Ezekiel 44:16

They shall enter into My Sanctuary, being accorded this privilege with all those who are children of God in truth, and they shall come near to My table, namely, the altar of incense, to minister unto Me; and they shall keep My charge. The priests of the line of Ithamar were discharged from the office as priests of the Temple because of the corrupt manner in which they followed in the footsteps of the sons of Eli, against whom the same denunciation was uttered. Cf 1 Samuel 2:32. Zadok is the son of Ahitub of the line of Eleazar, 1 Chronicles 6:37, who at the time of Absalom's rebellion was faithful to David, 2 Samuel 15:24, and also anointed Solomon to be king over Israel, 1 Kings 1:32, while the high priest Abiathar of the line of Ithamar took the part of the pretender Adonijah. Cf 1 Kings 1:7. In consequence of this defection the office of the high priest was given to Zadok and his descendants. Cf 1 Kings 2:26. When the Lord's patience is exhausted, His punishment strikes the offenders with terrible force and lasting effect.