Ezekiel 43:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Having shown the prophet the altar dimensions—each measuring one cubit, two cubits, and again as four cubits, and lastly as twelve cubits with an additional twelve—along with the four horns of the altar, the twenty-four cubits around, and the fourteen cubits of the ledge, as well as its crown and base, which measures half a cubit to one cubit in height, and the steps leading to the east, the number of which is unknown; the man who held a measuring instrument began to explain how the altar should be consecrated once it was completed. The initial sacrifice is to be presented to the priestly line of Levi deriving from Zadok, whose name signifies righteous.

The offering is described in various texts as a calf, while Simmach references it as an ox, known in Hebrew as ‘phar.’ The slain bullock symbolizes the sacrifice made for us and is alluded to in many scriptures as well as in the Epistle of Barnabas, which, though considered apocryphal, holds significance. On the next day, a goat is chosen from the flock, and those observing the Passover also select a lamb and a goat, with those unable to partake earlier observing the feast in the second month: one representing the righteous and the other the repentant.

Following the translation of the Seventy, which specifies that two blemish-free goats should be offered the next day as a sin offering, there are interpretations positing that after the Lord's passion, two flawless goats—James and Stephen—were brought before the Lord, with one among the apostles and the other among the seven chosen to serve. This James was among those who witnessed the transfigured Savior on the mountain and who, alongside Peter and John, saw the resurrection of the synagogue leader's daughter. Herod martyred him consequently, akin to an unblemished goat, the day after the Savior's suffering. Additionally, Stephen was stoned by the Jews for his unassailable wisdom and teaching, declaring, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." These figures represent the commencement of martyrs who were later crowned for their faith in Christ.

It is crucial to note that the entire bullock is consumed as a burnt offering, illustrating that even though we initially perceived Christ in the flesh, we no longer do so in that manner. However, James and Stephen, represented by the goat mentioned in the Hebrew scriptures, had their offerings set aside until the Lord’s presence was realized. The blood taken signifies our deliverance from sin, as Peter describes our redemption through the precious blood of Christ, and Paul reminds us that we were bought at a price. This sacrificial blood cleanses the four horns of the altar, representing the four corners of the earth, sprinkling the crown and foundation to ensure universal cleansing and to establish lasting reconciliation.

On the second day, either two goats or one is selected, for goats are known for their ability to ascend and navigate treacherous paths where other animals might falter, hence in Greek, the term for a herd of goats implies a rise of the lofty ones. The altar of Christ is therefore purified with blood so that the prayers of the saints may ascend to God in purity. It should also be noted that in the Hebrew version, Ezekiel, acting as priest, is instructed to take a bullock, perform a burnt offering, and sprinkle its blood around the altar, its corners, and the base. Yet the Seventy translators attribute this task to other priests designated to serve.

The Almighty commanded the Prophet to teach the priests regarding the laws of sacrifices, detailing how to present and slay the bull as a sin offering and how to bless the horns of the altar and the corners of the purification basin. Goats without blemish were to be offered in sin offerings, with the altar's blood to be sprinkled anew. The Prophet states that once these actions are completed and purification for sin achieved, they are to present a flawless bull and ram for sacrifice, along with salt. Salt symbolizes discernment, wisdom, and a pious mindset. They should carry out these offerings thoughtfully, not merely out of tradition, but with a steadfast intention to live righteously. Over the course of seven days, they are to perform these specified sacrifices, observing all due diligence.