⁹ Although the priests of the high places did not serve^(A) at the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, they ate unleavened bread with their fellow priests.

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) 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 shame^(H) of their detestable practices.^{(I) 14} And I will appoint them to guard the temple for all the work that is to be done in it.^(J)

⁸ But you have turned from the way^(A) and by your teaching have caused many to stumble;^(B) you have violated the covenant^(C) with Levi,”^(D) says the Lord Almighty. ⁹ “So I have caused you to be despised^(E) and humiliated^(F) before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality^(G) in matters of the law.”^(H)

²⁹ They will eat^(A) the grain offerings, the sin offerings and the guilt offerings; and everything in Israel devoted^[a] to the Lord^(B) will belong to them.^{(C) 30} The best of all the firstfruits^(D) and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal^(E) so that a blessing^(F) may rest on your household.^{(G) 31} The priests must not eat anything, whether bird or animal, found dead^(H) or torn by wild animals.^(I)

³⁶ Then everyone left in your family line will come and bow down before him for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread and plead,^(A) “Appoint me to some priestly office so I can have food to eat.^(B)”’”