Ezekiel 43:25Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Once the dimensions of the altar were revealed to the prophet on the mount, and the process of its cleansing and consecration was demonstrated with an unblemished bull and one or two goats—of which the first is dedicated to the Lord, and the others to the apostles and ministers—it ensures that the law and the prophets are included in the sanctification of the spiritual altar, as a blemishless bull and a ram are offered before the Lord. The sons of Zadok, the righteous priests, will sprinkle salt on their heads, infusing the law and the prophets with the flavor of the gospel. As prescribed in the law, every sacrifice must contain salt, just as the apostle instructs: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt" (Col. 4:6). Hence, these burnt offerings are directed to the Lord so that the heavy burden of the law and the cloud of prophecy may be transformed into a spiritual and refined existence through the fire of the Lord, the Holy Spirit, who inspires with a fervent spirit (Rom. 12:11).

To understand who truly embodies the unblemished bull from the herd and the flawless ram from the sheep, one should reflect upon Moses and Elijah. Moses, known for his humility, was described as the meekest of all men (Num. 12:3), while Elijah mirrored Moses in his fervent faith, boldly declaring his identity as "one" (2 Sam. 19:10). The text in the Hebrew mentions, "Bring the bullock," while the LXX translates it as "Let the priests bring it," causing no confusion since Ezekiel, being from the priestly line, was mature and entrusted with prophetic grace. Moses and Elijah, representing the law and the prophets, appeared with the Lord on the mount, revealing the suffering He would undergo in Jerusalem.

As for the daily offerings during the purification of the altar, there shall be presented for seven days a goat, a bull from the herd, and a ram from the flock without blemish, serving as a sin offering, so that the altar might be entirely sanctified. The span of seven days symbolizes the Sabbath, which, as noted in Scripture (Heb. 4:9), remains for the people of God; within this period, we anticipate eternal rest devoid of the toil of sin. The goat, calf, and ram represent three common vices that afflict humanity: we err in thought, word, or deed. The ram signifies thought, the root of all sins, giving rise to the latter two. The goat represents harmful speech, often indulging in discussions of the lofty. Finally, the calf is associated with actions, as it is not engaged in prophetic duties or laborious tasks. Thus, during the true Sabbath, which is perfect and everlasting, we are called to offer sacrifices to God and purify the altar, ensuring that our prayers ascend to God in purity.

Regarding the statement, "And they shall cleanse it and fill his hand," found in the Hebrew and echoed in other translations, it implies that the altar itself, designated for purification through sacrifice, should be filled with offerings—much like a sacrifice offered on behalf of the priests, the people, and the high priest—so that nothing remains idle before God. The LXX expresses this as, "and they shall cleanse it and fill their hands," referring to the priests, who, filled with good works—symbolized by full hands—will transition from the Sabbath into the eighth day of resurrection, proclaiming along with the apostle, "We are raised with Christ" (Rom. 6, Col. 3). After this eighth day, they will seek heavenly matters, presenting burnt offerings for us and reconciliation sacrifices for our transgressions and salvation, so that through the fire of the Holy Spirit, all our thoughts, words, and deeds may be transformed spiritually, and the Lord may bestow His grace upon us through such offerings.

Subsequently, the Almighty instructed the Prophet to teach the priests regarding the sacrificial laws: how the bull should be presented and offered as a sin-offering, where the priest should stop, how to sprinkle the horns of the altar and the corners of the place of purification, and to bring goats without blemish for the sin-offering, repeating the sprinkling of the altar's blood. The Prophet noted that once these rituals are completed and purification from sin achieved, they shall present a bull and a ram, both without defect, and offer them with salt. Salt symbolizes wisdom, discernment, and a righteous mindset. They should perform these actions thoughtfully, and not merely by tradition, but with a firm resolve to live godly lives. For seven days, they are to offer various sacrifices, as prescribed, refining their intentions throughout.