Ezekiel 42:13
Then said he unto me, The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they be holy chambers, where the priests that approach unto the LORD shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meat offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy.
Ezekiel 42:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of Ezekiel describes the importance and sanctity of the north and south chambers within the temple. These chambers are designated as holy spaces where the priests who serve the Lord are allowed to partake of the most sacred offerings. The priests are instructed to eat the most holy things, such as the meat, sin, and trespass offerings, in these chambers. The passage emphasizes the purity and reverence with which these offerings should be consumed, highlighting the holiness of the place. By setting aside specific chambers within the temple for these sacred rituals, the verse underscores the importance of honoring and respecting the divine in all aspects of life. It serves as a reminder of the sacred duties and responsibilities entrusted to the priests who approach the Lord, emphasizing the need for purity and devotion in carrying out their duties. Overall, this verse conveys the central role of holiness and reverence in the worship of the Lord.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet Ezekiel is given a vision of the chambers in the temple that are designated for the priests to eat the most holy things. These chambers are located in the north and south areas just before the separate place, highlighting their sanctity and significance. The priests are instructed to eat the most holy things in these chambers, which includes the meat, sin, and trespass offerings, emphasizing the purity and sacredness of these offerings. This verse underscores the importance of maintaining proper reverence and respect for the holy items used in worship, as they are set apart for God's service. The use of specific chambers for these purposes demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail in the worship practices of ancient Israel, where every aspect of the ritual was carefully regulated to ensure the proper administration of the offerings.
Ezekiel 42:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
Then said he unto me, The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they are the holy chambers, where the priests that are near unto Jehovah shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meal-offering, and the sin-offering, and the trespass-offering; for the place is holy.
World English Bible
Then he said to me, The north rooms and the south rooms, which are before the separate place, they are the holy rooms, where the priests who are near to Yahweh shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meal offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy.
Douay-Rheims
And he said to me: The chambers of the north, and the chambers of the south, which are before the separate building: they are holy chambers, in which the priests shall eat, that approach to the Lord into the holy of holies: there they shall lay the most holy things, and the offering for sin, and for trespass: for it is a holy place.
Geneva Bible (1599)
The said he vnto me, The North chambers and ye South chambers which are before ye separate place, they be holy chambers, wherein the Priests that approch vnto ye Lord, shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meate offering, and the sinne offering, and the trespasse offring: for the place is holy.