What role does the priest play in Ezekiel 45:20 regarding atonement? Contextual background • Ezekiel 40–48 unfolds a future temple vision; 45:18–20 prescribes rites to cleanse that sanctuary. • Verse 20 centers on the priestly ministry that “make[s] atonement for the temple” on the seventh day of the first month. • The law addresses “anyone who sins unintentionally or through ignorance” (Ezekiel 45:20), echoing the sin-offering statutes of Leviticus 4. The priest’s specific actions • Applies blood from the sin offering “on the doorposts of the temple, on the four corners of the altar’s ledge, and on the gateposts of the inner court” (Ezekiel 45:19). • Repeats the same rite on the seventh day (45:20), ensuring the temple and worshippers remain ceremonially clean. • Performs these tasks as an appointed mediator; the people themselves do not touch altar or doorposts—only the priest may. Scope of the atonement • Unintentional and ignorant sins are covered (cf. Leviticus 4:2, 27; Numbers 15:22-29). • The cleansing reaches two fronts: – The individual worshipper (“anyone who sins”). – The holy precincts (“so you will make atonement for the temple”). • By purging defilement from both sinner and sanctuary, fellowship between God and His covenant people is protected. Why the priest is essential • God’s law requires a consecrated mediator: “Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices” (Hebrews 8:3). • The priest knows the prescribed ritual, handles the blood, and stands between the holy God and sinful people (Leviticus 16:15-17). • His role underscores substitution: the innocent victim’s blood stands in for the offender’s life (Leviticus 17:11). Anticipating the ultimate High Priest • Ezekiel’s rite points forward to Christ, “a high priest forever” (Hebrews 7:24-27), whose once-for-all sacrifice fulfills everything these animal offerings foreshadowed (Hebrews 9:12-14). • Yet the literal future-temple context shows that priestly service continues in a memorial capacity during the Messianic kingdom, continually reminding humanity of the cost of sin. Personal takeaways • God provides a mediator so that even unintentional sins need not sever fellowship. • Holiness matters to God in place and person alike; the sanctuary itself must be kept pure. • The faithful priest of Ezekiel 45 previews the flawless ministry of Jesus, assuring believers that atonement has been perfectly secured and will be forever remembered. |
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