Book of Ezekiel - Chapter 43 - Verse 20

This verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible describes a ritual for purifying and cleansing a sacred altar. In ancient times, blood was often used in religious rituals as a symbol of atonement and purification. The blood was considered to have cleansing properties, and by putting it on the four horns of the altar, as well as on the corners and border, the altar was believed to be spiritually cleansed and made pure. This act was meant to set apart the altar as holy and separate from anything unclean or impure. The ritual was a way for the people to connect with the divine and make amends for any wrongdoing. It served as a physical and symbolic gesture of repentance and reconciliation with God. By following these instructions, the people were demonstrating their dedication to God and their desire to maintain a pure and sacred space for worship and sacrifice.

One theological interpretation of this verse is that the act of putting blood on the four horns, corners, and border of the altar symbolizes the atonement and purging of sin. The blood represents the life of the sacrificial animal, which is considered valuable and precious. By placing the blood on specific parts of the altar, it signifies the entirety of the altar being cleansed and purified. The action of cleansing the altar with blood is a ritualistic act that emphasizes the need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement to maintain a right relationship with the divine. Each part of the altar being covered with blood symbolizes the completeness of the purification process, leaving no room for impurity or sin to remain. This act of cleansing through blood sheds light on the sacrificial system in the Old Testament, pointing towards the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, where His blood cleanses believers from all sin.