And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy [place].
Ver. 5. And he said unto them, Hear me.] He makes a speech to them, full of faith and piety in every passage.
Ye Levites.] He beginneth his reformation at the ministry. Incipiendum a Minoritis, said one of the council of Basil; Imo vero a Maioritis, said another. The priests are here comprised under the name of Levites.
Sanctify now yourselves.] By legal rites, but especially by repentance, faith, and new obedience, fit yourselves for your respective employments.
And carry forth the filthiness.] The idols, and all their trinkets and trash. Nothing must be left behind that might make idolaters hope for a desired day.