Ezekiel 43:19

KJV

And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt give {H5414} to the priests {H3548} the Levites {H3881} that be of the seed {H2233} of Zadok {H6659}, which approach {H7138} unto me, to minister {H8334} unto me, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}, a young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499} for a sin offering {H2403}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you are to give to the cohanim, who are L'vi'im descended from Tzadok and who approach to serve me,' says Adonai ELOHIM, 'a young bull as a sin offering.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to give a young bull from the herd as a sin offering to the Levitical priests who are of the family of Zadok, who approach Me to minister before Me, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that are of the seed of Zadok, who are near unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord Jehovah, a young bullock for a sin-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:19 details a critical instruction within Ezekiel's vision of the new temple, mandating the provision of a young bullock as a sin offering by the Lord GOD to the Zadokite priests for the purification of the altar. This act is foundational for consecrating the sacred space, enabling the resumption of acceptable worship, and underscores the divine requirement for purity and proper mediation in approaching God, highlighting the exclusive role of a faithful priestly lineage in the renewed covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the climactic vision of the new temple in Ezekiel 40-48, which follows the devastating prophecies of Jerusalem's destruction and the temple's defilement and abandonment by God's glory in earlier chapters. Having witnessed the glory of the Lord return to the temple from the east gate in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Returns"), Ezekiel is then given meticulous instructions regarding the temple's dimensions, its ordinances, and the roles of its personnel. Verses [Ezekiel 43:18-27](/ezekiel/43-18 "Ezekiel 43:18-27 - Consecration of the Altar") specifically outline the seven-day consecration ceremony for the altar, beginning with the sin offering mentioned in verse 19. This purification is essential before any other sacrifices can be offered, emphasizing the absolute holiness required for God's dwelling place. The detailed blueprint and ritual instructions signify a future, ideal state of worship, whether literal or symbolic, that rectifies past failures and ensures God's unhindered presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of immense national and spiritual crisis for Judah. The destruction of the first temple in 586 BC was a catastrophic event, leading to questions about God's presence and covenant faithfulness. Against this backdrop, Ezekiel's vision offered hope for restoration and a renewed relationship with God, predicated on strict adherence to divine law and purity. The emphasis on the "priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok" is historically significant. The Zadokite line, descended from Zadok, who was faithful to King David during Absalom's rebellion and later served King Solomon ([1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Zadok Appointed High Priest")), became the legitimate high priestly line. In contrast, other priestly families, particularly those associated with the northern kingdom or who had compromised their integrity, were deemed unfit. This distinction underscores a cultural emphasis on lineage, faithfulness, and ritual purity, ensuring that only those deemed truly consecrated and loyal could minister in God's presence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **holiness of God** and the absolute necessity of purity in approaching Him. The elaborate purification of the altar, even before its use, demonstrates that sin defiles even sacred objects and spaces, necessitating divine provision for cleansing. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **divine sovereignty and ordination** in worship. The phrase "saith the Lord GOD" reiterates that the terms of worship are not human inventions but direct commands from God, establishing the framework for acceptable communion. Thirdly, it underscores the theme of **atonement and purification** through sacrifice, a central tenet of the Old Testament cultus, as seen in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Purity"). The sin offering cleanses and purifies, making both the altar and, by extension, the worshippers, acceptable before a holy God. Finally, the specific mention of the Zadokite priests reinforces the theme of **faithful leadership and mediation**, stressing that only those who maintain integrity and loyalty to God are fit to serve in His most sacred presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Zadok (Hebrew, _Tsâdôwq'_):** From the root meaning "just" or "righteous," Zadok refers to a specific priestly lineage recognized for its faithfulness and integrity, particularly in contrast to other priestly lines that had become corrupt or disloyal. Their exclusive right to "approach unto me" signifies God's preference for a priesthood characterized by moral uprightness and unwavering devotion, making them the sole legitimate mediators in the envisioned temple.
* **minister (Hebrew, _shârath'_):** This primitive root denotes attending as a menial or worshipper, serving, or contributing to. In the context of the Zadokite priests, it signifies their consecrated role of active service and worship in the temple, performing the sacred rites and offerings on behalf of the people. It implies a dedicated, intimate, and obedient service directly to God.
* **sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** This term refers to an offering made for an offense, its penalty, or for expiation. While often associated with individual or corporate sin, in this context for the altar, it functions primarily as a purification offering. It cleanses the altar from any defilement, known or unknown, making it ceremonially pure and acceptable for God's holy presence and for the subsequent offerings to be made upon it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites":** This command is directed to Ezekiel, representing the divine instruction for the future. It specifies the recipients of the offering: "the priests," who are further identified as "the Levites," indicating that the priestly function is confined to the tribe of Levi, as per Mosaic law.
* **"that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me":** This clause narrows the priestly designation significantly. Not all Levites or even all priests are eligible; only those descended from Zadok, known for their historical faithfulness, are permitted. The phrase "which approach unto me" highlights their unique, consecrated privilege and responsibility to draw near to God in sacred service, emphasizing their exclusive access to the holiest functions of the temple.
* **"to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD":** This defines the purpose of their privileged access – to serve God directly. The emphatic declaration "saith the Lord GOD" (comprising H136 'Ădônây, "the Lord," and H3069 Yᵉhôvih, "GOD," a variation of YHWH) underscores the divine authority and absolute sovereignty behind these instructions. It is God Himself who dictates the terms of worship and the qualifications of His ministers.
* **"a young bullock for a sin offering":** This specifies the exact offering required. A "young bullock" (combining H1121 bên, H1241 bâqâr, and H6499 par, signifying a male bovine of a certain age) is a significant and costly sacrifice. Its purpose as a "sin offering" (H2403 chaṭṭâʼâh) is crucial for the initial purification and consecration of the altar, removing any potential defilement and making it holy and fit for divine use.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:19 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "young bullock for a sin offering" symbolizing the necessary purification and atonement required to approach a holy God. The **Zadokite priests** themselves are symbolic of faithfulness, integrity, and legitimate authority in divine service, representing the ideal priesthood. The altar, the recipient of this purification, symbolizes the point of communion between God and humanity, requiring absolute sanctity. The recurring phrase "**saith the Lord GOD**" is a powerful device of **divine command** and **authoritative declaration**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty and the non-negotiable nature of His instructions. This phrase also functions as a **prophetic oracle formula**, authenticating the message as directly from God. Furthermore, the meticulous detail in the temple vision, including this verse, serves as a form of **foreshadowing**, pointing to a future, perfect worship system and ultimately, to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice for sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:19, with its emphasis on priestly purity, divine command, and the sin offering for the altar, deeply resonates with core biblical theology. It underscores the pervasive nature of sin, which necessitates purification even for sacred objects, and the absolute holiness of God, who cannot dwell amidst impurity. The meticulous instructions for the Zadokite priests highlight God's demand for faithful and consecrated mediation, a theme that anticipates the perfect High Priest. This Old Testament ritual, while specific to the temple vision, points forward to the ultimate and complete atonement provided by Jesus Christ, whose single sacrifice purifies not just an altar, but human hearts, making true communion with God possible without the need for repeated animal sacrifices.

* [Leviticus 4:3](/leviticus/4-3 "Leviticus 4:3 - Sin Offering for the Priest")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 43:19, though set in a visionary context of a future temple, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. The meticulous demand for purity in the Old Testament, exemplified by the sin offering for the altar, serves as a stark reminder of God's unblemished holiness and the gravity of sin. It teaches us that approaching God requires a recognition of His majesty and our own unworthiness, prompting a posture of humility and reverence. Just as the Zadokite priests were chosen for their faithfulness, believers are called to live lives of integrity and devotion, recognizing that our service to God is a sacred privilege. While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of purification remains vital: through Christ, we are cleansed, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence, not presumptuousness. This verse challenges us to consider the purity of our own "altars"—our hearts, our homes, our churches—and to ensure that our worship and service are offered in a manner that honors God's holiness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the emphasis on the Zadokite priests' faithfulness challenge my own commitment and integrity in serving God?**
* **In what ways do I need to allow God to purify my "altar" (my heart, my motives, my actions) so that my worship and service are truly acceptable to Him?**
* **How does the Old Testament requirement for a sin offering deepen my appreciation for the completed work of Christ on the cross?**

### FAQ

**Why were the Zadokite priests specifically chosen for this sacred duty, and what does "seed of Zadok" imply?**

Answer: The "seed of Zadok" refers to the direct descendants of Zadok, the high priest who remained loyal to King David during Absalom's rebellion and was later confirmed by King Solomon ([1 Kings 2:35](/1_kings/2-35 "1 Kings 2:35 - Zadok Appointed High Priest")). This lineage was distinguished for its unwavering faithfulness to God and the Davidic covenant, even when other priestly lines faltered or became corrupt. In Ezekiel's vision, their exclusive designation signifies God's preference for a priesthood characterized by integrity, purity, and steadfast devotion. It implies that only those who have demonstrated true loyalty and righteousness are fit to "approach" God and minister in His holy presence, underscoring the spiritual and moral qualifications essential for sacred service.

**What is the significance of offering a "young bullock for a sin offering" for the altar itself, rather than for people?**

Answer: The "sin offering" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭâʼâh*) in this context serves primarily as a purification offering, specifically for the altar. Before the altar could be used for any other sacrifices, it needed to be consecrated and cleansed from any potential defilement, known or unknown. This act underscores the absolute holiness of God and the pervasive nature of sin, which can even affect inanimate objects dedicated to His service. It demonstrates that nothing impure can stand in God's presence or be used for His worship. The bullock, a costly and significant animal, highlights the seriousness of this purification, making the altar ceremonially clean and acceptable for the sacred purpose of mediating between God and His people. It establishes the foundational purity required for all subsequent acts of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:19, with its meticulous instructions for the purification of the altar and the specific role of the Zadokite priests, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The necessity of a "sin offering" for the altar profoundly foreshadows the perfect and final sacrifice of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Just as the bullock cleansed the altar, Christ's blood cleanses not merely a physical structure, but the very hearts and consciences of believers, providing a complete and eternal purification from sin ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption through Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the exclusive access of the faithful Zadokite priests to "approach unto me" points to Jesus as our great High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered Himself once for all ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's One Sacrifice")) and now grants all believers direct access to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Through Christ, the need for a specific human priestly lineage to mediate is transcended, as He has made all believers a "royal priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")), enabling us to draw near to God and offer spiritual sacrifices directly. Thus, the rigorous purity and priestly mediation of Ezekiel's vision are perfectly and eternally realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

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

Ezekiel 44:15

But the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister unto me, and they shall stand before me to offer unto me the fat and the blood, saith the Lord GOD:

Ezekiel 40:46

And the chamber whose prospect [is] toward the north [is] for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these [are] the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto him.

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.

Numbers 16:40

[To be] a memorial unto the children of Israel, that no stranger, which [is] not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the LORD; that he be not as Korah, and as his company: as the LORD said to him by the hand of Moses.

Numbers 16:5

And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.