Ezekiel 45:19

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Ezekiel 45:19 (KJV)

Ezekiel 45:19 describes a crucial purification ritual within the prophet's visionary temple, detailing the application of blood from a sin offering to sanctify the sacred spaces. This verse is part of a larger section (Ezekiel 40-48) that outlines the structure and ordinances of a future temple, seen by Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. This vision provided hope and a blueprint for a restored and purified worship system for the returning Israelites.

Context

This verse is set during the inauguration ceremonies for the visionary temple, specifically on the first day of the first month. The detailed instructions for applying the blood emphasize the meticulous care required to cleanse the sanctuary from any defilement that might accumulate from the people's presence. Unlike the daily or annual sacrifices, this particular ritual seems to focus on the initial or periodic cleansing of the temple itself, preparing it as a fit dwelling place for God's glory. It builds upon, yet also differs from, earlier Old Testament purification rites, such as those found in the Mosaic Law for the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, highlighting the unique nature of this prophetic vision.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctification and Purification: The primary message is the absolute necessity of cleansing and consecrating the holy space. The application of blood renders the temple holy, making it suitable for God's presence.
  • Atonement through Blood: The use of blood from a "sin offering" (Hebrew: chatta't, meaning both "sin" and the "offering for sin") underscores the principle that defilement requires a specific act of atonement to be removed. This echoes the principle that without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.
  • Holiness of God's Dwelling: The precise locations for blood application—the posts of the house, the corners of the altar, and the gate posts—emphasize that every part of the sanctuary must be set apart and made holy for the Lord. This meticulousness reflects the transcendent holiness of God Himself.
  • Priestly Mediation: The priest's role in applying the blood highlights their essential function in mediating between God and the people, maintaining the purity of worship and access to God's presence.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sin offering" is a translation of the Hebrew word chatta't (חַטָּאת), which in sacrificial contexts refers specifically to the sacrifice made to atone for sin and purify from ritual uncleanness. While it denotes a sacrifice for sin, its primary function here is purification of the temple rather than personal guilt, as seen in the detailed instructions for sin offerings in the Mosaic Law.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel's temple vision may have future literal fulfillment, its spiritual principles hold profound significance for believers today. The meticulous cleansing of the temple foreshadows the ultimate and perfect purification accomplished by Jesus Christ. His sacrifice did not merely cleanse a physical structure but offered a once-for-all atonement for sin, purifying the hearts and consciences of believers.

Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that believers are now the "temple of the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 6:19) and a "spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5). This calls for personal holiness and spiritual purity, recognizing that God dwells within us. Just as the ancient temple needed cleansing, we are called to confess our sins and allow the blood of Christ to continually purify us, enabling us to walk in fellowship with a holy God. The vision of a purified sanctuary reminds us of the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing and dedication in our lives, both individually and corporately as the church.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 43:20 (6 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.