In verses 15-16 many of the same expressions are used to compare the priests with the Levites of the previous verses. These verses make it clear that the priests are a rank above the Levites.

But the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok …: The conjunction But indicates that the behavior of the priests contrasted with that of the Levites. For the Levitical priests, the sons of Zadok, see the comments on 40.45-46 and 43.19.

Who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the people of Israel went astray from me: The priests, as the religious leaders of the Israelites, continued to conduct true worship, even when the Levites and many of the people turned their backs on God. Who kept the charge of my sanctuary means “They faithfully carried out their duties in my Temple” (similarly New International Version). New Century Version says they “took care of my Holy Place” (similarly Complete Jewish Bible), and New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “who maintained the service of My Sanctuary.” For my sanctuary, see Ezek 44.7; for when the people of Israel went astray from me, see verse 10.

It will be the priests who shall come near to me to minister to me, that is, will be allowed to approach God and conduct the sacred rituals (see verse 13). This rule, and those following in this verse and the next one, are both commands and statements that the priests are allowed to do what is mentioned.

And they shall attend on me to offer me the fat and the blood means the priests will stand in front of God to make the sacrifices. For the fat and the blood, see Ezek 44.7.

The importance of these rules for the priests is confirmed by the solemn, formal declaration says the Lord GOD (see verse 12).

A model for this verse is:

• “But the priests from the tribe of Levi who are descendants of Zadok continued to carry out worship in my holy place when the rest of the people of Israel strayed away from me. Now I will allow them to come into my presence and perform the services, making the sacrifices of fat and blood. This is what I, the Lord Yahweh, declare.

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .