Ezekiel 43:20

KJV

And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put [it] on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt take {H3947} of the blood {H1818} thereof, and put {H5414} it on the four {H702} horns {H7161} of it, and on the four {H702} corners {H6438} of the settle {H5835}, and upon the border {H1366} round about {H5439}: thus shalt thou cleanse {H2398} and purge {H3722} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to take its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar, on the four corners of the ledge and on the molding all the way around; this is how you will purify it and make atonement for it.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to take some of its blood and put it on the four horns of the altar, on the four corners of the ledge, and all around the rim; thus you will cleanse the altar and make atonement for it.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt take of the blood thereof, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the ledge, and upon the border round about: thus shalt thou cleanse it and make atonement for it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:20 details a precise ritual for the consecration of the visionary temple's altar, mandating the meticulous application of blood to its four horns, the four corners of its settle, and its surrounding border. This sacred act of purification was indispensable for cleansing and purging the altar, thereby rendering it holy and acceptable for divine worship and the offering of sacrifices, profoundly underscoring God's absolute demand for purity in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 43:20 is situated within Ezekiel's profound vision of a new temple, which commences in [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"). Chapters [Ezekiel 40-42](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-42 - Dimensions and Details of the Temple") provide an exhaustive architectural blueprint, describing the intricate dimensions and features of this future sanctuary. Following the awe-inspiring return of the Lord's glory to the temple in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1-5 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Returns to the Temple"), the divine instructions shift focus to the altar of burnt offering, which serves as the very heart of the sacrificial system. Verses [Ezekiel 43:13-17](/ezekiel/43-13-17 "Ezekiel 43:13-17 - The Altar's Dimensions and Structure") delineate the altar's construction, while [Ezekiel 43:18-19](/ezekiel/43-18-19 "Ezekiel 43:18-19 - Initial Instructions for Altar Consecration") provide the initial commands for its consecration, including the requirement for a sin offering. Verse 20 then specifies the precise ritual application of the blood from this sin offering, emphasizing the thoroughness required for its purification before any sacrifices could be offered upon it. This entire section underscores the profound sanctity of God's dwelling place and the meticulousness of His divine order.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions in Ezekiel 43:20 resonate deeply with the established sacrificial and purification rituals found throughout the Mosaic Law, particularly those concerning the Tabernacle and the First Temple. In ancient Israelite culture, blood was considered the very essence of life ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")), and its application was central to ceremonies of atonement and cleansing. The "horns" of the altar were prominent features, symbolizing strength and often serving as a place of refuge or where sacrificial blood was applied to effect purification. The "settle" (or "ledge") and "border" refer to specific architectural elements of the altar, indicating that no part of this sacred structure was to remain uncleansed. The meticulousness of these instructions reflects a broader ancient Near Eastern understanding of ritual purity, yet within Israel, it was uniquely tied to the holiness of Yahweh, who demanded absolute separation from defilement for His presence to dwell among His people. The vision itself was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, offering a powerful message of hope and a divine blueprint for a renewed, purified worship in a restored land, promising that God would again dwell among His people, as seen in [Ezekiel 43:7-9](/ezekiel/43-7-9 "Ezekiel 43:7-9 - God's Dwelling Among His People").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent theme is **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that God's presence demands absolute sanctity, and anything dedicated to Him must be thoroughly cleansed of impurity. The detailed instructions for applying the blood highlight the theme of **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, revealing God's precise requirements for worship and the sacred space. The use of blood points directly to the theme of **Atonement and Cleansing**, a foundational concept in Old Testament theology where blood served as the divinely appointed means to purify and make propitiation for sin. This ritual purification of the altar, as a mediator between God and man in worship, foreshadows the ultimate need for a perfect cleansing, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament. The vision also speaks to the **Restoration of True Worship**, a profound hope for Israel during their exile, where God's glory would return to a purified temple and a consecrated people, as seen in the broader vision of restoration in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple and Land Restored").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** From H1818, this term refers to the vital fluid of life, which, when shed, signifies death. In the context of Israelite ritual, blood was uniquely designated by God as the means of atonement and purification. Its application here is not merely symbolic but efficacious, ritually cleansing the altar from any defilement and consecrating it for sacred use, as it represents the life offered to God for expiation.
* **cleanse (Hebrew, _châṭâʼ'_):** From H2398, this root primarily means "to miss" or "to sin," but in its causative (Piel) stem, as used here, it means "to de-sin," "to purify from sin," or "to make a sin offering." The application of blood causes the altar to be purified from any inherent or accumulated ritual impurity, making it free from the defilement that would otherwise render it unacceptable for divine service.
* **purge (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** From H3722, this verb signifies "to cover," "to expiate," "to atone," or "to pacify." When used in the context of ritual, it implies the removal of defilement through a covering or propitiatory act. Together with "cleanse," it emphasizes a comprehensive purification process, where the altar is not only made free from impurity but also made right with God, reconciled and consecrated for its sacred purpose.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt take of the blood thereof,"**: This clause initiates the specific action of purification. The "blood thereof" refers to the blood of the sin offering mentioned in the preceding verse ([Ezekiel 43:19](/ezekiel/43-19 "Ezekiel 43:19 - The Sin Offering for the Altar")). The act of "taking" implies a deliberate and controlled handling of this sacred substance, underscoring its profound significance and the reverence required in the ritual.
* **"and put [it] on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the settle, and upon the border round about:"**: This specifies the precise locations for the application of the blood. The "four horns" were prominent features of the altar, symbolizing its strength, power, and often serving as the primary points for blood application in other Mosaic rituals. The "four corners of the settle" (or "ledge") and "the border round about" indicate a thorough, comprehensive application to all significant parts of the altar's structure, ensuring that no part of the sacred instrument remained unpurified. The repetition of "four" emphasizes completeness and totality, signifying that the entire altar is consecrated.
* **"thus shalt thou cleanse and purge it."**: This concluding clause states the purpose and effect of the ritual. The application of blood in this meticulous manner is the divinely appointed means by which the altar is "cleansed" (made free from sin and ritual impurity) and "purged" (atoned for, made right with God, covered from defilement). This dual expression highlights the thoroughness of the purification, making the altar ritually acceptable and truly holy for the Lord's use.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:20 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Ritual Language** is paramount, as the verse describes a precise ceremonial act with specific instructions, reflecting the highly structured nature of ancient Israelite worship and God's meticulous demands for holiness. The **Repetition** of "four" ("four horns," "four corners") emphasizes the completeness and totality of the cleansing, indicating that every part of the altar, representing its entire function, must be consecrated. **Symbolism** is central, with "blood" serving as the primary symbol of life, atonement, and purification. The application of blood to the altar's "horns" and "corners" is not merely a physical act but a symbolic consecration, imbuing the structure with sacredness. The phrase "cleanse and purge" functions as a **Merism** or **Hendiadys**, where two verbs are used to express a single, comprehensive idea of thorough purification and atonement, leaving no room for residual defilement and ensuring complete consecration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:20 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that God is utterly holy and demands purity in all that approaches Him. The meticulous cleansing of the altar, the very instrument of worship and sacrifice, underscores the principle that defilement cannot coexist with divine presence. This ritual act, performed with blood, points to the foundational theological concept of atonement—that sin and impurity must be dealt with by the shedding of life, making reconciliation possible. It highlights that even sacred objects require purification before they can mediate between a holy God and a sinful humanity, setting a precedent for the profound need for cleansing that permeates all aspects of worship and relationship with God.

* [Exodus 29:36-37](/exodus/29-36-37 "Exodus 29:36-37 - Consecration of the Altar")
* [Leviticus 16:18-19](/leviticus/16-18-19 "Leviticus 16:18-19 - Altar Purification on Day of Atonement")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Cleansing by Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the physical temple and its sacrificial system are no longer central to Christian worship, the principles embedded in Ezekiel 43:20 retain profound spiritual relevance. This verse calls us to a deep introspection regarding the purity of our own worship and lives. Just as the altar, a mediator of sacrifice, required meticulous cleansing, so too must our hearts, minds, and actions be purified before we approach a holy God. It reminds us that authentic worship is not merely an external act but flows from an internal state of holiness and consecration. We are called to present ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples")). The meticulousness of God's instructions should inspire us to approach Him with reverence, intentionality, and a sincere desire for spiritual purity, understanding that true access to His presence is predicated on a profound cleansing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I need to seek deeper spiritual cleansing and consecration before the Lord?**
* **How does the meticulousness of God's instructions for the altar's purification inform my approach to worship and personal holiness today?**
* **Considering the role of blood in cleansing the altar, how does the blood of Christ purify and make me acceptable to God?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of applying blood to the "horns" and "corners" of the altar?**

Answer: The horns of the altar were symbolically significant, representing strength, power, and often serving as a place of refuge for those seeking asylum ([1 Kings 1:50](/1_kings/1-50 "1 Kings 1:50 - Adonijah Takes Hold of the Altar Horns")). Applying blood to the four horns, along with the four corners of the settle and the border, signified a complete and comprehensive purification. It meant that the entire altar, in all its strength and function, was consecrated and made holy. This thoroughness ensured that the altar was entirely set apart for God's sacred purposes, free from any defilement, and ready to mediate atonement for the people.

**Why was blood necessary for the altar's cleansing and purging?**

Answer: In the Old Testament sacrificial system, blood was divinely appointed as the means of atonement and purification. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood") explicitly states, "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." The shedding of blood symbolized the giving of life as a substitute for the life of the one being atoned for or the object being purified. For the altar, the blood of the sin offering cleansed it from any ritual impurity, making it acceptable to a holy God and enabling it to serve as a pure conduit for sacrifices. This principle profoundly foreshadowed the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:20, with its vivid depiction of the altar's purification by blood, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The meticulous Old Testament rituals, including the cleansing of the altar, were shadows pointing to the reality of God's perfect provision for sin. While the blood of bulls and goats could ceremonially cleanse a physical altar, it could never truly take away sin or purify the conscience ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")). Jesus, as the ultimate and spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered His own precious blood, a sacrifice "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redeemed by Christ's Precious Blood")). His blood, shed once for all on the cross, perfectly "cleanses" and "purges" us, not just from ritual impurity, but from the defilement of sin itself, purifying our consciences from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). Through His perfect sacrifice, we, as believers, are made holy and acceptable to God, becoming living temples where the Holy Spirit dwells ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our Bodies as Temples")), with direct and confident access to the very presence of God in the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). The altar's cleansing in Ezekiel foreshadows the complete and eternal cleansing available only through Christ's atoning blood, making us fit for eternal fellowship with a holy 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

Leviticus 16:19

And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

Leviticus 8:15

And he slew [it]; and Moses took the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation upon it.

Ezekiel 43:26

Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves.

Ezekiel 43:22

And on the second day thou shalt offer a kid of the goats without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse [it] with the bullock.

Leviticus 9:9

And the sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him: and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar:

Exodus 29:36

And thou shalt offer every day a bullock [for] a sin offering for atonement: and thou shalt cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atonement for it, and thou shalt anoint it, to sanctify it.

Exodus 29:12

And thou shalt take of the blood of the bullock, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar.