Ezekiel 43:21

Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary.

Thou shalt take {H3947} the bullock {H6499} also of the sin offering {H2403}, and he shall burn {H8313} it in the appointed place {H4662} of the house {H1004}, without {H2351} the sanctuary {H4720}.

You are also to take the bull which is the sin offering and have it burned up at the designated place [on the grounds] of the house, outside the sanctuary.

Then you are to take away the bull for the sin offering and burn it in the appointed part of the temple area outside the sanctuary.

Thou shalt also take the bullock of the sin-offering, and it shall be burnt in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary.

Commentary

Context

Ezekiel 43:21 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a new temple, often interpreted as either a literal future temple, a symbolic representation of God's presence, or a spiritual reality fulfilled in Christ and the Church. Following the return of the glory of the Lord to the temple (Ezekiel 43:4), this chapter outlines specific instructions for the altar's construction and its consecration through a series of purification sacrifices. These rituals were essential to make the altar holy and fit for divine service, emphasizing the absolute holiness required for anything related to God's presence.

Meaning of the Verse

This verse specifies one step in the week-long consecration of the altar. The "bullock also of the sin offering" refers to the *chatta'th* (Hebrew: Χ—Φ·Χ˜ΦΌΦΈΧΧͺ), a sacrifice primarily for purification from sin and ceremonial uncleanness. The crucial instruction is that "he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, without the sanctuary." Unlike offerings where the meat was eaten by priests, the sin offering for the high priest or the whole congregation had its carcass taken outside the camp/city and burned (see Leviticus 4:11-12). This act symbolized the complete removal of the defilement associated with sin, ensuring it did not contaminate the holy precincts. The phrase "without the sanctuary" implies a designated, clean place within the broader temple complex but outside the immediate holy area of the altar and temple building itself. This practice underscores the intense focus on purity and separation from sin for all things related to God's worship.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Purity: The meticulous instructions for the sin offering and its disposal highlight God's absolute demand for holiness in His dwelling place and among His people. The burning of the offering outside the sanctuary symbolizes the complete removal of sin's defilement.
  • Atonement and Cleansing: The sin offering was a means of purification, making atonement for uncleanness and unintentional sins, allowing the worshiper or the sacred space to be restored to a state acceptable to God.
  • Divine Order and Specificity: God provides precise instructions for worship, demonstrating His sovereignty and the importance of adhering to His commands for proper reverence and service.

Practical Application

While the specific ritual of sacrificing a bullock is no longer practiced under the new covenant, the spiritual principles remain profoundly relevant for believers today:

  • Understanding Sin's Defilement: This verse reminds us of the serious nature of sin and its defiling effect, which necessitates removal and purification. Sin creates a barrier between humanity and a holy God.
  • The Need for Cleansing: Just as the altar needed cleansing, believers require continuous spiritual cleansing. The ultimate fulfillment of the sin offering is found in Jesus Christ, who suffered "without the gate" (Hebrews 13:11-12) to purify His people by His own blood, once for all. His sacrifice perfectly removes the defilement of sin.
  • Commitment to Holiness: For Christians, this translates into a call to live a life of holiness, seeking to remove sin from our lives and maintain a pure conscience before God, empowered by the sacrifice of Christ. We are to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16), reflecting His purity in our daily lives.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 29:14

    But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it [is] a sin offering.

  • Leviticus 4:12

    Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth without the camp unto a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood with fire: where the ashes are poured out shall he be burnt.

  • Leviticus 8:17

    But the bullock, and his hide, his flesh, and his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Hebrews 13:11

    For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.

  • Hebrews 13:12

    Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
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