Ezekiel 43:18-27

18-27. The consecration of the altar is here described. It is much like that in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:63-66; 2 Chronicles 7:4-10) excepting that here there is no need of cleansing the house and the different vessels; for Jehovah has already entered the temple, and it is already holy. For the same reason the priests of the family of Zadok (see Ezekiel 44:15) need no consecration before taking part in the most sacred ordinances of the dedication ceremony. These holy priests now offer for a sin offering the same sacrifice which formerly Aaron and his sons offered (Leviticus 8:14). Only the altar on which was laid the sins of the people had need of cleansing by the application of sacrificial blood to the uplifted horns, ledge, and border (see note Ezekiel 43:13-17); “thus shall they cleanse it and make atonement for it.” (Compare Leviticus 4:7; Leviticus 4:34.) The body of the bullock was burned in a place outside the sanctuary. (Compare Leviticus 4:10; Leviticus 4:12; Hebrews 13:11; Hebrews 13:13.) Perhaps the “separate place” (Ezekiel 41:12), which was outside the sanctuary proper, is meant. (See H, chart facing page 209.) The second day’s ritual (Ezekiel 43:22), with those which followed, demanded “a he-goat without blemish” (compare Leviticus 4:23-24), thus deviating from the Mosaic order (Exodus 29:36), after which followed the burnt offering (Ezekiel 43:23-24; compare Leviticus 1:3-5; Leviticus 8:18), which, as in the old law, was sprinkled with salt, the well-known symbol of entire consecration (Leviticus 2:13; see notes Ezekiel 16:4; Religion of the Semites, 4:435). “Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar, and purify, and consecrate it,” after which it shall be ready for the regular sacrifices (Ezekiel 43:27). “The prominence given to ‘burnt’ and ‘peace’ offerings, as distinguished from ‘sin offerings,’ may, as Schrader suggests, have pointed to the fact that the sacrificers who should use this altar would be a people in a state of grace, to whom Jehovah was prepared to say, ‘I will accept you; not your offerings alone, but your persons as well.’” Pulpit Commentary.