Ezekiel 43:18

KJV

And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; These [are] the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto me, Son {H1121} of man {H120}, thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; These are the ordinances {H2708} of the altar {H4196} in the day {H3117} when they shall make {H6213} it, to offer {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930} thereon, and to sprinkle {H2236} blood {H1818} thereon.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to me, "Human being, Adonai ELOHIM says, 'These are the regulations for the altar when the time comes to construct it, offer burnt offerings on it and splash the blood against it:

Berean Standard Bible

Then He said to me: “Son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘These are the statutes for the altar on the day it is constructed, so that burnt offerings may be sacrificed on it and blood may be sprinkled on it:

American Standard Version

And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt-offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:18 introduces the precise divine ordinances for the altar within the visionary temple, a blueprint revealed to the prophet during the Babylonian exile. This verse underscores the sacred protocols for offering burnt offerings and sprinkling blood, rituals foundational to Israelite worship and atonement. It highlights God's meticulous requirements for approaching His holy presence, emphasizing purity, obedience, and the central role of sacrifice in maintaining communion with the Lord GOD in the restored community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 43:18 is situated within the latter half of Ezekiel's prophecy (chapters 40-48), which details an elaborate vision of a new temple and its associated rituals. Following chapters of judgment and prophecies against surrounding nations, this extensive temple vision serves as a powerful promise of restoration for exiled Israel. Chapter 43 specifically describes the return of God's glory to the temple, its sacred dimensions, and the call for Israel to be ashamed of their past iniquities. Verse 18 then transitions from the physical description of the altar in the preceding verses (Ezekiel 43:13-17) to the specific, divinely mandated procedures for its use, particularly concerning sacrifices. It sets the stage for the detailed liturgical instructions that follow in the subsequent verses and chapters, establishing the altar as the epicenter of worship and atonement in this renewed spiritual landscape.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BCE), a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for the Israelites. The First Temple, the very symbol of God's presence among them, had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. This destruction, coupled with their forced removal from the land, led to deep despair and questions about God's faithfulness and their covenant relationship. In this context, the detailed temple vision offered immense hope, signifying God's unwavering commitment to His people and a future restoration of His presence among them. Culturally, the concept of a central altar for animal sacrifice was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern religions, but in Israel, it was uniquely tied to the Mosaic Law, emphasizing monotheism, holiness, and atonement for sin through divinely prescribed means. The meticulousness of the instructions reflects the pervasive ancient understanding that divine beings were to be approached with utmost precision and purity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, and the broader temple vision, contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and biblical theology. The theme of **Divine Presence** is paramount, as the return of God's glory to the temple (Ezekiel 43:1-5) underscores His commitment to dwell among His people once more. This presence necessitates **Holiness**, both of the sanctuary and of the people, as God declares, "This is the law of the temple: all the area around it on the top of the mountain will be most holy" [Ezekiel 43:12](/ezekiel/43-12 "Ezekiel 43:12 - The Law of the Temple"). The detailed ordinances for the altar reinforce the absolute necessity of purity and proper procedure in approaching a holy God. Furthermore, the vision speaks powerfully to **Restoration**—not merely physical return to the land, but a spiritual renewal marked by a renewed covenant relationship and proper worship. The emphasis on "burnt offerings" and "sprinkling blood" points directly to the theme of **Atonement**, highlighting the ongoing need for reconciliation with God through sacrifice, a practice central to the Mosaic covenant as seen in [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement"). Finally, the entire vision underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Obedience**, as God Himself dictates the precise terms of worship, leaving no room for human invention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Son of man (Hebrew, _bên ʼâdâm'_):** This is Ezekiel's most frequent designation, appearing over ninety times in the book. Derived from H1121 (bên), meaning "son" (as a builder of the family name, or in a wider sense of relationship) and H120 (ʼâdâm), meaning "human being" or "mankind," the phrase emphasizes Ezekiel's humanity and mortality. It highlights his role as a representative of humanity receiving divine revelation, underscoring the vast chasm between the finite prophet and the infinite God, yet also affirming his capacity to be a vessel for God's message.
* **Ordinances (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_):** From H2708, this term refers to an enactment, an appointment, or a fixed statute. It denotes binding, permanent rules or decrees, emphasizing that the instructions for the altar are not suggestions or human traditions, but divinely mandated, non-negotiable requirements. The use of this word underscores the authority of God and the precision He demands in worship.
* **Sprinkle (Hebrew, _zâraq'_):** From H2236, this primitive root means "to sprinkle" fluid or solid particles. In the context of the altar and sacrifices, it refers specifically to the ritual application of blood. This act was crucial for purification, consecration, and making atonement in the Israelite sacrificial system, signifying the transfer of life (represented by the blood) for the purpose of cleansing and sanctification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD;":** This opening clause firmly establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. The phrase "Son of man" identifies the recipient as Ezekiel, a mortal human, while "thus saith the Lord GOD" (a combination of H136, _ʼĂdônây_, "Lord/Master," and H3069, _Yᵉhôvih_, God's covenant name YHWH) asserts that the following instructions come directly from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God. It underscores the profound significance and binding nature of the revelation.
* **"These [are] the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.":** This is the core instruction. "These are the ordinances" (H2708, _chuqqâh_) signifies that what follows are fixed, non-negotiable statutes for the altar (H4196, _mizbêach_). The phrase "in the day when they shall make it" refers to the time of its construction and dedication. The primary functions specified are "to offer burnt offerings" (H5930, _ʻôlâh_, a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication and propitiation) and "to sprinkle blood" (H1818, _dâm_, life-blood, applied ritually H2236, _zâraq_). These actions were fundamental to atonement and purification under the Old Covenant, highlighting the altar's role as the central place of reconciliation between God and humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:18 employs several significant literary devices. **Divine Discourse** is central, as the verse begins with the direct address, "And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD," immediately establishing the authoritative, prophetic nature of the communication. This direct speech underscores the divine origin of the temple vision and its ordinances. **Symbolism** is also pervasive; the **altar** itself symbolizes the point of encounter between a holy God and sinful humanity, where atonement is made. The **burnt offerings** (Hebrew: *‘olah*, meaning "that which goes up") symbolize complete dedication, propitiation, and the ascending of the sacrifice to God. The **sprinkling of blood** is a potent symbol of life, purification, and atonement, representing the life given to cover sin. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in this and surrounding chapters employs a form of **Architectural and Liturgical Precision** as a literary technique, emphasizing God's absolute holiness, His demand for order, and the seriousness with which He is to be approached. This precision also serves as a **Foreshadowing** device, pointing to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice that would one day fulfill these types and shadows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:18, with its emphasis on the altar, burnt offerings, and sprinkled blood, firmly roots itself in the broader biblical theology of atonement and God's holiness. The Old Testament sacrificial system, meticulously detailed in the Pentateuch, was God's ordained means for a sinful people to approach a holy God. The shedding and sprinkling of blood were not arbitrary acts but profound theological statements: life (represented by blood) was given to atone for sin, making reconciliation possible. This verse reiterates that access to God's presence, even in a restored future, still depended on a divinely prescribed means of dealing with sin. It highlights the unchanging nature of God's holiness and the gravity of sin, which always requires a costly remedy. The meticulous "ordinances" underscore that worship is not on human terms but on God's, a principle that transcends dispensations.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood"): "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul."
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission"): "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation"): "Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the detailed temple rituals of the Old Covenant are no longer practiced by believers today, Ezekiel's vision of the altar and its ordinances holds profound spiritual significance and offers timeless principles for Christian life and worship. This verse reminds us that approaching God has always been, and always will be, on His terms, not ours. The meticulousness of the Old Testament law concerning the altar and sacrifices underscores God's absolute holiness and the gravity of sin, which necessitates a perfect atonement. For believers in Christ, this means recognizing that our access to God is entirely through the finished work of Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled every type and shadow of the Old Covenant. We are called to worship God "in spirit and in truth" [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"), offering our lives as "living sacrifices" [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"), holy and acceptable to Him, because of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. This passage compels us to reflect on the immense cost of our redemption and to live lives that honor the One who made perfect atonement for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the meticulous "ordinances" of the Old Testament altar deepen your appreciation for the simplicity and completeness of Christ's sacrifice?**
* **In what ways can we, as New Covenant believers, apply the principle of "offering burnt offerings" (complete dedication) in our daily lives?**
* **What does the "sprinkling of blood" signify for your personal walk with God, knowing that Christ's blood has been shed for you?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "altar" in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The altar (Hebrew: _mizbêach_) in Ezekiel's temple vision is of paramount significance, serving as the central point of worship and atonement. It symbolizes the place where sinful humanity can meet a holy God through divinely prescribed means. Its detailed dimensions and ordinances, as described in Ezekiel 43, emphasize God's absolute holiness and His demand for precision and purity in approaching Him. It is the place where sacrifices, particularly "burnt offerings," are made, and where "blood" is "sprinkled," rituals essential for purification, consecration, and making atonement for sins, thereby facilitating communion with God.

**Why are "burnt offerings" and "sprinkling blood" mentioned specifically in relation to the altar?**

Answer: "Burnt offerings" (Hebrew: _ʻôlâh_) and the "sprinkling of blood" (Hebrew: _dâm_ and _zâraq_) are mentioned because they were core elements of the Old Testament sacrificial system, central to the concept of atonement and reconciliation with God. A burnt offering was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, propitiation for sin, and the worshiper's total surrender to God. The blood, understood as representing life (as seen in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")), was ritually sprinkled to purify, consecrate, and make atonement. This act signified the transfer of life for the purpose of cleansing and forgiveness, highlighting that "without shedding of blood is no remission" [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Remission"). These rituals were God's appointed means for dealing with sin and maintaining a covenant relationship with His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:18, with its emphasis on the altar, burnt offerings, and the sprinkling of blood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The elaborate temple rituals and the meticulous "ordinances" of the altar were but shadows pointing to the substance that is Christ [Colossians 2:17](/colossians/2-17 "Colossians 2:17 - Shadows and Reality"). Jesus Himself is the perfect **Altar**, the place where the ultimate sacrifice was offered, not of animals, but of Himself [Hebrews 13:10](/hebrews/13-10 "Hebrews 13:10 - We Have an Altar"). He is the supreme **Burnt Offering**, whose life was completely consecrated and offered to God, a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love"), symbolizing His perfect obedience and full dedication to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross. Most profoundly, it is His **Sprinkled Blood** that accomplishes what the blood of bulls and goats never could [Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Ineffectiveness of Animal Sacrifices"). His precious blood, shed once for all, cleanses us from all sin [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Blood") and grants us direct access to God's presence [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holy Place"). Thus, Ezekiel's vision of the altar, while a promise of restoration for Israel, ultimately foreshadows the perfect, eternal atonement wrought by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 40:29

And he put the altar of burnt offering [by] the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Hebrews 10:4

For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Hebrews 10:12

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.

Hebrews 9:13

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

Ezekiel 45:18

Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the first [month], in the first [day] of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the sanctuary:

Ezekiel 45:19

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put [it] upon the posts of the house, and upon the four corners of the settle of the altar, and upon the posts of the gate of the inner court.