Ezekiel 44:26
And after he is cleansed, they shall reckon unto him seven days.
Original Language Analysis
וְאַחֲרֵ֖י
And after
H310
וְאַחֲרֵ֖י
And after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
unto him seven
H7651
שִׁבְעַ֥ת
unto him seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
3 of 6
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
יָמִ֖ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֖ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 6
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
Historical Context
Corpse contamination purification required red heifer ashes mixed with water (Numbers 19), applied on third and seventh days. Without this ritual, the unclean person was 'cut off' from Israel (Numbers 19:13, 20). Ezekiel's vision maintains these requirements, showing that even in Messiah's kingdom, holiness is paramount. Christ Himself underwent John's baptism (though sinless) to 'fulfill all righteousness' (Matthew 3:15), respecting purification principles.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the seven-day purification period teach about holiness requiring completeness?
- How do ritual purification laws foreshadow Christ's cleansing from sin?
- What is the relationship between positional sanctification (instant) and progressive sanctification (process)?
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Analysis & Commentary
And after he is cleansed, they shall reckon unto him seven days—After defilement, וְאַחֲרֵי טָהֳרָתוֹ (wĕʾaḥărê ṭohŏrātô, 'and after his cleansing'), שִׁבְעַת יָמִים יִסְפְּרוּ־לוֹ (shivʿat yāmîm yispĕrû-lô, 'seven days they shall count for him'). The seven-day purification after corpse contact (Numbers 19:11-12) ensures complete cleansing before resuming priestly service.
This waiting period demonstrates that defilement, even permitted for family, requires thorough purification. Holiness is not negotiable; restoration is possible but requires process. The seven-day pattern (completeness) shows that partial cleansing insufficient—perfection required. Christ's purification of believers is instantaneous (positionally) but progressive (experientially)—justified immediately (Romans 5:1), sanctified continually (Philippians 2:12-13), glorified ultimately (Romans 8:30).