If God were to remain with his people, they needed higher standards. They also needed clear rules to prevent the sins of the past from happening again.
In earlier times, Israel and their kings dishonored God. They worshiped other gods. They also honored dead kings by placing memorial markers inside the temple area. The temple belonged to the living God, not to human rulers.
In the future, the proper order would be restored. The home of the earthly ruler would be placed farther from the spiritual center of the land (see Ezekiel 45:7). This change would show clearly that God alone was supreme.
Placing the earthly ruler in his proper position was necessary. Only then could God remain among his people forever in his rightful place.