Ezekiel 46:20 – “He said to me, ‘This is the place where the priests are to cook the guilt offering and the sin offering, and bake the grain offering, to avoid bringing them into the outer court and consecrating the people.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezekiel 46:20 describes a designated space in the temple where priests prepare offerings, such as the guilt offering, sin offering, and grain offering. This preparation is done in a specific area to ensure that the sacredness of the offerings does not transfer to the outer court or inadvertently make the people who enter it ritually consecrated. This regulation reflects the holiness of the offerings and the care taken to preserve the proper boundaries between sacred and common spaces.
Historical Context
This vision of the temple was given to Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile when the Israelites were removed from their homeland and the original temple was destroyed. In the Mosaic Law, the guilt and sin offerings were essential parts of Israel’s worship, designed to atone for sins and maintain purity before God (Leviticus 5:1-13, Leviticus 6:24-30). The grain offering expressed gratitude and dedication to God (Leviticus 2). By assigning specific areas for preparing these offerings, Ezekiel’s vision reinforces the structured worship practices that characterized the temple system.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the holiness of God and the care required in approaching Him. The specific instructions about where offerings are prepared underscore the need for reverence in worship and the importance of maintaining boundaries between the sacred and the ordinary. It also illustrates the role of the priests as mediators, responsible for preserving the sanctity of the offerings and ensuring that worship is conducted according to God’s commands.
Literary Analysis
Ezekiel 46:20 uses detailed language to describe the location and purpose of the preparation space. The verse contrasts sacred and common areas, emphasizing the intentional separation needed to maintain the holiness of the offerings. The repetition of offerings—guilt, sin, and grain—highlights the completeness of the sacrificial system, addressing different aspects of atonement, thanksgiving, and dedication.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 6:24-30: Regulations for the sin offering and its preparation.
- Leviticus 5:1-13: Instructions for the guilt offering.
- Exodus 29:37: The altar’s sanctity and the separation of holy and common.
- Hebrews 9:6-7: The priestly duties of offering sacrifices for the sins of the people.
- 1 Peter 1:16: God’s call to His people to be holy, as He is holy.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Ezekiel 46:20 serves as a reminder of the seriousness and intentionality required in worshiping God. While the specific rituals of the Old Testament no longer apply, the principle of reverence and holiness remains. This verse challenges believers to approach God with respect, recognizing His holiness and the need for a pure heart in worship. It also points to the care and orderliness that should characterize all aspects of our service to God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love by providing clear instructions to protect the people from unintended consequences of interacting with holy offerings. God’s care in creating boundaries shows His concern for the well-being of His people and His desire to guide them in worship that honors Him. By establishing these guidelines, God helps His people approach Him in a way that reflects His holiness and their need for atonement.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus fulfills the sacrificial system described in this verse. As the ultimate sin and guilt offering, He took upon Himself the sins of humanity, providing complete atonement once and for all (Hebrews 10:10-12). Unlike the priests who had to prepare offerings daily, Jesus’ sacrifice is perfect and eternal, granting believers direct access to God (Hebrews 9:11-14). Through Jesus, the separation between sacred and common is bridged, allowing all believers to live as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of reverence in worship?
- In what ways can you approach God with greater intentionality and respect in your daily life?
- How does Jesus’ role as the ultimate sacrifice shape your gratitude and trust in Him?
- What does this verse teach about the importance of boundaries in maintaining holiness in worship?
- How can you reflect God’s holiness in the way you live, serve, and worship?