10 “ ‘The Levites who went far from me when Israel went astrayj and who wandered from me after their idols must bear the consequences of their sin.k 11 They may serve in my sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and serving in it; they may slaughter the burnt offeringsl and sacrifices for the people and stand before the people and serve them.m 12 But because they served them in the presence of their idols and made the people of Israel falln into sin, therefore I have sworn with uplifted hando that they must bear the consequences of their sin, declares the Sovereign Lord.p 13 They are not to come near to serve me as priests or come near any of my holy things or my most holy offerings; they must bear the shameq of their detestable practices.r 14 And I will appoint them to guard the temple for all the work that is to be done in it.s

15 “ ‘But the Levitical priests, who are descendants of Zadokt and who guarded my sanctuary when the Israelites went astray from me, are to come near to minister before me; they are to stand before me to offer sacrifices of fatu and blood, declares the Sovereign Lord.v 16 They alone are to enter my sanctuary; they alone are to come near my tablew to minister before me and serve me as guards.x