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.”

In order to understand the significance of this verse, it’s helpful to have some context about the book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a prophet who lived during the Babylonian exile, and his prophecies primarily dealt with the restoration and future glory of Israel.

In Ezekiel 43, the prophet is given a vision of the future temple. This vision follows a description of the glorious presence of God returning to dwell among His people. The temple described in this chapter is a future temple that symbolizes the presence of God and His reign.

Now let’s focus specifically on Ezekiel 43:20. In this verse, the Lord instructs Ezekiel regarding the atonement and purification process for the altar. The altar is an essential element in the temple, where sacrifices would be offered to God.

The verse mentions four specific locations where the blood is to be applied: the four horns of the altar, the four corners of the settle (the ledge or molding around the altar), and the border round about (the base of the altar). The application of blood signifies the consecration and sanctification of the altar for the worship of God.

Blood played a significant role in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. It represented life and was seen as a means of atonement for sins. The shedding of blood symbolized the payment of the penalty for sin and the restoration of a right relationship with God.

In this verse, the act of applying the blood to the altar is a symbolic representation of purifying and cleansing the altar from any defilement. It indicates that the altar is set apart for holy purposes and is acceptable for the offering of sacrifices to God.

Symbolically, the application of blood on the four horns of the altar may also represent the power of the sacrifice to cover sins in all directions. The four corners of the settle and the border round about signify the comprehensive nature of the purification process.

It is important to note that the rituals described in the book of Ezekiel were part of the Mosaic Law and the Old Covenant. They pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, which would fulfill the requirements of the law and provide complete atonement for sin. The sacrifices and rituals in the Old Testament were foreshadowing the redemptive work of Christ.

In summary, Ezekiel 43:20 highlights the instructions given to Ezekiel regarding the purification and consecration of the altar in the future temple. The application of blood on the four horns, four corners, and border signifies the cleansing and sanctification of the altar, making it suitable for offering sacrifices to God. Ultimately, this verse points to the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, who became the perfect and final sacrifice for the sins of humanity.