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The Levites Are Excluded from the Priesthood

10 The Lord said to me, “I am punishing those Levites who, together with the rest of the people of Israel, deserted me and worshiped idols. 11 They may serve me in the Temple by taking charge of the gates and by performing the work of the Temple. They may kill the animals which the people offer for burnt offerings and for sacrifices, and they are to be on duty to serve the people. 12 But because they conducted the worship of idols for the people of Israel and in this way led the people into sin, I, the Sovereign Lord, solemnly swear that they must be punished.

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10 “‘The Levites who went far from me when Israel went astray(A) and who wandered from me after their idols must bear the consequences of their sin.(B) 11 They may serve in my sanctuary, having charge of the gates of the temple and serving in it; they may slaughter the burnt offerings(C) and sacrifices for the people and stand before the people and serve them.(D) 12 But because they served them in the presence of their idols and made the people of Israel fall(E) into sin, therefore I have sworn with uplifted hand(F) that they must bear the consequences of their sin, declares the Sovereign Lord.(G)

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