Ezekiel 43:24

You must present them before the LORD; the priests are to sprinkle salt on them and sacrifice them as a burnt offering to the LORD.

Study Bible

You must present them before the LORD;
In the context of Ezekiel's vision of the new temple, presenting offerings before the LORD signifies the act of worship and dedication. This reflects the ancient Israelite practice of bringing sacrifices to the temple as a means of seeking God's presence and favor. The phrase underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience, as seen in Leviticus 1:3, where offerings are brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting. This act symbolizes the worshiper's desire to be in communion with God, acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty.

the priests are to sprinkle salt on them
Salt in biblical times was a symbol of preservation and purity. In Leviticus 2:13, God commands that all grain offerings be seasoned with salt, referred to as the "salt of the covenant." This indicates the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The use of salt in offerings signifies the purification and sanctification of the sacrifice, ensuring it is acceptable to God. Salt's preservative qualities also symbolize the eternal nature of God's promises and the lasting relationship between God and His people.

and sacrifice them as a burnt offering to the LORD.
The burnt offering, or "olah" in Hebrew, was a sacrifice that was completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing total dedication and surrender to God. This type of offering is detailed in Leviticus 1 and was a common practice in ancient Israelite worship. It represents the worshiper's complete devotion and submission to God's will. The burnt offering is also a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, as He offered Himself wholly to God for the atonement of humanity's sins, as seen in Hebrews 10:10. This act of sacrifice highlights the necessity of atonement and the restoration of the relationship between God and His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book and the one receiving the vision of the new temple.

2. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, to whom the offerings are presented.

3. Priests
The Levitical priests who are responsible for performing the temple rituals and offerings.

4. Salt
A symbol of purity, preservation, and covenant, used in the offerings.

5. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in the Old Testament that signifies atonement and complete surrender to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of Sacrifice
Sacrifices in the Old Testament were a means of atonement and worship. Today, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, dedicating our lives to God’s service.

Symbolism of Salt
Salt represents purity and covenant. As Christians, we are called to live pure lives and uphold our covenant relationship with God.

Priestly Duties
The priests' role in offering sacrifices points to our role as a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), tasked with spiritual sacrifices and intercession.

God’s Holiness
The meticulous instructions for offerings underscore God’s holiness and the reverence required in approaching Him.

Covenant Faithfulness
The use of salt in offerings reminds us of God’s enduring covenant with His people and our responsibility to remain faithful.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of salt in offerings relate to Jesus' teaching about being the "salt of the earth"?

2. In what ways can we present ourselves as living sacrifices in our daily lives?

3. What does the role of the priests in Ezekiel 43:24 teach us about our responsibilities as part of the "royal priesthood"?

4. How does understanding the symbolism of the burnt offering enhance our appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice?

5. How can we ensure that our worship and service to God reflect His holiness and our covenant relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 2:13
This verse discusses the use of salt in grain offerings, emphasizing its role in the covenant.

Matthew 5:13
Jesus refers to His followers as the "salt of the earth," highlighting the importance of purity and influence.

Romans 12:1
Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, drawing a parallel to the concept of burnt offerings as total dedication to God.