Ezekiel 43:26

26 For seven days the priests will purge the altar in order to purify it and to dedicate it.

Ezekiel 43:26 Meaning and Commentary

Ezekiel 43:26

Seven days shall they purge the altar, and purify it
Which denotes the perfect purity and sanctification of it; which how to be applied to Christ, (See Gill on Ezekiel 43:20); and they shall consecrate themselves:
the priests shall consecrate themselves, or devote themselves to the service of the altar; so Gospel ministers to the ministry of a crucified Christ: or they themselves should consecrate the altar by the above rites: or rather it may be literally rendered, and they shall fill its hands,
or "their own hands" ^F2; that is, either they shall fill the sides of the altar with sacrifices, as much as it could hold; or the hands of the priests with parts of the sacrifice, or with gifts, as a token of their being inaugurated into, and invested with, the priestly office: so Gospel ministers should have their hands full of, or be filled with, the gifts and graces of the Spirit, and with the knowledge of Christ, his person, offices, grace, righteousness, and sacrifice, that they may minister unto others.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 There is a double reading of the words; the Cetib or textual reading is (wdy) , "its hand"; the Keri or marginal reading is (wydy) , "their own hands".

Ezekiel 43:26 In-Context

24 You will present them to the LORD. The priests will throw salt on them and offer them as entirely burned offerings to the LORD.

25 Daily, for seven days, you will present a male goat for a purification offering. You will also present a bull from the herd and a ram from the flock, both flawless.

26 For seven days the priests will purge the altar in order to purify it and to dedicate it.

27 When the seven days are completed, the priests will offer your entirely burned offerings and your well-being sacrifices on the altar from the eighth day on, and I will accept you with pleasure. This is what the LORD God says.