Ezekiel 46:20

and said to me, "This is the place where the priests shall boil the guilt offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the grain offering, so that they do not bring them into the outer court and transmit holiness to the people."

Study Bible

And he said to me
This phrase indicates a direct communication from God to Ezekiel, emphasizing the divine authority and instruction being conveyed. In the Hebrew text, the verb "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) is often used to denote not just speech but a declaration or command from God. This underscores the importance of the message and the role of Ezekiel as a prophet who receives and communicates God's will to the people.

This is the place
The specificity of "the place" highlights the importance of designated holy spaces in the temple. In ancient Israel, the temple was the center of worship and sacrifice, and specific areas were set apart for different functions. The Hebrew word for "place" (מָקוֹם, makom) often signifies a location of significance, particularly in a religious or sacred context. This reflects the order and structure God established for worship.

where the priests will boil
The priests, descendants of Aaron, had specific duties in the temple, including the preparation of offerings. The act of boiling (בָּשַׁל, bashal) was part of the ritual process for certain sacrifices. This process was not merely culinary but deeply symbolic, representing purification and the transformation of the offering into something acceptable to God.

the guilt offering and the sin offering
These offerings were central to the sacrificial system in Israel, designed to atone for specific transgressions. The guilt offering (אָשָׁם, asham) and the sin offering (חַטָּאת, chatat) were distinct yet related, both addressing the need for reconciliation with God. The guilt offering often involved restitution, while the sin offering focused on purification from sin. This reflects the comprehensive nature of God's provision for dealing with human sinfulness.

and where they will bake the grain offering
The grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah) was a non-blood sacrifice, often consisting of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Baking (אָפָה, aphah) the grain offering was part of its preparation, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God. This offering represented the fruits of human labor and was a reminder of God's provision and the people's dependence on Him.

so that they do not bring them into the outer court
The outer court was accessible to all Israelites, unlike the inner areas of the temple, which were restricted to priests. The separation of spaces within the temple complex was crucial for maintaining the sanctity of the holy areas. This instruction underscores the importance of maintaining boundaries between the sacred and the common, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

and transmit holiness to the people
Holiness (קֹדֶשׁ, qodesh) is a central theme in the Bible, denoting separation and dedication to God. The concern here is that the holiness of the offerings, if brought into the outer court, could inadvertently be transferred to the people, who were not in a state of ritual purity. This reflects the biblical understanding of holiness as both powerful and potentially dangerous if not approached correctly. It emphasizes the need for reverence and proper procedure in worship, ensuring that God's holiness is respected and upheld.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, who received visions and messages from God concerning the future of Israel and the temple.

2. The Priests
The Levitical priests responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the holiness of the temple.

3. The Temple
The sacred place of worship for the Israelites, central to their religious life and practices.

4. Guilt Offering and Sin Offering
Sacrifices prescribed in the Law of Moses for atonement of sins and guilt, symbolizing repentance and reconciliation with God.

5. Outer Court
The area of the temple accessible to the people, distinct from the inner areas reserved for priests and sacred rituals.

Teaching Points

Holiness and Separation
The passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and separation in worship practices. The priests were to perform certain rituals in designated areas to prevent the transmission of holiness to the people, underscoring the sacredness of their duties.

Role of the Priests
The priests served as mediators between God and the people, highlighting the need for dedicated individuals to lead and guide in spiritual matters. This points to the importance of spiritual leadership in the church today.

Symbolism of Sacrifices
The guilt and sin offerings symbolize repentance and the need for atonement. In the New Testament, these sacrifices find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who offers a once-for-all atonement for sin.

Sacred Spaces
The distinction between the inner and outer courts reflects the concept of sacred spaces, reminding believers of the need to approach God with reverence and respect.

Practical Worship
The detailed instructions for offerings remind us of the importance of order and intentionality in worship, encouraging believers to approach God with prepared hearts and minds.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priests in Ezekiel 46:20 compare to the role of spiritual leaders in the church today?

2. What can we learn from the separation of sacred spaces in the temple about how we approach worship in our own lives?

3. How do the guilt and sin offerings in the Old Testament point to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

4. In what ways can we ensure that our worship practices maintain a sense of holiness and reverence?

5. How does understanding the original context of temple rituals enhance our appreciation for the New Testament teachings on Christ's sacrifice?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 6:24-30
Provides detailed instructions on the guilt and sin offerings, emphasizing the role of the priests and the sanctity of the offerings.

Hebrews 10:1-18
Discusses the limitations of the Old Testament sacrifices and the fulfillment of these offerings in Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

1 Peter 2:9
Highlights the priesthood of all believers, drawing a parallel to the role of priests in the Old Testament.