Ezekiel 43:20

You are to take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar, on the four corners of the ledge, and all around the rim; thus you will cleanse the altar and make atonement for it.

Study Bible

You are to take some of its blood
In the Old Testament, blood is a significant symbol of life and atonement. The use of blood in sacrificial rituals underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for purification. This phrase indicates the beginning of a ritual act that is central to the consecration of the altar. Blood from the sacrifice represents the life given to atone for sin, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the atonement of humanity's sins (Hebrews 9:22).

and put it on the four horns of the altar
The altar's horns are symbolic of strength and power. In ancient Near Eastern culture, horns often represented authority and might. By applying blood to the horns, the act signifies the altar's sanctification and the power of the sacrifice to atone for sin. This ritual act is reminiscent of the Day of Atonement practices described in Leviticus 16, where blood is used to purify the altar and the people.

on the four corners of the ledge
The four corners of the ledge represent the entirety of the altar, suggesting completeness in the act of purification. This comprehensive application of blood signifies that the entire altar is set apart for holy purposes. The number four often symbolizes universality in the Bible, indicating that the atonement is thorough and all-encompassing.

and all around the rim
Applying blood all around the rim further emphasizes the thoroughness of the cleansing process. This act ensures that every part of the altar is purified, highlighting the importance of holiness in worship. The rim, being the outermost part, signifies the boundary between the sacred and the profane, reinforcing the need for separation from sin.

thus you will cleanse the altar
Cleansing the altar is essential for it to be a suitable place for offerings to God. In the biblical context, cleansing rituals are necessary to remove impurity and make something holy. This cleansing is a precursor to the worship and sacrifices that will take place, ensuring that they are acceptable to God. It reflects the broader biblical theme of purification and sanctification found throughout Scripture.

and make atonement for it
Atonement involves reconciliation between God and humanity, achieved through the sacrificial system. This phrase highlights the altar's role in the atonement process, serving as the place where sacrifices are made to restore the relationship between God and His people. The concept of atonement is central to Christian theology, ultimately fulfilled in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who made atonement for sin once and for all (Romans 3:25).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet of God who received visions and messages during the Babylonian exile, tasked with conveying God's instructions to the Israelites.

2. The Altar
A central element in the temple, used for sacrifices and offerings to God, symbolizing worship and atonement.

3. The Blood
Represents the life force and is used for purification and atonement, signifying the seriousness of sin and the need for cleansing.

4. The Four Horns of the Altar
Protrusions on the altar's corners, symbolizing strength and the power of God’s presence.

5. Atonement
The process of making amends or reparation for sin, restoring the relationship between God and His people.

Teaching Points

The Significance of Blood in Atonement
Blood is central to the process of atonement, symbolizing life and the seriousness of sin. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin.

The Holiness of God’s Altar
The altar represents a place of meeting between God and man. Its cleansing signifies the need for purity in worship and the seriousness with which we should approach God.

The Role of Obedience in Worship
Ezekiel’s instructions highlight the importance of following God’s commands precisely. Our worship should be characterized by obedience and reverence.

The Continuity of God’s Plan
The practices in Ezekiel connect to the broader account of Scripture, showing God’s consistent plan for redemption and relationship with His people.

The Power of Atonement
Atonement restores our relationship with God, emphasizing the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of blood in Ezekiel 43:20 relate to the concept of atonement in the New Testament?

2. What does the cleansing of the altar teach us about the nature of worship and our approach to God today?

3. In what ways does the obedience of Ezekiel in following God’s instructions serve as a model for our own spiritual lives?

4. How can understanding the Old Testament sacrificial system deepen our appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our worship is characterized by purity and reverence, as symbolized by the cleansing of the altar?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 16
Discusses the Day of Atonement, where blood is used for purification, highlighting the importance of atonement in the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Hebrews 9
Explains how Christ's sacrifice fulfills the Old Testament requirements for atonement, emphasizing the ultimate cleansing through His blood.

Exodus 29
Details the consecration of the altar, showing the continuity of God's instructions for holiness and worship.

Romans 3
Discusses the concept of atonement through faith in Jesus, connecting the Old Testament practices to New Testament theology.