Ezekiel 41:22

There was an altar of wood three cubits high and two cubits square. Its corners, base, and sides were of wood. And the man told me, "This is the table that is before the LORD."

Study Bible

There was an altar of wood three cubits high and two cubits square.
The altar described here is made of wood, which is significant as it contrasts with the stone altars commonly used in ancient Israelite worship. The dimensions given—three cubits high and two cubits square—suggest a modest size, indicating its specific purpose within the temple's inner sanctuary. The use of wood may symbolize the humanity and humility of worship, as wood is a natural, earthly material. This altar's size and material could also reflect the spiritual nature of the offerings made upon it, focusing on the heart rather than the grandeur of the sacrifice. The dimensions also align with the biblical emphasis on order and precision in worship, as seen in the detailed instructions for the tabernacle and Solomon's temple (Exodus 25-27, 1 Kings 6-7).

Its corners, base, and sides were of wood.
The detailed description of the altar's construction emphasizes the uniformity and simplicity of its design. The corners, base, and sides being of wood suggest a cohesive structure, possibly symbolizing the unity and integrity required in worship. In biblical symbolism, corners often represent strength and stability, while the base signifies foundation. This could imply that the altar, though simple, is a stable and foundational element of the temple's worship practices. The use of wood throughout may also point to the altar's role in offerings that are more spiritual or symbolic, rather than physical sacrifices, aligning with the prophetic vision of a renewed covenant relationship with God (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

And the man told me, “This is the table that is before the LORD.”
The "man" refers to the angelic guide or divine messenger who leads Ezekiel through the temple vision. His explanation that this altar is "the table that is before the LORD" elevates its significance beyond a mere altar for sacrifices. In biblical terms, a table often signifies fellowship and communion, as seen in the table of showbread in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:23-30). This altar-table could symbolize the intimate relationship between God and His people, where offerings are not just sacrifices but acts of communion and fellowship. The phrase "before the LORD" indicates the altar's placement in the presence of God, highlighting its sacred purpose. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who is both the ultimate sacrifice and the mediator of the new covenant, bringing believers into direct fellowship with God (Hebrews 9:11-15).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the detailed vision of the new temple.

2. The Temple
The vision of the temple in Ezekiel 40-48 represents a future restoration and the presence of God among His people.

3. The Altar of Wood
A specific piece of furniture in the temple vision, symbolizing worship and sacrifice before the LORD.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Altar
The altar represents worship and sacrifice, central to the relationship between God and His people. It reminds us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and dedication.

God's Presence
The phrase "before the LORD" emphasizes the significance of God's presence. In our lives, we should prioritize living in a way that acknowledges and honors God's constant presence.

Restoration and Hope
Ezekiel's vision offers hope for restoration. In times of personal or communal exile, we can trust in God's promise to restore and renew.

Worship in Spirit and Truth
The altar's simplicity and material (wood) suggest that true worship is not about elaborate rituals but sincerity and truth, aligning with Jesus' teaching in John 4.

The Role of Sacrifice
While the physical sacrifices of the Old Testament are fulfilled in Christ, the principle of offering ourselves as living sacrifices remains vital (Romans 12:1).

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the altar in Ezekiel 41:22 compare to the altars described in the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple?

2. In what ways does the vision of the temple in Ezekiel provide hope for restoration and renewal in your personal life?

3. How can we apply the concept of living "before the LORD" in our daily routines and decision-making?

4. What does the simplicity of the wooden altar teach us about the nature of true worship?

5. How does the fulfillment of Old Testament sacrifices in Christ influence our understanding of worship and sacrifice today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-27
These chapters describe the construction of the Tabernacle, including the altar, which serves as a precursor to the temple's furnishings.

Hebrews 9
This chapter discusses the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings as a shadow of heavenly realities, connecting the Old Testament temple to New Testament theology.

Revelation 21
The vision of the New Jerusalem, where God's presence is fully realized, echoes the themes of restoration and divine presence found in Ezekiel's temple vision.