Study 32 From the Book of
Ezekiel is: Ezekiel 43:13 – 44:31
This section opens with a
description of the great altar in the centre of the inner court, together with
the sacrifices by which it is to be cleansed and purified (43:13-27). The altar
rested upon a square base and was built of three square blocks of stone, each
smaller than the one below, so as to leave at each level a projecting
ledge. The uppermost block had four
horns and was twelve cubits’ square. It
was reached by steps on the east side. Chapter 44 lays down three ordinances,
the first concerning the use of the East gate (verse 1-3), the second
concerning the Levites (verse 4-14), and the third concerning the priests
(verses 15-31).
1.
Why
had the altar to be cleansed before the offerings made upon it were acceptable
to God? See 43:27 and cf. Lv. 16:18, 19; Col. 1:19-22; Heb. 9:23.
2.
What
lessons are taught in 44:10-16 regarding God’s judgments upon faithful and
unfaithful service? Cf. Lk. 19:17; 2 Cor. 5:9, 10; 1 Tim. 1:12.
Notes
1.
44:7,
8. It had evidently been the custom before the exile to allow foreigners to
officiate in the sanctuary and in its ministry, even though it may have been
only in menial duties.
2.
44:19.
They shall not bring their holy garments into contact with the people. Cf. Ex.
30:29.
