Definition: And the chamber whose prospect [is] toward the north [is] for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these [are] the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Ezekiel 40:46. It’s a really interesting and slightly mysterious passage! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a special group of people – the priests – who are specifically chosen to serve God in a very important way. Let's unpack each part: “And the chamber whose prospect [is] toward the north” : This refers to a specific, large, and important building that’s located in the northern part of the earth (think of it as a “north-facing” space). It’s like a special sanctuary. “is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar” : This tells us these people are priests – they’re responsible for offering worship and prayers to God. "Keeper of the charge of the altar" means they're tasked with watching over the altar (the place where sacrifices were made). “these [are] the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him” : This is the really important part. It says that these priests are descended from Zadok, a very important figure in Jewish history. More importantly, they’re “coming near to the LORD” – meaning they're dedicated to serving God and fulfilling His will. They are specifically chosen to minister (serve) to Him. So, putting it all together: This verse describes a group of priests who are entrusted with a vital role – to serve God directly and offer worship. They’re part of a lineage that has been established for generations to dedicate themselves fully to God's work. It speaks about a deeply ordained, privileged position of service within the Church. What does this verse tell us about God? It suggests that God is interested in a close and dedicated relationship with His people. He chooses specific individuals – like these priests – to be his messengers and servants. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of the historical context (which is important for understanding this passage)?