Ezekiel 43:18
And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.
Ezekiel 43:18 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, God is instructing the prophet Ezekiel, who is referred to as "Son of man," on the ordinances of the altar. The altar is a sacred place where burnt offerings are made to the Lord. The act of offering burnt sacrifices on the altar was a common practice in ancient times, symbolizing the complete devotion and surrender of the worshipper to God. The sprinkling of blood on the altar was also a critical part of the sacrificial process, symbolizing the atonement for sin. These ordinances were established by God for the Israelites to follow in order to maintain a right relationship with Him. By adhering to these ordinances, the people were demonstrating their obedience and faithfulness to God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's instructions and participating in rituals that draw believers closer to Him.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ezekiel, God is instructing the prophet Ezekiel on the ordinances of the altar. The term "Son of man" is used to address Ezekiel, emphasizing his humanity and mortality in contrast to the divine message he is receiving. The importance of these ordinances lies in the offering of burnt offerings on the altar and the sprinkling of blood, which were key components of the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. The burnt offerings were symbolic of atonement for sin and the worshipper's desire for reconciliation with God. The sprinkling of blood was a ritual act signifying purification and forgiveness. By following these ordinances, the people were demonstrating their commitment to God and their desire to be in right relationship with Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the need for repentance and forgiveness of sins. It also highlights the role of sacrifice in the worship of God in the Old Testament, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
Ezekiel 43:18 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he said unto me, Son of man, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt-offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.
World English Bible
He said to me, Son of man, thus says the Lord Yahweh: These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings on it, and to sprinkle blood on it.
Douay-Rheims
And he said to me: Son of man, thus saith the Lord God: These are the ceremonies of the altar, in what day soever it shall be made: that holocausts may be offered upon it, and blood poured out.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he said vnto me, Sone of man, thus saith ye Lord God, These are ye ordinances of ye altar in the day when they shall make it to offer the burnt offring thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.