Question 1

What is the main purpose of the altar described in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The altar in this vision is the place where burnt offerings and sin offerings are brought so the people can draw near to God. Its careful design and size show that coming to God is not casual or random, but on His terms. The blood placed on the horns, corners, and border of the altar shows that sin must be cleansed before worship can be accepted. This altar points ahead to Christ, who is the true sacrifice and the way by which God receives His people.

Question 2

Why are there so many detailed measurements of the altar?

Accepted Answer

The detailed measurements show that God cares about how He is worshiped. The different levels or “settles” where priests stand, the square shape, and the height all stress order and stability. The four horns on top point out strength and safety for those who come. These details also help us see that this is not just any altar, but one that pictures Christ, the one sure way to God. The care taken in its design reminds us that worship should be thoughtful and reverent.

Question 3

Who are the priests of the seed of Zadok in this vision?

Accepted Answer

The priests from the seed of Zadok are a branch of the Levites whom God chooses to serve at this altar. They are said to “approach unto” God to minister to Him. Their name, linked with righteousness, reminds us that those who serve God should be faithful and set apart. In this vision they stand for those whom God appoints to handle holy things. In the light of Christ, they picture all who are made right with God and draw near through Him to offer spiritual service.

Question 4

Why is the altar cleansed for seven days with different sacrifices?

Accepted Answer

The altar is cleansed and purified over seven days with repeated sin offerings and burnt offerings. This long process shows how serious sin is and how full the cleansing must be. Seven often points to completeness, so a full week of sacrifices points to complete dedication and purification. The blood put on the horns, corners, and border is said to “cleanse and purge” the altar. This points to the fuller cleansing that comes through Christ’s blood, which truly takes away sin and sets both our worship and our hearts apart for God.

Question 5

What is the meaning of casting salt on the burnt offerings?

Accepted Answer

The priests are told to cast salt on the bullock and the ram when they offer them as burnt offerings. Elsewhere, God says sacrifices should be seasoned with salt. Salt keeps things from rotting and gives taste, so it pictures what is steady and lasting. In worship it points to grace that keeps our service from becoming empty or corrupt. It also hints at God’s lasting covenant with His people. In simple terms, the salt says that our offerings to God should be pure, sincere, and marked by His grace.

Question 6

Why is the bullock for the sin offering burned outside the sanctuary?

Accepted Answer

The bullock for the first sin offering is killed, its blood used to cleanse the altar, and then its body is burned in an appointed place outside the sanctuary. This shows that sin is removed from God’s holy presence. The animal carries, in picture form, the guilt of the people, and burning it outside the holy area shows that this guilt is taken away. This pattern later helps us understand how Christ suffered outside the city, bearing sin away, so that those who trust Him can come boldly into God’s presence.

Question 7

What changes after the seven days of purifying the altar are finished?

Accepted Answer

After the seven days of cleansing and purifying the altar, a new stage begins. God says that on the eighth day and onward, the priests will offer burnt offerings and peace offerings on this altar, and He promises, “I will accept you.” The seven days prepare and set apart the altar and the priests. The eighth day marks the start of regular worship. This shows that once sin is dealt with and things are consecrated to God, fellowship and peace with Him follow. In Christ this promise of acceptance is fully realized.

Question 8

How does this passage point to Christ and His sacrifice?

Accepted Answer

This vision of the altar points to Christ in several ways. The altar itself, where offerings are burned, pictures Christ as the place where God and sinners meet. The repeated sin offerings, the sprinkling of blood, and the need for perfect animals all hint that only a pure sacrifice can truly deal with sin. The long process of cleansing and the promise that God will then accept the people look ahead to Christ’s one, complete offering. Through Him, God not only cleanses sin but welcomes those who come by faith.

Ezekiel 43:13

¶ And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar.

The Altar of Sacrifice

The Altar of Sacrifice

Cross References

Ezekiel 43:13

¶ And these are the measures of the altar after the cubits: The cubit is a cubit and an hand breadth; even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border thereof by the edge thereof round about shall be a span: and this shall be the higher place of the altar.

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The Altar of Sacrifice

The Altar of Sacrifice

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