Ezekiel 43:25

For seven days you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both unblemished.

Study Bible

For seven days
The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, reflecting God's creation week. This period of seven days for the consecration of the altar mirrors the dedication practices seen in other parts of Scripture, such as the consecration of Aaron and his sons in Leviticus 8.

you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering;
The male goat as a sin offering signifies atonement for sin, a common practice in the Levitical sacrificial system. The daily offering underscores the continual need for atonement and purification, pointing to the seriousness of sin and the need for regular repentance and cleansing.

you are also to provide a young bull
The young bull represents strength and value, often used in significant offerings. In the context of temple sacrifices, the bull is a symbol of atonement for the priesthood and the people, highlighting the gravity of sin and the need for a substantial offering.

and a ram from the flock,
The ram is frequently associated with consecration and dedication, as seen in the ordination of priests (Exodus 29). It signifies submission and obedience to God, and its inclusion in the offerings emphasizes the need for dedication to God's service.

both unblemished.
The requirement for unblemished animals reflects the need for purity and perfection in offerings to God. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is described as the Lamb without blemish or defect (1 Peter 1:19), fulfilling the sacrificial system and providing complete atonement for sin.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book. He receives visions from God, including the vision of the new temple described in chapters 40-48.

2. The Temple
The vision of the new temple is central to this passage. It represents God's presence among His people and the restoration of proper worship.

3. Sin Offering
A sacrificial offering made to atone for sin, emphasizing the need for purification and reconciliation with God.

4. Male Goat, Young Bull, and Ram
These animals are specified for the sin offering, each representing different aspects of atonement and dedication to God.

5. Seven Days
The period of consecration and purification, symbolizing completeness and spiritual preparation.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
The repeated sin offerings underscore humanity's need for atonement and reconciliation with God. This points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and provides eternal redemption.

Holiness and Purity
The requirement for animals "without blemish" signifies the importance of holiness and purity in worship. Believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

The Role of Rituals in Worship
While rituals were central to Old Testament worship, they pointed to deeper spiritual truths. In Christ, believers are invited to worship in spirit and truth, understanding the heart behind the rituals.

The Symbolism of Seven Days
The seven-day period symbolizes completeness and spiritual preparation. Believers are encouraged to engage in regular spiritual disciplines to maintain a close relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a sin offering in Ezekiel 43:25 relate to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ as described in the New Testament?

2. What does the requirement for animals "without blemish" teach us about the nature of our offerings to God today?

3. In what ways can the symbolism of the seven-day consecration period be applied to our spiritual lives and practices?

4. How do the rituals described in Ezekiel 43:25 help us understand the importance of intentionality and reverence in our worship?

5. How can we draw parallels between the Old Testament sacrificial system and the call to live as "living sacrifices" in Romans 12:1?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 4
Provides detailed instructions on sin offerings, highlighting the importance of atonement and the role of sacrifices in the Old Testament.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin.

Exodus 29
Describes the consecration of priests, which parallels the seven-day consecration period in Ezekiel 43:25.