Ezekiel 43:26

26 For seven days the priests are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it. In this way they will consecrate it^[a]

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 must present them before the Lord; the priests will throw salt on them and sacrifice them as a burnt offering to the Lord.

25 You will offer a goat for a sin offering each day for seven days. A young bull and a ram from the flock, both unblemished, must also be offered.

26 For seven days the priests are to make atonement for the altar and cleanse it. In this way they will consecrate it

27 and complete the days [of purification]. Then on the eighth day and afterwards, the priests will offer your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar, and I will accept you." [This is] the declaration of the Lord God .

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit will fill its hands