Ezekiel 43:24

Commentary on Ezekiel 43:24 (KJV)

Ezekiel 43:24 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future temple and its sacrificial system. This particular verse describes a crucial element in the preparation of offerings for the Lord, specifically the burnt offering.

Context

This verse appears within Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a new, ideal temple, often referred to as Ezekiel's Temple, which is seen after the destruction of Solomon's Temple and the Babylonian exile. Chapters 40-48 provide meticulous architectural details and ceremonial ordinances for this temple. Chapter 43 focuses on the glory of the Lord entering the temple and the instructions for the altar and its dedication. The offerings described here are part of the purification and consecration rites for this new altar and the ongoing worship within the temple. These instructions underscore God's demand for holiness and proper worship from His people and priests.

Key Themes

• Purity and Consecration: The command for priests to cast salt upon the offerings highlights the importance of purification and consecration in worship. Salt, known for its preserving qualities, symbolizes incorruptibility and purity.
• Covenant Fidelity: The use of salt in offerings often signifies a lasting, unchangeable agreement. It points to God's enduring covenant with His people and the permanence required in their devotion.
• Divine Ordinances: The specificity of these instructions, down to the detail of adding salt, emphasizes that true worship is not arbitrary but must adhere to God's revealed will and ordinances.
• Complete Dedication: The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: 'olah) was unique in that the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing a complete surrender and dedication to the Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "salt" is melach (מֶלַח). Its significance in biblical rituals is profound. It was not merely a seasoning but held deep symbolic meaning related to preservation, purification, and permanence. The act of "casting salt upon them" (וְזָרוּ עֲלֵיהֶם מֶלַח) implies a thorough application, ensuring the offering was properly prepared according to divine instruction.

Related Scriptures

The inclusion of salt in offerings is not unique to Ezekiel's vision but is rooted in earlier Mosaic law. For instance, Leviticus 2:13 explicitly commands, "And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt." This verse from Leviticus directly links salt to the "covenant of thy God," reinforcing its meaning of an enduring agreement. Furthermore, the concept of a "covenant of salt" is also mentioned in Numbers 18:19 concerning God's perpetual grant to the Levitical priesthood, and in 2 Chronicles 13:5 with regard to God's covenant with David's kingdom. The burnt offering itself (as detailed in Leviticus 1) symbolized complete devotion and atonement, where the entire offering was consumed by fire, signifying a total surrender to God.

Practical Application

While the specific sacrificial system of the Old Covenant has been fulfilled in Christ, the principles behind these ordinances remain relevant. For believers today, Ezekiel 43:24 reminds us:

• Purity in Worship: Our worship should be offered with pure hearts, free from corruption and hypocrisy. Just as salt purified the ancient offerings, we are called to live holy lives, consecrated to God (Hebrews 12:14).
• Enduring Commitment: The "salt of the covenant" symbolizes a lasting commitment. Our faith and devotion to God should be steadfast and permanent, not temporary or conditional.
• Christ, Our Perfect Sacrifice: Ultimately, these Old Testament sacrifices, including the burnt offering, foreshadowed the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), fulfilling all the requirements for purification and complete dedication. Through Him, we are made holy and acceptable before God.