Common English Bible

Ezekiel 44:20-27 Common English Bible (CEB)

20. They must neither shave their heads nor let their hair grow long, but they will trim the hair on their heads.

21. None of the priests should drink wine when they come into the inner courtyard.

22. They must not marry widows or divorced women, but only Israelite virgins. Priests may, however, marry the widows of other priests.

23. They must teach my people the difference between the holy and the ordinary, and show them the difference between clean and unclean.

24. They must execute judgments according to my case laws in cases of civil conflict. They must observe my instructions and my regulations regarding all my festivals. They must keep my sabbaths holy.

25. In order to avoid uncleanness, they must not approach the dead. They may, however, become unclean for their father or mother, son or daughter, brother or unmarried sister.

26. Once the priest is clean again, he must count off seven days.

27. On the day that he comes into the holy place, the inner courtyard, to minister in the holy place, he will present his purification offering. This is what the Lord God says.