The sacrifices described in Ezekiel are quite different than those
administered under the Mosaic Covenant. Many of these differences are made
apparent when juxtaposing the consecration of the altar in Exodus 29 against
the consecration of the altar in Ezekiel 43:18–27. For example, in the Mosaic
system, no goats were offered, while in the Ezekiel system a goat is offered on
each of the seven days (Ezek 43:25). Another example is that the Mosaic called
for applying blood on the horns of the altar (Exod 29:12), while Ezekiel’s
instruction goes further with the blood also being applied to the corners and
on the border around it (Ezek 43:20).
Other differences between the two sacrificial systems are found throughout
Scripture. Most notably is that in the Mosaic System the Ark of the Covenant
played a critical role, while it will not be missed or even remembered in the
Millennium (Jer 3:16). The Ark was only ever a placeholder for the Messiah. In
the Mosaic, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies (e.g., Heb
9:7). In Ezekiel’s system, all priests are permitted to enter (Ezek 44:15–16).
In the Mosaic, only a Levite could be a priest, while Isaiah prophecies a time
when Gentiles will occupy the office (Isa 66:18–21). In the Mosaic, Passover
ordinances were performed by the male head of house (Exod 12:3), while Ezekiel
mandates that the Prince oversees the feast for the nation as a whole (Ezek
45:21–24). There are still many more differences to be observed in Ezekiel. It
was these very differences that kept the rabbis from accepting Ezekiel into the
Hebrew Canon for some time. These differences highlight the fact that the
prophet foresaw a new system and not a return to the old. (Matthew Bryce Ervin,
One Thousand Years with Jesus: The Coming Messianic Kingdom [Eugene,
Oreg.: Resource Publications, 2017], 112-13)
