Ezekiel 43:18

Then He said to me: "Son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: 'These are the statutes for the altar on the day it is constructed, so that burnt offerings may be sacrificed on it and blood may be sprinkled on it:

Study Bible

Then He said to me:
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the message. In the context of Ezekiel's visions, God often speaks directly to him, providing instructions and revelations about Israel's future. This direct communication underscores the authority and divine origin of the message.

Son of man,
The term "son of man" is used frequently in Ezekiel, highlighting the prophet's humanity and his role as a representative of the people. It serves to remind Ezekiel of his position as a mortal being receiving divine revelation. This title is also significant in the New Testament, where Jesus frequently refers to Himself as the "Son of Man," linking His mission to the prophetic tradition.

this is what the Lord GOD says:
This phrase introduces a divine pronouncement, affirming the authority and sovereignty of God. It is a common formula in prophetic literature, ensuring that the message is not of human origin but from the Lord Himself. This underscores the importance and reliability of the instructions that follow.

‘These are the statutes for the altar
The statutes refer to specific regulations or laws concerning the altar, which is central to Israelite worship. The altar's construction and use are critical for maintaining proper worship and sacrificial practices. In the broader biblical context, the altar represents a place of atonement and communion with God, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

on the day it is constructed,
This phrase indicates a specific time when these regulations are to be implemented, highlighting the importance of proper dedication and consecration of the altar. The construction of the altar is a significant event, symbolizing a new beginning for worship and the restoration of proper relationship with God.

so that burnt offerings may be sacrificed on it
Burnt offerings were a central aspect of Old Testament worship, symbolizing atonement and dedication to God. The offering was completely consumed by fire, representing total surrender to God's will. This practice points forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who offered Himself completely for the sins of humanity.

and blood may be splattered on it:
The splattering of blood on the altar is a key element of the sacrificial system, signifying purification and atonement. Blood, representing life, was used to cleanse and sanctify, pointing to the necessity of a blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. This foreshadows the New Testament teaching on the blood of Christ, which cleanses believers from sin and establishes a new covenant with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the recipient of God's visions and messages, tasked with conveying them to the Israelites.

2. The Lord GOD
The sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who provides instructions for worship and the construction of the altar.

3. The Altar
A central element in the temple, the altar is where sacrifices are made, symbolizing atonement and worship.

4. Burnt Offerings
Sacrifices that are completely consumed by fire, representing total dedication to God and atonement for sin.

5. Blood Sprinkling
A ritual act signifying purification and the establishment of a covenant relationship between God and His people.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience in Worship
God's detailed instructions for the altar remind us of the importance of obedience in worship. Our worship should align with God's standards, reflecting His holiness.

The Role of Sacrifice
Sacrifices were central to Israel's relationship with God, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. We are called to live sacrificially, offering our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

The Significance of Blood
Blood symbolizes life and purification. In Christ, we find ultimate purification and life through His shed blood, which cleanses us from sin.

God's Desire for Relationship
The altar and sacrifices were means for Israel to maintain a covenant relationship with God. Today, through Christ, we have direct access to God and are called to nurture this relationship.

Holiness in Worship
The construction and use of the altar highlight the need for holiness in worship. We are called to approach God with reverence and purity of heart.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the altar in Ezekiel 43:18 reflect God's desire for order and holiness in worship?

2. In what ways do the burnt offerings and blood sprinkling in the Old Testament point to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the principles of obedience and holiness in our personal worship practices today?

4. What does the role of blood in the sacrificial system teach us about the significance of Jesus' sacrifice for our sins?

5. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the New Covenant relationship we have with God through Christ?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 1
Provides detailed instructions on burnt offerings, highlighting their significance in the sacrificial system and their role in atonement and worship.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the role of blood in the Old Covenant and its fulfillment in the New Covenant through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate atonement.

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of the altar and priests, emphasizing the importance of holiness and dedication in worship.