And thou shalt offer them before the LORD, and the priests shall cast salt upon them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering unto the LORD.

EZEKIEL 43:24KJV
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Ezekiel 43:24 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 43:24 mean?

Ezekiel 43:24 describes a ritual where the priests are to offer animals before the LORD, sprinkle salt on them, and then present them as a burnt offering to God. This verse gives instructions for how sacrifices should be made in the restored temple vision that Ezekiel is describing.

In this setting, God is speaking to Ezekiel, giving him detailed directions about worship practices for Israel after their return from exile. The verse highlights the role of the priests and the use of salt, which was a traditional part of offerings in ancient Israel, symbolizing purity, preservation, and the lasting nature of God's covenant.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 43:24

  • "Offer" (קָרַב, qarab): This word means to bring near or present, emphasizing the act of bringing the sacrifice close to God as an act of worship.
  • "Salt" (מֶלַח, melach): Salt was required in all offerings (see Leviticus 2:13), often understood as a symbol of covenant faithfulness and purity. Its mention here underlines the importance of following God's instructions exactly.
  • "Burnt offering" (עֹלָה, olah): This term refers to a specific type of offering that was completely burned on the altar, representing total dedication to God.

Why Ezekiel 43:24 matters

  • This verse clarifies that even in the vision of a future, restored temple, the ancient practices of sacrifice—including the use of salt—remain important, showing continuity with earlier laws given to Moses.
  • The detailed instructions stress the seriousness and sacredness of worship, highlighting the priestly role in ensuring offerings are made properly.
  • By including salt, the verse connects the ritual to the idea of God's enduring covenant, reminding readers that worship is not just about ritual but about relationship and faithfulness.

Where else these words appear

“salt” Hebrew H4417 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 14:3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
  • Joshua 3:16 That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
  • 2 Kings 2:21 And he went forth unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in there, and said, Thus saith the LORD, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from thence any more death or barren land.

“cast” Hebrew H7993 · used in 121 verses

  • Genesis 21:15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
  • 2 Kings 2:16 And they said unto him, Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men; let them go, we pray thee, and seek thy master: lest peradventure the Spirit of the LORD hath taken him up, and cast him upon some mountain, or into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send.
  • Isaiah 14:19 But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet.