Ezekiel 46:20

and said to me, "This is the place where the priests shall boil the guilt offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the grain offering, so that they do not bring them into the outer court and transmit holiness to the people."

Study Bible

and said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the divine authority and importance of the instructions being given. Ezekiel often receives visions and messages directly from God, highlighting his role as a prophet and intermediary between God and the people of Israel.

This is the place where the priests shall boil the guilt offering and the sin offering
The guilt offering and sin offering were essential components of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel, as outlined in Leviticus. These offerings were made to atone for specific sins and unintentional transgressions. The mention of priests boiling these offerings underscores their role as mediators between God and the people, ensuring that the sacrificial rituals were conducted according to divine law. The specific location for boiling these offerings within the temple complex signifies the importance of maintaining ritual purity and order.

and where they shall bake the grain offering
The grain offering, also known as the meal offering, was a voluntary act of worship and devotion, often accompanying other sacrifices. It symbolized the dedication of one's labor and sustenance to God. The baking of the grain offering in a designated area within the temple precincts reflects the structured and sacred nature of worship practices, ensuring that offerings were prepared in a manner befitting their holy purpose.

so that they do not bring them into the outer court
The outer court of the temple was accessible to the general populace, unlike the inner areas reserved for priests. By keeping the preparation of offerings within specific areas, the text emphasizes the separation between the sacred and the common. This separation was crucial in maintaining the sanctity of the temple and preventing the profanation of holy rituals by unintentional contact with the laity.

and transmit holiness to the people
Holiness, in the biblical sense, involves being set apart for God's purposes. The concern here is that the holiness associated with the offerings could be improperly transferred to the people, which could lead to unintended consequences or ritual impurity. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for careful observance of His commands to maintain the sanctity of worship and community life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, who received visions and messages from God concerning the future of Israel and the temple.

2. The Priests
The Levitical priests responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the temple.

3. The Temple
The sacred place of worship for the Israelites, central to their religious life and practices.

4. Guilt Offering and Sin Offering
Sacrifices prescribed in the Law of Moses for atonement of sins and guilt, symbolizing repentance and reconciliation with God.

5. Outer Court
The area of the temple accessible to the people, distinct from the inner areas reserved for priests and sacred rituals.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and separation in worship practices. The priests were to perform certain rituals in designated areas to prevent the transmission of holiness to the people, underscoring the sacredness of their duties.

Role of the Priests
The priests served as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the need for dedicated individuals to lead and guide in spiritual matters. This points to the importance of spiritual leadership in the church today.

Symbolism of Sacrifices
The guilt and sin offerings symbolize repentance and the need for atonement. In the New Testament, these sacrifices find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who offers a once-for-all atonement for sin.

Sacred Spaces
The distinction between the inner and outer courts reflects the concept of sacred spaces, reminding believers of the need to approach God with reverence and respect.

Practical Worship
The detailed instructions for offerings remind us of the importance of order and intentionality in worship, encouraging believers to approach God with prepared hearts and minds.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priests in Ezekiel 46:20 compare to the role of spiritual leaders in the church today?

2. What can we learn from the separation of sacred spaces in the temple about how we approach worship in our own lives?

3. How do the guilt and sin offerings in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. In what ways can we ensure that our worship practices maintain a sense of holiness and reverence?

5. How does understanding the original context of temple rituals enhance our appreciation for the New Testament teachings on Christ's sacrifice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 6:24-30
Provides detailed instructions on the guilt and sin offerings, emphasizing the role of the priests and the sanctity of the offerings.

Hebrews 10:1-18
Discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and the fulfillment of these offerings in Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

1 Peter 2:9
Highlights the priesthood of all believers, drawing a parallel to the role of priests in the Old Testament.