Ezekiel 44
SIBVer. 10—31, with chap. xliii. 19, 26, 27; xlvi. 20; xl. 40; xlii. 1—14; xlv. 4, 5, 19; and xlviii
Ezekiel 44:10-12
By these priests are represent gospel ministers. Their being the sons of Zadok, the RIGHTEOUS ONE, not L vites that went astray, implies their being true and blameless children of Je Christ, and faithful preachers of his atonement as the substance of the go. Their eight days consecration along with the altar imports their entrance on the work with great deliberation, much solemn prayer, noted application of Je blood, and vigorous study of gospel holiness. Their being clothed with linen, not with wool or any thing that causeth sweat, imports their being arrayed with Jesus’ imputed righteousness, his implanted grace, and a holy conversation; not with their own fatiguing, defiled, and defiling, works; and their maintaining purity of doctrine, esteeming their work their pleasure not their burden, and in neither being erroneous nor unsavoury. Their linen bonnets and breeches denote their gravity, modesty, chastity, and freedom from Antichristian whoreloms. Their laying aside their fine robes and wearing other garments, when among the people, may denote that, though they must only appear before God in the righteousness of his Son, yet, by a gospel conversation, they must recommend holiness to their hearers. Their not sanctifying the people with their garments may denote that they must indulge no vain glory of superiority to others in goodness, nor pretend to convey any holiness, merit, or safety to them. Their neither shaving their hair, nor suffering it to grow long, imports their abstinence from popish superstition, pride, and wantonness. Their not drinking wine, &c. imports that they must never indulge drunkenness, luxury, or carnal care; that they must marry only such women as are of good report, and never connect themselves with apostate and disorderly churches: that they must, by doctrine and example, faithfully teach their hearers; and compose differences among them; and must avoid immoderate sorrow for the loss of created enjoyments. The food, fields, &c. allotted them for a maintenance, import their continual living on Christ crucified and his new covenant provision, and their being decently and commodiously supported by their hearers. Their having distinct chambers for themselves may denote their office circumscribed by the divine law; and that none ought to interfere with either their work or benefice without commission from Christ. Their offering the sacrifices of the people may denote their preaching Christ crucified among them, and leading their exercises in their public dedications of themselves to God
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XLIV.—It is highly reasonable and infinitely delightful that Jesus, our only Mediator, Prince, and High Priest, should in all ways have the pre-eminence. And it is necessary that God’s mercies should be attended with the most cordial repentance and thorough reformation. How provoking to God, ruinous to the church, and damning to souls, is it when persons, apparently graceless, are admitted to the seals of God’s covenant, and to the office of rulers in the church of Christ! Nor must ministers who have fallen into scandal, be hastily or easily restored to their office. It is in vain to expect a flourishing church where government and discipline are neglected, and where ministers are not extremely regular in all their conduct. But, while ministers give up worldly cares for the sake of their hearers’ salvation, it becomes their hearers, as they regard the blessing of God and their own temporal or spiritual welfare, to provide for them a decent subsistence