Ezekiel 43:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Following the explanation of the altar and its dimensions provided to the prophet on the mount, and once its cleansing and sanctification were demonstrated using a blemishless bullock and one or two goats—one meant for the Lord and the others for the apostles and ministers—it is essential to recognize that these offerings symbolize the consecration of the spiritual altar and the elements that relate to the Church. This ensures that the law and the prophets are not excluded. Thus, a perfect bullock and a ram are chosen for the altar's consecration, placed before the Lord, while the sons of Sadok, the just priests, sprinkle salt on them, ensuring that both the law and the prophets are imbued with the essence of the gospel. According to the law and the apostolic interpretation, all sacrifices must include salt, as it is written, “Let your word be seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). These burnt offerings are made to the Lord so that the prescribed elements, indicative of the law and prophetic messages, might be transformed into a spiritual and elevated essence through the refining fire of the Holy Spirit, which Paul refers to as possessing a "burning spirit" (Rom. 12:11).

To understand who the flawless bullock and the perfect ram represent, we can look to Moses and Elijah; Moses was described as the meekest man on earth (Num. 12:3), while Elijah exhibited fervent faith, boldly proclaiming, “I am one” (3 Sam. 19:10). It should be noted that in the Hebrew text it instructs to “bring the bullock,” whereas the LXX states, “Let the priests bring it.” This apparent discrepancy should not cause any uncertainty, as Ezekiel, to whom these words were addressed, was himself a priest of mature stature, enriched by a prophetic calling. Moses and Elijah, symbolizing the law and the prophets, witnessed alongside the Lord on the mount and revealed to Him the sufferings He endured in Jerusalem.

After the altar is purified, a goat or a kid, alongside a bullock from the herd and a blemishless ram from the flock, must be offered daily for seven days as a sin offering, ensuring complete cleansing of the altar. These seven days reflect the Sabbath, which remains for the people of God, as articulated by the apostle (Heb. 4:9), during which we aspire for eternal repose and freedom from sin's burdens. Through the goat, bullock, and ram, three prevalent vices are highlighted, articulating the ways humanity becomes ensnared in sin: through thought, word, or deed. Thought is represented by the ram, as it is the origin from which other sins arise; the goat symbolizes harmful speech, often used in discussing lofty matters; while the bullock denotes the actions, free from mere earthly toil.

Thus, it is vital throughout the seven days of the genuine Sabbath to offer these sacrifices to God and purify the altar, allowing our prayers to ascend to Him unblemished. The directive, “And they shall cleanse it, and fill his hand,” in the Hebrew text, and similarly expressed by other translators, implies that the altar itself, for which the sacrifices are made, must be enriched with offerings. This mirrors the sacrifices provided for the priests and the congregation, ensuring nothing remains idle before God. The LXX translates this as “and they shall cleanse it and fill their hands,” indicating the priests, who, enriched with good works—symbolized by full hands—will, at the conclusion of the Sabbath, celebrate the resurrection's eighth day. They shall declare alongside the apostle, “We are risen with Christ” (Rom. 6; Col. 3), and beyond the eighth day, they will seek heavenly matters, presenting burnt offerings and reconciliation sacrifices for our transgressions and salvation. Thus, through the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit, all our thoughts, words, and actions may be sanctified, and the Lord will extend His grace to us, receiving such offerings with favor.

The Almighty instructed the Prophet to teach the priests regarding the sacrificial laws. They were to bring forth a bullock to be slain as a sin offering, specifying where the priests should perform their duties, how to sprinkle the horns of the altar and the corners of the purifying space, and how to present unblemished goats as sin offerings, followed by the sprinkling of blood on the altar. The Prophet further stated that upon the fulfillment of these rituals and the completion of sin purification, they should offer an unblemished bullock and ram, anointed with salt. Salt symbolizes wisdom, discernment, and a righteous mindset. Therefore, they should perform these duties thoughtfully rather than merely through tradition, with a steadfast intention toward holiness. Over the course of seven days, they are to conduct various sacrifices as prescribed.