Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 43:24. It’s a really significant passage about God’s relationship with Israel and a key step in their covenant (a promise and agreement). Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is sending a message of forgiveness and reconciliation to the Israelites. He wants to show them that he’s willing to forgive them for their sins, but he needs to make it clear that they must acknowledge this forgiveness through a specific act of obedience. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And thou shalt offer them before the LORD…” – This means God is calling them to come and worship Him. It’s about recognizing and acknowledging Him as the ultimate authority. “…and the priests shall cast salt upon them…” – This is a very important part. Salt is a symbol of purification and separation. The priests are being instructed to sprinkle salt on the Israelites. This action symbolizes removing any lingering impurity or wrongdoing from their hearts. It’s like washing away something bad. “And they shall offer them up [for] a burnt offering unto the LORD.” – This is the core of the message. The priests are to present the Israelites as offerings before God. This isn't just any offering; it's a burnt offering . A burnt offering is a sacrifice that’s made with great intensity and purpose, meant to demonstrate sincere repentance and devotion to God. It’s a way of showing God how much they are sorry for their sins. In short, this verse says: God is calling the Israelites to come before Him, cleanse themselves (through salt), and offer a sincere sacrifice – a burnt offering – to show that they have repented and are ready to enter into a new relationship with him. Why is this important? This was a crucial moment in the Old Testament when God started to rebuild the broken covenant with Israel. It signified a shift from an angry, punitive relationship to one of forgiveness and reconciliation. It’s a powerful image of God's mercy and his desire for a restored relationship with his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance in the context of the Old Testament? Give an example of what a "burnt offering" might look like?