Definition: And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 43:19. It’s a really important and fascinating passage about God’s relationship with Moses and his people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about a special, dedicated group of priests – the descendants of Zadok – who are specifically tasked to serve God. It's a way for God to show His love and faithfulness to Israel. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok…” This tells us who these priests are. They're descended from Zadok, a very important figure in the early Hebrew Bible. Zadok was a priest who played a crucial role in establishing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Giving this responsibility to them is like giving them a special privilege and purpose. “…which approach unto me, to minister unto me…” This is the key part! "Approach unto me" means they must come to God. The verse says they’re “approaching” or seeking Him. It's about a dedicated relationship with God. “Sayeth the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.” This is where it gets really interesting. The Lord God himself is speaking. He’s saying: "I, the LORD, God of Abraham and his descendants, say this: A young bullock (a type of sacrifice) will be given to the priests – specifically, those who are descendants of Zadok – to offer as a sin offering . ” What does that “young bullock” mean? The Bible explains that a young bullock was a special animal, often representing a young, pure person. It symbolized a sacrifice offered to cleanse the earth and make it right for God’s purposes. So, what's the significance of this verse? God’s Favor: It shows that God is deeply interested in the people He has chosen, especially those who are connected to His past history. A Covenant Relationship: It reinforces the idea that God has a strong and ongoing covenant with Israel. This covenant isn't just about rules; it's about a personal relationship and faithfulness. Focus on Service: It highlights the importance of service – offering sacrifices to show devotion and seek His forgiveness. In short, this verse describes a specific group of priests who are entrusted with a critical role in maintaining God’s covenant with Israel. Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the significance of Zadok? Answer any specific questions you have about it?