Ezekiel 43:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Having shown the prophet the dimensions of the altar—a cubit and two cubits, and then a cubit and four cubits, a third time a cubit and twelve cubits alongside its counterpart, with the four horns of the altar and a twelve cubit ledge with the purificatory section measuring fourteen cubits in all directions, along with its base and crown—alongside the steps leading east, whose count is unknown. The man with a measuring instrument began to explain how to cleanse and dedicate the altar once completed.

Firstly, it is mandated that a sacrifice be presented to the priests from the family of Levi, specifically the descendants of Zadok. While the Septuagint refers to them as Sadduk, Zadok signifies righteousness. The prescribed offering, as translated by the Septuagint and Theodotion, is a calf, while Simmach refers to it as an ox, which in Hebrew is termed "phar." The bullock meant for our atonement is mentioned in several scriptures, as highlighted in the epistle of Barnabas, which is considered among the apocryphal texts.

The next day, a goat is brought forth from among the flock. In Jewish tradition, those celebrating Passover select both a lamb and a goat, and for those unable to partake earlier, they observe it in the second month. Here, the lamb is symbolic of the righteous, while the goat represents the penitent. If we adhere to the Seventy’s translation that states, “And on the next day let them take of the goats two goats without blemish for a sin offering,” it is essential to acknowledge differing interpretations. Some propose that following the Lord's suffering, two unblemished goats were offered on the Lord’s altar: James, one of the apostles, and Stephen, the first of the seven chosen to serve the Lord.

This James witnessed the transfiguration of the Savior on the mountain (Matthew 17), and along with the Lord, Peter, and John, experienced the resurrection of the synagogue ruler's daughter (Matthew 9), appearing before his brother in the apostolic listing (Matthew 10). He met his martyrdom at Herod’s command, slain like an unblemished goat the day after the Savior's suffering. Stephen also faced stoning by the Jews, whose wisdom and teaching were unopposed, and who beheld the Son standing at the Father’s right hand, uttering, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59).

The Apostle refers to some believers as the beginnings of Achaia and Asia (1 Cor. 16), paralleling them with the early martyrs, who received their crowns through faithful confession of Christ. It is important to note that the entire bullock is offered as a burnt sacrifice, consumed entirely by divine fire. Though we once perceived Christ in human terms, we now regard Him differently (2 Cor. 5:16). James and Stephen, representing the offering made the following day, or the goat mentioned in Hebrew texts, may be regarded as sacrifices, while the ultimate burnt offering is reserved until the Lord manifests Himself.

The blood, of which Peter testifies, for we are redeemed from our empty conduct inherited from our forefathers by the precious blood of Christ (1 Pet. 1:18), and the words of the Apostle Paul affirm, “You were bought with a price” (1 Cor. 7:23), further declare, “Having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20). This signifies that through the Savior’s blood, the four horns of the altar, representing the four corners of the earth, are sanctified, ensuring that the cleansing and reconciliation is firmly established.

On the second day, whether two goats as previously mentioned, or one goat is taken, since this creature instinctively seeks to ascend, evading perilous situations, finding pathways where others would falter. Thus, in Greek, the flock of goats is termed as the conversion of the exalted, alluding to the notion that the altar of Christ is purified with blood, that the prayers of the faithful may ascend to God untainted. Notably, the Hebrew text directs Ezekiel, in his priestly role, to take a bullock for the burnt offering and to sprinkle its blood around the altar, its corners, as well as the crown or base. In contrast, the Seventy interpreters assert that it is the other priests who fulfill this command, as it is written: “Give to the priests, the Levites, who are descendants of Zadok, who come near to Me.”

Then, the Almighty instructed the Prophet to teach the priests about the laws of sacrifice, detailing how the bull should be brought and slaughtered as an offering for sin, and where the priesthood should carry out their duties. The horns of the altar and the corners of the purification area were to be sprinkled, and unblemished goats should be brought as sin offerings, with the blood of the altar sprinkled anew. The Prophet stated that once these rituals are observed and atonement for sin is achieved, they must present a flawless bull and ram for sacrifice, accompanied by salt. Salt signifies wisdom, discernment, and a godly mindset. They should perform these acts not merely out of obligation or tradition but with intent and commitment to holiness: over seven days, they should conduct various sacrifices as instructed.