Ezekiel 44:19

Ezekiel 44:19. They shall not sanctify, &c.— By approaching them in these habits, by touching them when clad in their dress of ceremony; this would sanctify the people, and incapacitate them from discharging their ordinary occupations. The touching of holy things defiles those who touch them unworthily, and sanctifies those who approach them in a manner conformably to the laws. The sacred habits were only for the ministers of the Lord; the laity who touched them were obliged to purify themselves; to expiate their offence. Whatsoever toucheth them shall be holy, says Moses, Exodus 30:29. To sanctify or be holy is put here in a contrary sense, for to defile.