Ezekiel 43:24Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

After the dimensions of the altar were revealed to the prophet on the mount, and the subsequent sanctification was demonstrated through one unblemished bull and one or two goats—of which the first is offered to the Lord Savior and the latter to the apostles and ministers—it becomes clear that in consecrating the spiritual altar and in connection with the Church, the law and the prophets must not be overlooked. Hence, an unblemished bull and a ram are chosen for the altar’s dedication, presented before the Lord. The sons of Zadok, the righteous priests, sprinkle salt upon their heads to impart the essence of the Gospel to the law and the prophets, for every sacrifice should include salt, as commanded in the law, and interpreted by the apostle who states, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). These offerings, together with others, are brought before the Lord so that the heavy burden of the written law and the cloud of prophecy may be transformed into a spiritual reality through the fire of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, of whom Paul says, “with zeal” (Rom. 12:11).

If we desire clarity on what constitutes an unblemished bull from the herd and a ram with the finest wool, we consider Moses and Elijah—Moses, the most humble of men (Num. 12:3), and Elijah, who exhibited fervent faith akin to Moses and boldly declared, “I am one” (3 Sam. 19:10). The directive given in Hebrew to “Bring the bullock” corresponds to the LXX stating, “Let the priests bring it,” and this does not create any confusion. For Ezekiel, who received this command, was a priest of maturity, and grace had amplified his prophetic duty. Moreover, Moses and Elijah—representing the law and the prophets—were seen on the mount with the Lord, revealing to Him the trials He endured in Jerusalem.

When the altar was cleansed, there was to be a daily offering for seven days of a goat or kid, along with a bull from the herd and a ram from the flock without blemish, as a sin offering, so that the altar might be thoroughly cleansed within that period. These seven days signify the Sabbath, which remains for the people of God, as the apostle states (Heb. 4:9), representing our hope for eternal rest, free from the burdens of sin. The goat, calf, and ram symbolize the three prevalent vices affecting humanity; we sin through thought, word, and deed. Thought correlates to the ram, the origin of all sins; speech to the goat, which often expresses harsh words; and deeds to the calf, associated with labor and earthly matters. Therefore, during the seven days of the true Sabbath, we should offer sacrifices to God and purify the altar so our prayers ascend to Him unstained.

Regarding the additional phrase, “And they shall cleanse it and fill his hand,” as noted in Hebrew and translated by others, it suggests that the altar designated for purification shall also be filled with offerings, similar to sacrifices made for the priest, the congregation, and the high priest, ensuring nothing appears lacking before God. The LXX replaces this with “they shall cleanse it and fill their hands,” referring to the priests, who, through good deeds—symbolizing full hands—will transition from the Sabbath to the eighth day of resurrection, proclaiming, “We are risen with Christ” (Rom. 6, Col. 3). After the eighth day, they will seek heavenly things and present burnt offerings and peace offerings for our sins and salvation, so that through the Holy Spirit, all our thoughts, words, and actions may become spiritual, receiving grace from the Lord through such offerings.

The Creator of humanity instructed the Prophet to teach the priests regarding the sacrificial laws—how the bull should be brought and offered as a sin offering, and where the priestly duties should be performed. There were guidelines for sprinkling the altar's horns and the corners of the purification site, as well as instructions for presenting unblemished goats as sin offerings, followed by further sprinkling of the altar's blood. The Prophet noted that once these rituals are fulfilled and sin is atoned for, they should bring an unblemished bull and ram and sacrifice them with salt. Salt symbolizes discernment, wisdom, and a godly mindset. Therefore, their actions should not be performed merely out of habit or without thought, but with sincere intent to pursue righteousness. Over the course of seven days, they are to make various sacrifices, as detailed, and then continue with additional offerings.