What is the difference between "Vayechatei es ha'Mizbe'ach" and "Vayekad'heihu"?
Rashi: "Vayechatei" means that he purified it from Zarus, 1 whereas "Vayekad'sheihu" means that he sanctified it - to be fit to atone.
Ramban, Moshav Zekenim (citing the Sifra) and Targum Yonasan,: "Vayechatei" means that he atones for theft 2 and forced extraction of money on behalf of the Mishkan (or money not given with a full heart but because he was too embarrassed to refuse ? Targum Yonasan), whereas "Vayekad'sheihu" means that he sanctified it to atone for them.
Oznayim la'Torah: "Vayechatei" means that he cleanses it from Zarus (a non-Kohen or a Pasul Kohen who may have served on it), 3 whereas "Vayekad'sheihu" means that he atones for money that someone may have donated towards it, not with a full heart but because he was too embarrassed to refuse. 4
Divrei David: From being Chulin. Ramban and Moshav Zekenim: The Zerikas ha'Dam alone inaugurates it, without Haktaras Eimurim.
Ramban and Moshav Zekenim And 'Hashem hates theft in Korbanos' - Yeshayah 61:8.
Which renders Pasul and which is therefore sprinkled on the K'ranos - which is crucial to the Avodah (Oznayim la'Torah).
Which is preferable but not crucial and which is therefore poured on to the Y'sod ? which is not Me'akev the Avodah (even by the Milu'im ? See Oznayim la'Torah).
