12. Because they ministered to them before their idols, they brought about the downfall of the house of Israel. For that reason I made a solemn pledge against them—this is what the Lord God says—and they will bear their guilt.
13. They won’t approach me to officiate for me as priests or approach any of my holy things or the most holy place. Though they will bear their humiliation and the consequences of their detestable practices,
14. I will appoint them to keep charge of the temple, all its work, and all that is done in it.
15. As for the priests of the levitical family of Zadok who did keep charge of my sanctuary when the Israelites strayed away from me, they will draw near to me to serve me. They will stand in my presence to present fat and blood to me. This is what the Lord God says.
16. They will come into my sanctuary, and they will approach my table to minister to me. They will keep my charge.
17. When they come through the gates to the inner courtyard, they will wear linen garments. They won’t wear any wool when they minister at the gates of the inner courtyard or in the temple.
18. They will have linen turbans on their heads and linen undergarments around their waists. They won’t wear anything that makes them sweat.
19. When they go out to the outer courtyard to the people, they will remove the garments in which they were ministering. They will lay them aside in the holy chambers and wear other clothing. They must not transfer holiness to the people through their clothing.
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.