Ezekiel 43:25

KJV

Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat [for] a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish.

KJV (with Strong's)

Seven {H7651} days {H3117} shalt thou prepare {H6213} every day {H3117} a goat {H8163} for a sin offering {H2403}: they shall also prepare {H6213} a young {H1121}{H1241} bullock {H6499}, and a ram {H352} out of the flock {H6629}, without blemish {H8549}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Every day, for seven days, you are to prepare a goat as a sin offering; they are also to prepare a young bull and a ram from the flock without defect.

Berean Standard Bible

For seven days you are to provide a male goat daily for a sin offering; you are also to provide a young bull and a ram from the flock, both unblemished.

American Standard Version

Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin-offering: they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 43:25 describes a crucial phase in the consecration of the visionary Temple altar: a meticulous seven-day purification ritual. Each day required a goat for a sin offering, alongside a young bullock and a ram, all to be without blemish. This intense, repetitive process underscores the absolute holiness of God and the profound necessity of atonement and purification for anything, even sacred objects, to be fit for divine service and acceptable in His presence, preparing the way for legitimate worship in the restored community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 43:25 is situated within the expansive vision of the new Temple (Ezekiel 40-48), which follows Ezekiel's prophecies of judgment and restoration. Chapters 40-42 meticulously detail the Temple's architecture, culminating in the glorious return of God's presence to the Temple in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Returns"). Following this, the focus shifts to the altar (Ezekiel 43:13-17), its dimensions, and then its consecration. Verse 25 specifies the daily sacrifices required during the seven-day purification of this altar, a process essential before any regular offerings could be made upon it. This verse, therefore, marks a transition from the physical description of the sacred space to the ritual protocols necessary for its sanctification and proper use in worship, emphasizing the meticulous order and holiness required in God's presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period of profound national and spiritual crisis for Israel. The destruction of the first Temple and the exile were understood as divine judgment for Israel's pervasive sin and idolatry, which had defiled the very sanctuary of God (e.g., [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Abominations in the Temple")). In this context, Ezekiel's vision of a new, purified Temple offered hope for future restoration and a renewed covenant relationship with God. The elaborate purification rituals, such as the seven-day consecration of the altar, would have resonated deeply with a people whose past failure to maintain holiness had led to their current predicament. Such rituals were common in the ancient Near East for dedicating temples and cultic objects, but in Israel, they carried the unique theological weight of preparing a space for the dwelling of the perfectly holy God, distinct from any pagan practices.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted in Ezekiel 43:25 is **God's absolute holiness** and the **necessity of purification and atonement** for approaching Him. The "seven days" of consecration, mirroring the seven days of creation, symbolize a complete and perfect purification, transforming the altar from a mere structure into a holy instrument fit for divine service. The repeated "sin offering" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭâʼâh*) underscores the pervasive nature of sin and impurity, requiring continuous cleansing even for sacred objects. This is not merely about forgiving specific transgressions but about ritually purifying and sanctifying the altar to make it acceptable for God's use. Furthermore, the requirement for sacrifices to be "without blemish" (e.g., [Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Requirements for Offerings")) points to the divine standard of perfection demanded in worship, foreshadowing a future, ultimate sacrifice that would be truly perfect and complete. These themes collectively emphasize that true worship can only occur in a state of purity, achieved through divinely ordained means of atonement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sin offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh_):** From H2403, this term refers to an "offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender; punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering)." In the context of Ezekiel 43:25, while it certainly addresses sin, its primary function here is one of purification and consecration. It serves to cleanse the altar from any potential defilement and to dedicate it for sacred use, making it acceptable before God. The repeated daily offering emphasizes the thoroughness required for sanctification.
* **prepare (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh_):** From H6213, a versatile primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This includes to "accomplish, advance, appoint, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, commit, deal (with), deck, do, dress, execute, exercise, fashion, finish, fit, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, make, observe, offer, perform, practice, procure, provide, put, requite, sacrifice, serve, set, shew, take, trim, work, yield, use." In this verse, "prepare" signifies the active and meticulous process of making the sacrifices ready and performing the ritual, highlighting human responsibility in adhering to divine commands for consecration.
* **without blemish (Hebrew, _tâmîym_):** From H8549, meaning "entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth; without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely(-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright(-ly), whole." This crucial requirement for the sacrificial animals signifies their physical perfection and ritual purity. It underscores the high standard of holiness demanded by God for anything offered to Him, reflecting His own perfect nature and the absolute purity required for atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Seven days shalt thou prepare every day a goat for a sin offering:"** This clause specifies the duration and the primary daily sacrifice. The "seven days" (a number often signifying completion or perfection in biblical numerology) indicate a thorough and comprehensive period of consecration. "Every day" emphasizes the continuous nature of the purification process. A "goat for a sin offering" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭâʼâh*) was central to cleansing and purifying the altar, removing any impurity that might hinder its sacred function. This daily ritual was essential to make the altar fully consecrated and fit for divine service.
* **"they shall also prepare a young bullock, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish."** This part of the verse details additional sacrifices required daily alongside the goat. The "young bullock" and a "ram out of the flock" represent substantial and valuable offerings, further underscoring the gravity and costliness of the consecration. The phrase "without blemish" is critical, signifying that these animals must be physically perfect, free from any defect or imperfection. This requirement highlights the divine standard of purity and worthiness demanded for any offering presented to a holy God, ensuring the sacrifices were acceptable and efficacious for the altar's sanctification.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 43:25 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the entire vision of the Temple and its rituals serves as a symbol of God's restored presence and the renewed covenant with Israel. The "seven days" of consecration are symbolic of completion and perfection, echoing the seven days of creation and signifying a thorough, divinely ordained process of making new and holy. The "sin offering" itself is a potent symbol, not just of expiation for sin, but of the purification necessary to bridge the gap between a holy God and a defiled world. The requirement for animals "without blemish" is a powerful **symbol** of purity and perfection, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system that points to the ideal standard required for acceptable worship. Furthermore, the meticulous detail and repetition ("every day") create a sense of **emphasis** on the importance of purity and the rigorous demands of divine holiness, reinforcing the solemnity and absolute necessity of these rituals.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 43:25 profoundly reinforces the biblical truth of God's transcendent holiness and the absolute necessity of atonement for humanity to approach Him. The elaborate, repetitive purification of the altar, a mere structure, underscores that nothing impure can stand in God's presence. This principle extends beyond ritual objects to the people themselves, highlighting humanity's inherent sinfulness and constant need for divine cleansing. The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its daily and annual offerings, was a constant reminder of this need, providing a temporary means of covering sin and maintaining fellowship. These rituals, however, were never an end in themselves but served as a foreshadowing of a greater, perfect sacrifice to come.

* [Leviticus 16:30](/leviticus/16-30 "Leviticus 16:30 - Day of Atonement Purification")
* [Exodus 29:35-37](/exodus/29-35 "Exodus 29:35-37 - Consecration of Priests and Altar")
* [Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision, while detailing a specific historical and eschatological context, offers timeless spiritual truths for believers today. The meticulous purification of the altar serves as a powerful reminder of God's unyielding holiness and the profound reverence due to Him. Just as the altar needed to be made fit for divine use, so too are we, as God's spiritual temples and priests ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood")), called to lives of increasing holiness and purity. The daily sin offerings in the vision highlight that sanctification is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, a continuous reliance on God's grace to cleanse us from sin and refine our character. We are to approach God with humility, recognizing our need for His atoning work, and strive to live lives "without blemish" in our conduct, thoughts, and intentions, reflecting the perfection of Christ in whom our ultimate cleansing is found. This means diligently examining our hearts, confessing our sins, and actively pursuing righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of God's requirements for the altar's consecration challenge my own approach to worship and personal holiness?**
* **In what ways do I need to pursue "purification" in my daily life to be more fully consecrated for God's purposes?**
* **How does understanding the "without blemish" requirement for Old Testament sacrifices deepen my appreciation for Christ's perfect sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "seven days" of consecration for the altar?**

Answer: The "seven days" (Hebrew: *shebaʻ*, H7651) of consecration signify a complete and perfect purification process. In biblical numerology, the number seven often denotes completion, perfection, or divine fullness, as seen in the seven days of creation ([Genesis 2:2](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2 - God Rests on the Seventh Day")). For the altar, this meant a thorough and divinely ordained period of transformation, making it absolutely holy and fit for God's presence and for receiving the offerings of His people. It emphasizes that holiness is not achieved superficially but through a comprehensive and dedicated process of purification.

**Why did the altar itself need a "sin offering"? Wasn't it an inanimate object?**

Answer: The "sin offering" (Hebrew: *chaṭṭâʼâh*, H2403) for the altar was primarily a purification offering, rather than an atonement for the altar's "sins." In the Old Testament, *chaṭṭâʼâh* rituals served to cleanse objects, places, and people from ritual impurity, making them holy and acceptable for divine use. Even inanimate objects could become ritually defiled, or simply needed to be set apart from common use for sacred purposes. The altar, though inanimate, was part of a fallen world and needed to be consecrated and purified to serve as a proper interface between a holy God and His people's offerings. This underscores the pervasive nature of impurity and the absolute holiness of God, requiring everything in His presence to be sanctified.

**Is this vision of the Temple and its rituals in Ezekiel 40-48 meant to be a literal blueprint for a future temple?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's Temple vision is complex and varied among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future Temple to be built in Jerusalem during a millennial reign of Christ. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual reality of God's renewed presence among His people, the perfect worship that will characterize the new covenant age, or even the church as God's dwelling place. A third view sees it as a literal vision that was partially fulfilled in the post-exilic Second Temple, but whose ultimate, perfect fulfillment awaits the eschatological age. Regardless of the literal or symbolic interpretation, the theological principles of God's holiness, the need for purification, and perfect worship remain central and applicable to all believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 43:25, with its emphasis on a rigorous, seven-day purification of the altar through unblemished sacrifices, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including the daily sin offerings and the demand for "without blemish" animals, constantly pointed to the need for a perfect atonement that animal blood could never fully provide ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Impossible for Blood of Bulls and Goats")). Jesus Christ is the quintessential "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the perfect sacrifice "without blemish and without spot" ([1 Peter 1:19](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Redemption by Christ's Precious Blood")). His single, once-for-all offering on the cross perfectly purified not just an altar, but humanity itself, providing eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")) and sanctifying those who believe ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice")). Unlike the repeated daily sacrifices in Ezekiel's vision, Christ's sacrifice was utterly complete, rendering further animal sacrifices obsolete and establishing a new and living way for us to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). He is both the perfect sacrifice and the High Priest who perfectly consecrated Himself, making it possible for us to be truly holy in God's sight.

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 8:33

And ye shall not go out of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation [in] seven days, until the days of your consecration be at an end: for seven days shall he consecrate you.

Exodus 29:35

And thus shalt thou do unto Aaron, and to his sons, according to all [things] which I have commanded thee: seven days shalt thou consecrate them.

Exodus 29:37

Seven days thou shalt make an atonement for the altar, and sanctify it; and it shall be an altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar shall be holy.

Leviticus 8:35

Therefore shall ye abide [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the LORD, that ye die not: for so I am commanded.