Ezekiel 43 Study Notes

43:13-17 After the return of the glory of the Lord to the temple, the first issue to be addressed is the altar, the place of sacrifice. The altar was mentioned in 40:47, but now becomes the focus of temple activities. Because of the altar’s size and height, it was necessary that steps led up to it on the east side (Ex 20:26).

43:18-19 On blood . . . splattered on it, see Ex 29:16; Lv 4:6; 5:9.

43:20 When material objects were atoned for, they were purified and cleansed from the impurities that had resulted from sin (Lv 8:14-15). The purification of the altar with blood is analogous to the sprinkling of blood on the priests at their ordination (Ex 29:21), on the altar on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the people (Lv 16:18-19), and on the people to seal the covenant (Ex 24:1-8).

43:21 Some sacrificial animals were taken outside the sanctuary (Ex 29:14; Lv 4:12,21; 8:17; 9:11; 16:27). This action foreshadows one aspect of Christ’s sacrifice (Heb 13:11-13).

43:22-26 The consecration of the altar for seven days was performed at the Festival of Shelters (1Kg 8:65-66; Ezr 3:1-7). It resembled the ordination of priests (Ex 29:1-37; Lv 8).

43:27 The fellowship offering was prescribed on three specific occasions: the Festival of Weeks (Lv 23:19-20), the completion of the Nazirite vow (Nm 6:17-20), and the installation of the priests (Lv 9:18,22). This offering appears to have been closely associated with the burnt offering, which it followed. Like the burnt offering and often in association with it, the fellowship offering was offered on momentous occasions in Israel’s history (Ex 24:5; Lv 23:19; Dt 27:7; 1Sm 11:15; 1Kg 8:63-65). What was distinctive about the fellowship offering was that the offerer could share in the sacrifice. As such it expressed the joy of fellowship around a shared meal. In this regard it resembles the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.