What is the meaning of Ezekiel 46:24? He said to me - Ezekiel’s guide continues to speak, underscoring that every detail of the vision comes from God, not human imagination (Ezekiel 40:4; 43:6-7). - The phrase reminds us of earlier prophetic encounters such as “The word of the LORD came to me” (Jeremiah 1:4) and affirms the same divine authority here. - Because the speaker is commissioned by God, what follows is as trustworthy as the Lord’s earlier instructions about the altar (Exodus 25:9) or the tabernacle dimensions (Exodus 25:40). These are the kitchens - In the wider context (Ezekiel 46:19-23), the angel has just shown Ezekiel four large, walled enclosures—literal facilities within the future temple. - Kitchens signal God’s practical care: worship includes real food, heat, utensils, and space, echoing Solomon’s temple where vessels and utensils were specifically listed (1 Kings 7:48-50). - Similar cooking courtyards appeared during Josiah’s Passover, where “they roasted the Passover animals… in pots, kettles, and pans” (2 Chronicles 35:13). Where those who minister at the temple - The phrase identifies the priests and Levites set apart for holy service (Numbers 18:7; Deuteronomy 10:8; Ezekiel 44:11-16). - God ensures they have a dedicated, uncontaminated place to fulfill their duties, preventing the mixture of sacred and common (Leviticus 10:10). - By giving them their own kitchens, the text upholds the principle that ministry requires provision (1 Corinthians 9:13). Will cook the sacrifices - Not every offering was burned entirely; peace offerings, grain offerings, and certain portions were eaten (Leviticus 6:14-18; 7:11-17). - Cooking keeps the meat holy until it is consumed, avoiding abuses like those of Eli’s sons who demanded raw portions (1 Samuel 2:12-17). - Designated kitchens also prevent holy food from being prepared in common areas, maintaining ritual purity (Ezekiel 46:20). Offered by the people - Worshippers bring their offerings, while priests handle preparation—showing partnership in worship (Leviticus 1:3; 3:1). - In the millennial context, the prince supplies public sacrifices (Ezekiel 45:17), yet individual Israelites still present their gifts. - Zechariah foretells a day when “every pot in Jerusalem… will be holy to the LORD of Hosts” (Zechariah 14:21); Ezekiel’s kitchens anticipate that reality by consecrating everyday cookware for God’s glory. summary The verse explains a literal set of temple kitchens designed for priestly use. God, through His messenger, specifies these rooms to (1) maintain holiness, (2) provide for ministers, and (3) facilitate the people’s offerings. In doing so, He weaves practical details into His grand plan of worship, demonstrating that every aspect of life—even a kitchen—belongs to Him and serves His redemptive purposes. |
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