Ezekiel 43:24

And thou shalt offer them before the Lord, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the Lord.

Ezekiel 43:24 (KJV)

Context

The book of Ezekiel records the visions and messages received by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. In this passage, Ezekiel receives instructions concerning the future temple and its worship practices. The verse begins by directing the people to offer their sacrifices before the Lord, an act that acknowledged God’s authority and their dependence on Him. The altar of burnt offering stood before the house where the Lord dwelt, and the surrounding context of Ezekiel 43 deals with the restoration of the temple and the return of God’s glory to dwell among His people.

Meaning

The priests had the responsibility to cast salt upon the offerings. In Israel’s religious life, priests served as mediators between God and the people, offering sacrifices on their behalf. Salt was associated with purity and preservation, and its use in sacrifices was required under the law (Leviticus 2:13). The action of casting salt on the offerings represented their consecration and preservation before being offered to God. Although salt is associated with purity and preservation in Scripture, the specific act of priests casting salt on offerings is not recorded in Ezekiel or elsewhere in the Old Testament.

The sacrifices are specifically identified as burnt offerings. A burnt offering was completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing the complete surrender of the offering to God. It signified the people’s desire to dedicate themselves fully to God and to seek His favor. Burnt offerings were seen as a pleasing aroma to the Lord, representing the people’s desire to worship and obey Him.

Biblical connections

Salt in this context may also denote the savory doctrines and lives of ministers of the Gospel, who thereby recommend the truths they deliver concerning a crucified Christ, His blood, righteousness, and salvation. Just as salt seasoned and preserved the offering, the faithful teaching of God’s Word keeps the message of salvation pure and undiluted.

Application

Just as the people were instructed to offer their sacrifices before the Lord, believers are called to acknowledge God’s authority in their lives, approaching Him with reverence and humility, recognizing His sovereignty and seeking His forgiveness and guidance. The act of casting salt on the offerings symbolized purification and preservation. As believers, we are called to consecrate ourselves to God, dedicating our lives to His service and seeking to live in holiness. We are also called to preserve the truth of God’s Word and the message of the Gospel, ensuring that it remains pure and undiluted in a world that often seeks to distort it.

The burnt offerings represented the complete surrender of the offering to God. As Christians, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, giving our whole lives to God in worship and service. We should strive to live lives that are pleasing to Him, fully surrendered to His will.

Reflection

While the specific practices of offering sacrifices and burnt offerings have been fulfilled in Christ, the principles of reverence, consecration, and surrender remain relevant for believers today. They remind us of the importance of our relationship with God and our commitment to live according to His Word. It’s important to consider the broader context of the book of Ezekiel and consult other biblical passages to gain a more comprehensive understanding of God’s message and His plan of salvation for humanity.