What is the meaning of Ezekiel 45:20? “You must do the same thing” • Ezekiel has just described the first‐day sin offering that purifies the sanctuary (Ezekiel 45:18–19). The Lord now repeats, “You must do the same thing,” underscoring that His instructions are not suggestions but binding commands (John 14:15). • The repetition points to God’s consistent requirement for holiness in His house (Leviticus 10:3). • Because the passage speaks of a future temple (Ezekiel 40–48), the command anticipates literal practices in the coming millennial kingdom, showing God’s unchanging standard for atonement through sacrifice, ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 10:1–10). “on the seventh day of the month” • The first purification is on the first day; the second comes six days later, completing a full week (Exodus 12:15; Leviticus 8:33–35). • Seven in Scripture often signals completeness (Genesis 2:2–3). By purifying again on day seven, the temple’s cleansing is brought to a perfect conclusion (Revelation 1:4). • This rhythm also prepares worshipers for the regular monthly and annual cycles God will establish (Isaiah 66:23). “for anyone who strays unintentionally or in ignorance” • God distinguishes between high‐handed rebellion and unintentional sin (Numbers 15:27–31). The offering here covers those who “wander” without deliberate defiance. • Though the offense is unintentional, atonement is still required; holiness demands that even accidental impurity be addressed (Leviticus 4:2; Psalm 19:12). • The provision reveals God’s mercy: He makes a way back for the well-meaning but misguided (1 Timothy 1:13). “In this way you will make atonement for the temple” • Sin—intentional or not—defiles God’s dwelling (Leviticus 15:31). The blood of the sacrifice cleanses the sanctuary so God’s glory can remain (Ezekiel 43:7). • The temple stands at the center of Israel’s worship and national life; its purity ensures covenant blessing (Haggai 2:9). • While animal sacrifices never finally remove sin (Hebrews 9:9–10), they point to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). In the millennium, these offerings will look back to His finished work, just as the Lord’s Supper does today (1 Corinthians 11:26). summary Ezekiel 45:20 establishes a second, seventh-day purification to complete the cleansing of the future temple. God commands this act to cover unintentional sin, demonstrating His twin concerns for holiness and mercy. By requiring atonement even for ignorance, the passage highlights the seriousness of sin and the necessity of sacrificial blood—anticipating the all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ, through whom the dwelling place of God with humanity is finally and forever purified. |
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