יחזקאל, פרק מ״ד, פסוק ט״ו

In the vision of the future Temple, a clear distinction is drawn regarding the identity of its spiritual leadership. The privilege to serve in the inner sanctuary is not granted automatically; rather, it is a reward for absolute loyalty to God during times of widespread spiritual crisis. The right to perform this sacred service is awarded to the descendants of Zadok. The primary approach among commentators is that these are priests from the tribe of Levi tracing their lineage to Zadok, who served as the first High Priest in Solomon's Temple. By extension, all righteous priests who conduct themselves properly are associated with his name [רש״י, מצודת דוד, צאינה וראינה, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The lineage of Zadok is chosen specifically over the family of Abiathar, who descended from Eli the High Priest. Although all sins will eventually be forgiven in the future, the transgressions of Eli’s household involved the desecration of God's name, permanently disqualifying them from ever returning to serve in the sanctuary [נחל שורק, אהבת יהונתן].

The dual designation of these individuals as both priests and Levites sparks different interpretations. One approach suggests that in the future, once the sin of the Golden Calf is completely atoned for, the right to perform the Temple service was originally meant to revert to the firstborn Israelites. However, owing to their steadfast loyalty, the sons of Zadok will retain their positions as High Priests, while the firstborns will assume the roles of regular priests [אהבת יהונתן]. Conversely, mystical traditions suggest this dual title hints at a profound future spiritual reversal. Today's priests will become Levites, and today's Levites will become priests. This transformation will occur because, in the future, the spiritual attribute of strength and judgment associated with the Levites will be elevated above the attribute of kindness that characterizes the priests [צוארי שלל, חומת אנך].

The elevated status of Zadok’s descendants stems from their unwavering dedication when the Israelites strayed into idolatry. While the rest of the nation abandoned the proper path, the sons of Zadok remained at their posts, refused to sin, and actively worked to guide the Israelites back to righteousness [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, צאינה וראינה]. According to the mystical perspective, this steadfastness reflects the current reality of the Levites, who guard the Temple gates without offering sacrifices. Because of their present loyalty, they will eventually earn the right to approach the altar itself [צוארי שלל].

As a reward for their faithfulness, these loyal servants will not merely act as gatekeepers but will be invited to approach the altar and stand directly before God. This stands in sharp contrast to the priests who sinned and permanently lost the right to serve at the altar [רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Their elevation reflects a fundamental spiritual principle: those who take the initiative to purify themselves receive heavenly assistance. Because they actively maintained their purity, they are granted divine help to stand and serve for many days [נחל שורק, חומת אנך]. Furthermore, their direct approach to God proves that these priests act fundamentally as His messengers, rather than merely serving as representatives of the public [אהבת יהונתן].

Their primary service will center on offering the fat and blood of animal sacrifices. These elements constitute the very essence of the offering, symbolically representing the fat and blood of the sinner [נחל שורק]. The emphasis is specifically placed on animal sacrifices rather than plant-based grain offerings because sin damages a person both physically and spiritually. While a grain offering represents only the physical realm, an animal sacrifice encompasses a spiritual dimension as well. The fat and blood represent this unique spiritual component, which is dedicated to God to achieve atonement for the sinner's soul [אהבת יהונתן].