Ezekiel 43:26
Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves.
Original Language Analysis
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
Seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֣ת
Seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
1 of 9
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
יָמִ֗ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֗ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
2 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְטִֽהֲר֖וּ
and purify
H2891
וְטִֽהֲר֖וּ
and purify
Strong's:
H2891
Word #:
6 of 9
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
אֹת֑וֹ
H853
אֹת֑וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Altar/priestly consecration was essential before worship could begin—seen in tabernacle (Exodus 29), Solomonic temple (1 Kings 8), and post-exilic restoration (Ezra 3:2-3). Ezekiel's vision (573 BC), given to exiles whose temple was destroyed, promised worship would resume. This was partially fulfilled in 516 BC (second temple) and awaits ultimate fulfillment in Messiah's kingdom, whether millennial temple or new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'filling hands' (consecration) teach about priesthood requirements?
- How does altar purification enabling worship parallel Christ's atonement enabling prayer?
- What is the relationship between Old Testament consecration and New Testament 'sanctification'?
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Analysis & Commentary
Seven days shall they purge the altar and purify it; and they shall consecrate themselves—After seven days, the altar is fully purged (יְכַפְּרוּ, yĕkhappĕrû, 'they shall atone for/purge') and purified (וְטִהֲרוּ, wĕṭihărû, 'and they shall purify/cleanse'). And they shall consecrate themselves—וּמִלְאוּ יָדָיו (ûmilʾû yādāyw, 'and fill his hands')—idiom for priestly consecration (Exodus 28:41, 29:9).
The verse concludes altar consecration, transitioning to regular worship (v. 27). The completion of purification enables ongoing sacrifices. Similarly, Christ's finished work ('It is finished'—John 19:30) consecrated believers as royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), enabling continual worship. Ezekiel's vision demonstrates that worship requires thorough preparation, pointing to Christ's comprehensive atonement that makes perpetual access to God possible.