יחזקאל, פרק מ״ג, פסוק י״ח

Following the detailed measurements of the future altar, God presents Ezekiel with the precise procedure for its dedication. This process is essential to prepare the newly built structure, ensuring it is fully ready for the sacred service of sacrifices. A specific set of rules and obligations takes effect on the exact day the construction of the altar is completed [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The primary approach among commentators is that these laws center around a special dedication sacrifice, closely mirroring the inauguration of the Tabernacle on its eighth day [רד״ק, אברבנאל].

However, this procedure represents a unique instruction for the future. While Jewish law generally dictates that a new altar is inaugurated simply through the daily morning offering, this future event will serve as a comprehensive dedication for all the Temple vessels. It will also differ from the dedication of the Second Temple during the time of Ezra, which was only a temporary measure. This distinction exists because God promised Ezekiel, who was himself a priest, that he would rise in the resurrection of the dead to personally perform this dedication service in the Third Temple [מלבי״ם].

The dedication activities are specifically designed to ready the altar for its main functions, namely offering burnt sacrifices and sprinkling the blood of holy offerings [רד״ק, צאינה וראינה]. The burnt offering is singled out because it is the primary and constant sacrifice, giving the structure its formal name as the altar of the burnt offering [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Furthermore, the initial act of sprinkling blood during this inauguration thoroughly prepares the altar to accept the blood of all future sacrifices, whether they hold the highest level of holiness or a lesser degree [מלבי״ם].