What role does the blood play in sanctifying the temple in Ezekiel 45:19? Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 45 and the Future Temple - Ezekiel 40–48 describes a future, restored temple. - In chapter 45 the Lord outlines offerings that will consecrate this sanctuary. - Purification begins on “the first month, on the first day” (v. 18), echoing Israel’s calendar of redemption. Reading the Key Verse: Ezekiel 45:19 “The priest is to take some of the blood of the sin offering and put it on the doorposts of the house, on the four corners of the ledge of the altar, and on the posts of the gate of the inner court.” Why Blood? The Divine Principle of Purification - Blood is God-ordained for atonement: “the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life” (Leviticus 17:11). - Sin defiles people and places; blood removes that defilement (Leviticus 16:16). - By applying the sin-offering blood, the priest symbolically transfers cleansing life to whatever it touches, setting it apart as holy unto the Lord. Specific Places the Blood Touches 1. Doorposts of the house (temple building) • Marks the point of entry—no one approaches God except through atoning blood (cf. Exodus 12:7). 2. Four corners of the altar’s ledge • The altar, center of sacrifice, must itself be purified so it can receive future offerings (Leviticus 8:15). 3. Posts of the inner gate • Cleanses the threshold between the inner and outer courts, signifying that worshippers pass from the common to the holy by virtue of shed blood. The Result: A Holy Dwelling for a Holy God - Verse 20 sums up the purpose: “So you are to atone for the temple.” - The blood deals with “unintentional” sin (v. 20) that would otherwise pollute God’s dwelling. - Once atoned, the temple becomes a fit habitation for the divine glory (cf. Ezekiel 43:5–7). Patterns Repeated Throughout Scripture - Tabernacle inauguration: Moses put blood on altar horns to “purify” it (Leviticus 8:15). - Temple rededication under Hezekiah: priests “took the blood and sprinkled it on the altar” to cleanse the house (2 Chronicles 29:20-24). - Day of Atonement: blood sprinkled on the mercy seat purged the sanctuary from Israel’s sins (Leviticus 16:15-19). These precedents confirm that purification of sacred space is always blood-based. Looking Forward: Foreshadowing the Ultimate Sacrifice - The ritual underscores humanity’s continual need for cleansing blood. - Hebrews 9:13-14 points to Christ: “How much more will the blood of Christ… cleanse our consciences.” - Ezekiel’s temple finds its ultimate fulfillment when “the Lamb” who was slain (Revelation 5:9) dwells among a people and place fully sanctified by His blood. |
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