What is the context?
The Lord gives instructions for the altar’s first use. The priests from Zadok’s family receive a bull for a sin offering. Its blood is applied to the horns, corners and rim to cleanse the altar and make atonement for it. The bull is burned in the appointed place outside the sanctuary.
A male goat is presented on the second day, and further unblemished animals are offered. The priests sprinkle salt on the burnt offerings. Seven days are devoted to cleansing and setting the altar apart.
From the eighth day onward, the priests present the people’s burnt offerings and peace offerings, with the Lord’s assurance that He will accept them. The preparation teaches that approaching Him and serving Him are not casual matters.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Cambridge explains the blood applied to the altar as its purification and atonement. Wesley emphasizes God’s acceptance of those who give themselves to Him, through the mediator.
Henry applies the passage to Christian approach to God through Christ’s blood and explicitly rejects the need for new atoning sacrifices now. This differs from reading the final vision as instructions for a future physical sanctuary, while keeping attention on acceptance before God.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
A related pattern appears in Hebrews 13:10–16. The writer recalls the bodies of sin offerings being burned outside the camp, then connects this with Jesus suffering outside the city gate to sanctify His people by His own blood.
This is a connection through the wider sacrificial pattern; Hebrews does not identify Ezekiel’s altar ceremony as its quoted source. It leads to a further response: going to Jesus despite the disgrace, offering praise through Him, doing good and sharing with others. The goal of being brought near to God includes lives of faithful worship and care for people.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.