Why does Ezekiel 44:21 prohibit priests from drinking wine before entering the sanctuary? The command in Ezekiel 44:21 “No priest shall drink wine when he enters the inner court.” Rooted in earlier priestly law • Leviticus 10:9–10 links the ban to Aaron’s sons: “You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die… so that you may distinguish between the holy and the common.” • Ezekiel repeats and applies that perpetual statute to priests serving in the future temple. Protecting the holiness of God’s presence • The sanctuary represents the immediate presence of the Holy One (Exodus 25:8). • Approaching that presence demands absolute reverence and purity (Exodus 28:43; 1 Peter 1:15-16). • Wine, while not evil in itself, symbolizes earthly pleasure; abstinence underscores total consecration. Guarding clarity and discernment • Alcohol can dull perception. Priests needed sharp minds to teach, judge, and offer sacrifices accurately (Leviticus 10:10-11). • Proverbs 31:4-5 warns that drink can cause leaders to “forget what is decreed and deprive the oppressed of justice.” Setting an example for the people • Priests modeled covenant obedience; visible sobriety reinforced trust and respect (Malachi 2:7-8). • Their restraint illustrated the principle that God’s servants value holiness over personal indulgence. Anticipating New Covenant fulfillment • Believers become “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). While Scripture allows moderate use of wine, it forbids drunkenness and commands Spirit-filled living (Ephesians 5:18). • The physical prohibition foreshadows the spiritual call to remain alert, self-controlled, and wholly devoted to the Lord’s service (1 Thessalonians 5:6-8). Practical lessons for believers today • Reverence: Approach God in worship with a clear mind and a pure heart. • Self-control: Avoid anything—drink, habit, or distraction—that could blur spiritual discernment. • Witness: Our visible choices can strengthen or weaken others’ respect for God’s holiness. |
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