Ezekiel 44:23

“And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.”

Historical Context:Ezekiel was a prophet who lived during the Babylonian exile. He received visions from God and was called to deliver messages to the people of Israel. In this particular passage, Ezekiel is receiving instructions for the future restoration of the temple and the priestly service.

• Spiritual Teaching:
• Teaching the difference between the holy and profane:God wants His people to understand the distinction between what is sacred and what is common. The priests had a crucial role in teaching the people about God’s standards and the importance of holiness. This instruction is not limited to the priests of that time but extends to all believers today. As followers of Christ, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16).

• Discerning between the unclean and the clean:God also wanted the priests to educate the people about the difference between what is ceremonially unclean and clean according to the Mosaic law. The laws regarding purity and cleanliness served to symbolize the separation between sin and holiness. In the New Testament, Jesus taught about the importance of inward purity, highlighting that it is not merely external observance that matters but the condition of our hearts (Mark 7:14-23).

Application:

• Personal holiness:We are called to pursue holiness in our lives as believers. This means living in obedience to God’s Word, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from within, and separating ourselves from sinful practices. We should strive to honour God in all aspects of our lives, maintaining a clear distinction between what is holy and what is profane.
• Teaching and discipleship:Like the priests in Ezekiel’s time, we have a responsibility to teach and disciple others in the ways of God. We are called to share the truth of the Gospel and help others discern between what is godly and what is worldly. This involves not only imparting knowledge but also modelling a life of integrity and holiness.
• Cultivating discernment:It is essential for believers to develop discernment to recognize and distinguish between what is clean and unclean spiritually. We should prayerfully seek wisdom from God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in making choices that align with His Word. This discernment helps us avoid being influenced by ungodly ideologies or participating in activities that compromise our faith.

In conclusion, Ezekiel 44:23 emphasises the role of priests in teaching the people of Israel the difference between the holy and profane, and the clean and unclean. As believers today, we are called to pursue personal holiness, engage in teaching and discipleship, and cultivate discernment in our daily lives.