Ezekiel 40:38
And the chambers and the entries thereof were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Levitical law prescribed detailed procedures for burnt offerings (Leviticus 1, 6:8-13). Priests washed internal organs and legs before burning (Leviticus 1:9, 13). Solomon's temple had the Bronze Sea and ten lavers for washing (1 Kings 7:23-39). Archaeological excavations of Israelite high places reveal stone basins and drainage channels for ritual washing. The burnt offering was the most frequent sacrifice—offered morning and evening daily (Exodus 29:38-42), on Sabbaths (Numbers 28:9-10), and at festivals. For the exiles, who couldn't offer sacrifices in Babylon, this vision promised restored worship. The chambers' placement at gate posts meant worshipers would see sacrificial preparation—visual reminder that access to God costs blood. This foreshadowed the ultimate cost: God's own Son (Isaiah 53:10, John 1:29).
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do you 'wash' your life before approaching God in worship—or do you come casually, unprepared?
- What does the burnt offering's total consumption teach about wholehearted devotion versus partial commitment?
- How does Christ's once-for-all sacrifice change your understanding of preparation for worship?
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Analysis & Commentary
The chambers for washing burnt offerings reveal the seriousness of approaching God through sacrifice. The Hebrew רָחַץ (rachats, 'washed') emphasizes ritual cleansing—blood and impurity must be removed before offerings could be presented. This wasn't merely hygienic but theological: sin's consequences require thorough cleansing. The burnt offering (עֹלָה, olah) signified complete consecration to God—the entire animal consumed, representing total surrender. The location 'by the posts of the gates' indicates preparation occurred before approaching the altar, teaching that worship requires careful, reverent preparation. Reformed theology sees these sacrifices as types of Christ's perfect offering (Hebrews 10:1-18). Where Levitical priests washed animal sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself once for all. The chambers teach that approach to God demands both Christ's cleansing blood and our sanctified lives (Romans 12:1-2).