Meaning of Ezekiel 43:20

This verse from Ezekiel 43:20 describes a crucial ritual for the consecration and purification of the altar in the visionary temple. The act of smearing blood on the horns, corners, and rim of the altar signifies the cleansing of sin and the establishment of a holy space for divine worship. This ritual is not merely symbolic; it is a divinely ordained act that makes atonement for the altar itself, rendering it fit to receive sacrifices and to serve as the mediator between God and His people. The meticulous application of blood to specific points underscores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of expiation before approaching a holy God.

Context and Background

Ezekiel's prophecy is set in the context of the Babylonian exile, a period when Jerusalem and its Temple lay in ruins. The prophet receives a series of visions detailing a future, restored Temple, distinct from the one that was destroyed. Chapter 43 specifically focuses on the re-establishment of worship in this new Temple, emphasizing the glory of God returning to it. The altar, as the central point of sacrificial atonement, is the focus of significant ritualistic detail, highlighting the importance of proper worship and the divine presence. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 43:13-17) describe the measurements and construction of the altar, setting the stage for its consecration.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are atonement, purification, and the sanctity of worship. The blood on the altar signifies the expiation of sin. The act of purification is essential because even the instruments of worship must be made holy before they can be used in God's presence. This ritual underscores that access to God is not casual but requires a divinely appointed means of reconciliation. The emphasis on specific locations—horns, corners, rim—highlights the completeness of the purification and the thoroughness of the atonement.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse points to the need for cleansing and reconciliation before approaching God. The altar, in its function, prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as the blood on the Old Testament altar purified it for service, Christ's blood purifies believers, making them fit to be temples of the Holy Spirit and to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and worship. The atonement for the altar represents the atonement for the sins that would be brought before it. In a New Testament context, the believer's heart and life are to be consecrated to God, cleansed by Christ's sacrifice.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage is intrinsically linked to the sacrificial system established in the Law of Moses, particularly in Leviticus. It demonstrates the continuity of God's concern for holy worship and the necessity of atonement throughout Israel's history. However, Ezekiel's vision also points beyond the Levitical system, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement provided by Christ. The blood of bulls and goats could only temporarily cover sin, but Christ's blood, shed once for all, provides a perfect and eternal atonement. This ritual is a preparatory step towards the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption.

Analogies

One analogy is that of sanitizing a surgical instrument. Before a surgeon can perform a life-saving operation, the instruments must be thoroughly sterilized to prevent infection. Similarly, the altar, as the site of divine transaction, must be purified by blood to ensure that the sacrifices offered are acceptable and that the encounter with God is not marred by sin. Another analogy could be dedicating a building for a sacred purpose. Before a church or mosque is used for worship, it is often consecrated or dedicated, signifying its separation from secular use and its devotion to the divine. The blood ritual is a more profound and divinely mandated form of this dedication.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with numerous other biblical passages. In Leviticus 4:7, the priest was to put some of the bull's blood on the horns of the altar of burnt offering. Exodus 29:12 also commands putting blood on the horns of the altar. The concept of atonement is central to the entire book of Leviticus, particularly chapters 16 and 17. Furthermore, the New Testament understanding of Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate atonement is found in verses like Hebrews 9:11-14, which contrasts the efficacy of Christ's blood with the animal sacrifices, and 1 Peter 1:18-19, which speaks of believers being redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, "like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." The idea of believers as temples is found in 1 Corinthians 6:19.