Ezekiel 43:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Having revealed to the prophet the dimensions of the altar, measuring cubits in various proportions, along with the four horns of the altar and the surrounding ledge, the man who held a measuring rod began to instruct regarding how the altar should be sanctified upon completion. Initially, the sacrifice is to be made and offered to the priests from the lineage of Levi, specifically those descended from Sadok, who is translated as righteous. This offering is referenced as a calf by the Septuagint, while others describe it as an ox, called 'phar' in Hebrew. The bullock sacrificed for our sake is alluded to in numerous biblical passages, including the Epistle of Barnabas, often regarded as apocryphal. Following this, a goat is to be included in the offerings. Those who observe the Passover select a lamb or a goat from their flocks, and those unable to celebrate previously participate in the second month, with one representing the righteous and the other the repentant. If we follow the Septuagint's rendering suggesting two unblemished goats for the sin offering, we can boldly suggest that after the Lord’s Passion, two unblemished goats were indeed presented, representing James and Stephen—one of the apostles and the first of the seven chosen to serve, respectively. This James witnessed the transfigured Savior on the mountain and, along with Jesus, Peter, and John, observed the raising of the synagogue ruler's daughter. He is mentioned in the apostolic list, preceding his brother. He was martyred by Herod soon after the Savior's suffering, akin to a flawless goat. Likewise, Stephen was stoned for his wisdom and teachings and beheld the Son standing at the right hand of the Father, declaring, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ The Apostle refers to some believers as the first fruits of Achaia and Asia, just as these two embody the beginnings of martyrdom, eventually crowned for their testimony to Christ. Notably, the entire bullock is offered up as a burnt sacrifice, with its fat consumed by divine flame. Though we perceive Christ through the flesh, we no longer regard Him in this manner. However, James and Stephen—representing the goat referenced in the Hebrew text—though already sacrificed, await the true burnt offering until the Lord is manifested. The blood taken signifies the redemption by the precious blood of Christ. The Apostle Paul teaches that we were purchased at a price and that peace is established through the blood of His cross, uniting both earthly and heavenly realms. This indicates that through the Savior's blood, the four corners of the altar—the entirety of the earth—are cleansed, and the foundation sprinkled on all sides to facilitate reconciliation. On the second day, either two goats or a single goat is chosen, as this animal is known to ascend without peril and thrives on steep paths, representing resilience. This connection is reflected in the Greek term for herds of goats, suggesting a transformation of the exalted ones. Furthermore, the altar of Christ is sanctified with blood so the prayers of the saints may ascend pure before God. It is notable that in the Hebrew text, Ezekiel, acting as a priest, is tasked to take a bullock, make a burnt offering, and scatter its blood around the altar and its corners. The Septuagint reveals that the task is assigned to other priests, of whom it is declared that offerings are to be made by those from the lineage of Sadok, who come near to the Lord.

Consequently, the Almighty instructed the Prophet to teach the priests about sacrificial laws, detailing how a bull should be offered and slain as a sin-offering, and how the priests were to prepare, including the sprinkling of the altar's horns and corners. Also, goats without blemish were to be presented as a sin-offering, followed by further sprinkling of the altar’s blood. The Prophet remarked that when these actions are fulfilled and the cleansing for sin is achieved, they should bring a bull and a ram, both without defect, to be offered with salt—salt symbolizing wisdom, discernment, and a righteous mindset. Thus, let them approach this not out of mere tradition, but with thoughtful intent to pursue holiness: over the course of seven days, let them offer specified sacrifices accordingly.