[44:10] 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.
[44:11] 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.
[44:12] 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.
[44:13] They are not to serve me as priests or to go near anything that is holy to me or to enter the Most Holy Place. This is the punishment for the disgusting things they have done.
[44:14] I am assigning to them the menial work that is to be done in the Temple.”