Ezekiel 43:20 — English CSB 2017 - Christian Standard Bible
“You are to take some of its blood and apply it to the four horns of the altar, the four corners of the ledge, and all around the rim. In this way you will purify the altar and make atonement for it.
What Does This Mean?
This verse is part of instructions given to Ezekiel about how to purify an altar. It tells that blood should be placed on specific parts of the altar to cleanse and purify it.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a special table where you put things to make them clean. This verse is like saying, 'Use a special juice to clean the corners and edges of the table to make sure everything on it is clean and fresh.'
Historical Background
The Book of Ezekiel was written by the prophet Ezekiel around 600 BCE. It was aimed at the Israelites who were in exile in Babylon. The cultural context was one of religious rituals and purification practices central to their faith.
Living It Out Today
In modern life, this can be seen as a metaphor for cleansing our lives from sin. Just as the blood purifies the altar, we can seek forgiveness and purification through our faith practices.