Ezekiel 45:20

And so thou shalt do the seventh [day] of the month for every one that erreth, and for [him that is] simple: so shall ye reconcile the house.

And so thou shalt do {H6213} the seventh {H7651} day of the month {H2320} for every one {H376} that erreth {H7686}, and for him that is simple {H6612}: so shall ye reconcile {H3722} the house {H1004}.

You are also to do this on the seventh day of the month for everyone who has sinned inadvertently or through ignorance. Thus you will make atonement for the house.

You must do the same thing on the seventh day of the month for anyone who strays unintentionally or in ignorance. In this way you will make atonement for the temple.

And so thou shalt do on the seventh day of the month for every one that erreth, and for him that is simple: so shall ye make atonement for the house.

Commentary

Ezekiel 45:20 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future temple, its rituals, and the division of the land of Israel. This verse specifies a particular purification ritual performed on the seventh day of the month, designed to atone for sins committed unintentionally or out of ignorance.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel chapters 40-48, which describe a highly detailed, visionary temple and its associated worship system. This section outlines the dimensions of the sanctuary, the duties of the priests and the prince, and the various offerings required. Specifically, Ezekiel 45 details the land allocated for the sanctuary, the priests, and the prince, along with regulations for the prince's offerings. Verses 18-20 focus on the ceremonial purification of the sanctuary itself, emphasizing that such cleansing is necessary not only on the first day of the first month but also on the seventh day for those who err or are simple, ensuring the sanctity of God's dwelling place. This underscores the intense focus on purity required for the presence of God.

Key Themes

  • Sanctuary Purification: The primary theme is the meticulous cleansing of the temple, highlighting the absolute necessity of holiness for God's dwelling. This reflects God's demand for purity in all aspects of worship and life.
  • Atonement for Unintentional Sin: The verse specifically addresses those who "erreth" (sin unintentionally) and "simple" (those who act out of ignorance or naivety). This demonstrates God's provision for sins committed without deliberate rebellion, distinguishing them from high-handed transgressions.
  • Divine Order and Ritual: The detailed instructions emphasize the precise, orderly nature of God's requirements for worship, ensuring His presence is maintained through proper observance.
  • Reconciliation and Holiness: The purpose of these rituals is to "reconcile the house," meaning to purify or atone for the sanctuary, making it fit for God's holy presence and removing any defilement that might hinder His dwelling among His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "erreth" is shagag (שָׁגַג), which means to go astray, err, or commit an error unintentionally. This term is crucial as it differentiates these sins from deliberate or defiant rebellion against God's law. Leviticus 4:2 also discusses offerings for unintentional sins.
  • "Simple" translates the Hebrew peteh (פֶּתִי), often rendered as naive, foolish, or easily misled, particularly in the book of Proverbs. Here, it refers to someone whose sin is due to ignorance or lack of discernment rather than malice.
  • "Reconcile" comes from the Hebrew kaphar (כָּפַר), the root of "Yom Kippur" (Day of Atonement). It means to cover, purge, or make propitiation. In this context, it signifies the act of purifying the sanctuary to remove defilement and restore its sacred state, making it acceptable for God's presence. Leviticus 16:16 illustrates this concept for the tabernacle.

Significance and Application

Ezekiel's visionary temple and its regulations, including this verse, point to God's unchanging nature and His demand for holiness where He dwells. While the New Testament reveals that the ultimate reconciliation and cleansing come through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who shed His blood for the remission of sins, the principle of addressing unintentional sin remains relevant. Spiritually, this verse reminds us that even our unknown or ignorant shortcomings require God's grace and cleansing. It encourages believers to cultivate a heart of humility and a constant desire for spiritual purity, knowing that God provides a way for forgiveness and reconciliation through Christ, as seen in 1 John 1:9.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 19:12 (4 votes)

    Who can understand [his] errors? cleanse thou me from secret [faults].

  • Ezekiel 45:18 (3 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the first [month], in the first [day] of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the sanctuary:

  • 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 45:15 (3 votes)

    And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Leviticus 4:27 (3 votes)

    ¶ And if any one of the common people sin through ignorance, while he doeth [somewhat against] any of the commandments of the LORD [concerning things] which ought not to be done, and be guilty;

  • Leviticus 4:35 (3 votes)

    And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn them upon the altar, according to the offerings made by fire unto the LORD: and the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he hath committed, and it shall be forgiven him.

  • Romans 16:18 (2 votes)

    For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.