Ezekiel 45:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the priest {H3548} shall take {H3947} of the blood {H1818} of the sin offering {H2403}, and put {H5414} it upon the posts {H4201} of the house {H1004}, and upon the four {H702} corners {H6438} of the settle {H5835} of the altar {H4196}, and upon the posts {H4201} of the gate {H8179} of the inner {H6442} court {H2691}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The cohen will take some of the blood from the sin offering and put it on the door-frames of the house, on the four corners of the altar's ledge and on the supports of the gate of the inner courtyard.

Berean Standard Bible

And the priest is to take some of the blood from the sin offering and put it on the doorposts of the temple, on the four corners of the ledge of the altar, and on the gateposts of the inner court.

American Standard Version

And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin-offering, and put it upon the door-posts of the house, and upon the four corners of the ledge of the altar, and upon the posts of the gate of the inner court.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:19 describes a precise ritual of purification within the visionary temple, detailing the application of blood from a sin offering to specific architectural elements: the doorposts of the house, the four corners of the altar's settle, and the posts of the inner court gate. This act is part of a larger inaugural cleansing ceremony for the sanctuary, emphasizing the absolute necessity of sanctifying sacred space to prepare it for the divine presence and to atone for any defilement that might accrue from human interaction. It underscores the meticulousness required for holy worship and the foundational role of blood in purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:19 is situated within the latter portion of Ezekiel's prophecy (chapters 40-48), which presents a detailed, visionary blueprint for a new temple and its associated ordinances. This specific verse falls within the instructions for the purification of the sanctuary, particularly during its inauguration or a significant annual cleansing. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 45:13-17) outline the prince's role in providing offerings for the people, while Ezekiel 45:18-20 detail the specific purification rites for the temple itself, occurring on the first day of the first month and the seventh day of the month. This ritual is distinct from daily sacrifices, focusing instead on the systemic cleansing of the sacred structure to maintain its holiness and fitness for God's dwelling, a theme central to the entire temple vision.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received these visions while in Babylonian exile, a period of profound despair and spiritual introspection for the Jewish people. The detailed temple vision served as a powerful message of hope and restoration, promising a future where God's presence would return to a purified Israel. The concept of blood purification was deeply embedded in ancient Near Eastern cultures, but for Israel, it was uniquely tied to the Mosaic Law, where blood symbolized life and served as the means of atonement and cleansing from sin and ritual impurity (as seen in [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). The meticulousness of the ritual in Ezekiel 45:19 reflects the high regard for holiness and the strict separation required between the sacred and the profane, a foundational principle for the covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the **holiness of God** and the absolute necessity of **sanctification** for any space where He dwells. The repeated application of blood to various temple components underscores that even the physical structure requires purification to be a fit dwelling for the divine presence, echoing the call for Israel's own purification (see [Ezekiel 36:25-27](/ezekiel/36-25 "Ezekiel 36:25-27 - Cleansing and New Spirit")). Secondly, it emphasizes the principle of **atonement through blood**, a cornerstone of Old Testament worship, where the shedding of blood was the prescribed means for dealing with sin and defilement, ensuring the people's continued access to God. Finally, the detailed instructions reinforce the theme of **divine order and meticulousness** in worship, demonstrating that God's presence demands precise adherence to His revealed will, a pattern evident throughout the Law and prophetic literature (e.g., the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priest (Hebrew, _kôhên'_):** Literally "one officiating," referring to the designated individual responsible for sacred duties and mediation between God and humanity. In Ezekiel's vision, the priest's role in applying the blood underscores their essential function in maintaining the purity and holiness of the sanctuary, ensuring proper access to God's presence.
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** Symbolically, "that which when shed causes death." In sacrificial contexts, blood represents life given in atonement and serves as the primary agent for purification and expiation. Its application to the temple elements signifies a transfer of cleansing power, making the defiled holy.
* **Sin Offering (Hebrew, _chaṭṭâʼâh'_):** Refers to an "offence" or "sin," but specifically in this context, it denotes the sacrifice made to atone for sin and purify from ritual uncleanness. While it deals with sin, its primary function here is the purification of the temple from defilement that might accumulate from the people's presence, rather than personal guilt.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering":** This clause identifies the agent (the priest) and the substance (blood from a sin offering) central to the purification ritual. The priest's action is divinely ordained, highlighting the mediatorial nature of the old covenant worship. The "blood of the sin offering" signifies that the cleansing power comes from a sacrifice made for the purpose of atonement and purification.
* **"and put [it] upon the posts of the house":** This specifies the first location for the blood application: the doorposts of the temple structure itself. This act sanctifies the very entrance and fabric of the holy dwelling, emphasizing that the entire sacred space must be consecrated.
* **"and upon the four corners of the settle of the altar":** The second location is the altar, specifically its "settle" or base, and its four corners. The altar was the central place of sacrifice and atonement, and its purification was paramount. Applying blood to its corners signifies a comprehensive cleansing of this crucial point of communion with God.
* **"and upon the posts of the gate of the inner court":** The final specified location is the posts of the gate leading into the inner court. This gate served as a boundary, controlling access to the most sacred areas. Purifying its posts ensures that all points of entry into the holy precinct are sanctified, preventing defilement from entering or accumulating within the inner sanctuary.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:19 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "blood of the sin offering" serving as a powerful symbol of purification and atonement, a recurring motif throughout the Old Testament. The specific locations—the posts of the house, the corners of the altar's settle, and the posts of the inner court gate—are not arbitrary but carry **metonymic** significance, representing the entire sacred complex and its points of access. The meticulous detail in specifying these locations also functions as **emphasis**, underscoring the absolute and comprehensive nature of the required holiness and purification. The precise, almost architectural language used throughout Ezekiel's temple vision, including this verse, creates a sense of **verisimilitude** and divine authority, reinforcing the idea of a divinely ordained order for worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:19 powerfully reiterates the Old Testament principle that holiness is non-negotiable for God's dwelling place, and that defilement necessitates purification through blood. This ritual, though part of a visionary temple, echoes the Mosaic Law's emphasis on atonement and cleansing, where the shedding of innocent blood was the divinely appointed means to deal with sin and ritual impurity. The meticulous application of blood to the temple's structural elements underscores that every aspect of worship and the sacred space must be set apart for God. This foreshadows the ultimate and perfect purification accomplished by Jesus Christ, whose single sacrifice cleansed not merely a physical structure but the very hearts and consciences of believers, making them fit temples for the Holy Spirit.

* [Leviticus 16:18-19](/leviticus/16-18 "Leviticus 16:18-19 - Atonement for the Altar")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision of a meticulously purified temple, cleansed by the blood of a sin offering, serves as a profound spiritual paradigm for believers today. While we no longer participate in animal sacrifices or worship in a physical temple, the underlying principles of holiness, atonement, and purification remain eternally relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the sanctity of our own lives, recognizing that through Christ, we have become "temples of the Holy Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple")). Just as the visionary temple required cleansing to be a fit dwelling for God's glory, our lives—our thoughts, words, and actions—must be continually consecrated and purified. This calls for an ongoing process of confession, repentance, and reliance on the cleansing power of Christ's blood, enabling us to walk in a manner worthy of His indwelling presence. The precision of the ancient ritual reminds us that God's holiness demands our utmost reverence and a commitment to spiritual purity in all areas of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulousness of the purification ritual in Ezekiel 45:19 challenge my understanding of God's holiness?**
* **In what ways do I, as a "temple of the Holy Spirit," need to be purified or consecrated today?**
* **How does understanding the Old Testament emphasis on blood atonement deepen my appreciation for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of applying blood to specific parts of the temple?**

Answer: The application of blood to specific architectural elements—the posts of the house, the corners of the altar's settle, and the posts of the inner court gate—is highly significant. It demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the purification ritual, ensuring that every point of access and every central element within the sacred space is consecrated. In ancient Israelite thought, blood was the agent of life and atonement ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")), and its application symbolically cleansed and set apart the defiled object or space for holy use. This meticulousness underscores the absolute holiness required for God's dwelling place, making it fit for His presence and removing any accumulated defilement from human interaction.

**How does this ritual relate to other Old Testament purification rites?**

Answer: This ritual in Ezekiel 45:19 builds upon and parallels purification rites found throughout the Mosaic Law, particularly those detailed for the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. For example, [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - Day of Atonement") describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest applied blood to the altar and within the Holy of Holies to cleanse the sanctuary from the sins of the people. While similar in principle (blood for purification), Ezekiel's vision presents a unique, perhaps eschatological, application of these principles, emphasizing the inauguration or re-sanctification of a future temple. It underscores the consistent biblical truth that defilement, whether moral or ritual, necessitates a divinely appointed means of cleansing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:19, with its vivid depiction of a physical temple cleansed by the blood of a sin offering, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament rituals, including this one, served as "a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities" ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - Shadow of Good Things to Come")). The blood of bulls and goats could only provide a temporary, ritual cleansing, but Christ's sacrifice was once-for-all, offering eternal redemption. He is the true and perfect "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")), whose precious blood purifies not merely physical structures but the consciences of believers from dead works to serve the living God ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing of Conscience")). Through His atoning death, Jesus became both the perfect High Priest and the ultimate Sin Offering, inaugurating a new covenant where believers themselves become a "spiritual house" and a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Spiritual House")), indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Thus, the meticulous cleansing of Ezekiel's visionary temple points forward to the comprehensive and perfect purification accomplished by Christ, making His people holy and fit for God's eternal presence.

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 43:20

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.

Leviticus 16:18

And he shall go out unto the altar that [is] before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put [it] upon the horns of the altar round about.

Leviticus 16:20

¶ And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy [place], and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat:

Ezekiel 43:14

And from the bottom [upon] the ground [even] to the lower settle [shall be] two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser settle [even] to the greater settle [shall be] four cubits, and the breadth [one] cubit.

Ezekiel 43:17

And the settle [shall be] fourteen [cubits] long and fourteen broad in the four squares thereof; and the border about it [shall be] half a cubit; and the bottom thereof [shall be] a cubit about; and his stairs shall look toward the east.