Ezekiel 43:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Once the dimensions and design of the altar were revealed to the prophet on the mount, its purification and consecration were demonstrated through the offering of a blemishless bull and one or two goats, the first being for the Lord Savior and the others for the apostles and ministers. This serves to ensure that the law and the prophets are not excluded in the consecration of the spiritual altar dedicated to the Church. Hence, a flawless bull and ram are selected for this purpose and offered to the Lord, with the sons of Zadok, the righteous priests, sprinkling salt over them to infuse the law and the prophets with the essence of the Gospel. According to the command of the law and the apostolic interpretation, no sacrifice should lack salt; as it is written, “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6).

These burnt offerings are presented to the Lord so that the body of the written law and the essence of prophecy might be transformed into a spiritual existence by the divine fire of the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of this as being done “with a fervent spirit” (Rom. 12:11). To draw a clearer understanding of the perfect bull among the oxen and the ram among the sheep with fine wool, one could consider Moses and Elijah. Moses was described as the meekest of all men (Num. 12:3) while Elijah embodied fervent faith, boldly stating “I am one” (2 Sam. 19:10).

The difference in phrasing between the Hebrew text instructing to bring the bull and the LXX suggesting that the priests should bring it does not raise doubts. Ezekiel, to whom this instruction was given, was of the priestly lineage, fully mature and graced with prophetic authority. Moses and Elijah, representing the law and the prophets, were seen on the mount with the Lord, declaring the sufferings He would endure in Jerusalem.

During the cleansing of the altar, daily for seven days, a goat, a bull from the herd, and a flawless ram from the flock are to be offered as a sin offering, ensuring the altar is thoroughly cleansed within this period. The significance of these seven days represents the Sabbath, which, as the apostle indicates (Heb. 4:9), remains for the people of God—providing hope for eternal and genuine rest, free from the burden of sin.

The sacrifices of the goat, calf, and ram illustrate the general vices that encompass humanity: sinning through thought, word, or deed. Thoughts correspond to the ram, being the origin of sin, while the goat symbolizes harmful speech. The calf represents deeds, being innocent of idle chatter or laborious tasks. Thus, during these seven days of the perfect Sabbath, we are to offer sacrifices to God to purify the altar so that our prayers ascend to Him in purity.

The Hebrew text adds that they shall cleanse it and fill his hand, suggesting that the altar itself, for which a sacrifice is made, shall receive gifts, akin to offerings for the priests, the people, and the high priest—to ensure nothing appears redundant before God. The LXX states that they shall cleanse it and fill their hands, referring to the priests, who, filled with good works—illustrated by full hands—will reach the eighth day of resurrection. They will proclaim with the apostle, “We are risen with Christ” (Rom. 6; Col. 3), and after the eighth day, they will seek heavenly matters, offering burnt offerings and atoning sacrifices for our sins and salvation. This will allow our thoughts, words, and deeds to become spiritual through the fire of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that the Lord is gracious to us, receiving such offerings favorably.

Subsequently, the Almighty instructed the Prophet to teach the priests concerning the laws of sacrifices, detailing how the bull should be presented and offered as a sin-offering, along with the proper procedures for the priests to follow, including the sprinkling of the altar's horns and the corners of the purification area. Additionally, flawless goats were to be brought as sin-offerings, with the blood of the altar being again sprinkled. The Prophet stated that once these actions are completed and the sin-cleansing achieved, they should present a flawless bullock and ram, sacrificing them with salt. Salt symbolizes discernment, wisdom, and a holy mindset; thus, they are to perform these acts not out of mere habit or convenience, but with thoughtful purpose aimed at godliness. Over a span of seven days, they should initiate various sacrifices, continuing with the prescribed offerings as indicated.