Ezekiel 45:13

KJV

¶ This [is] the oblation that ye shall offer; the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of wheat, and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of barley:

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the oblation {H8641} that ye shall offer {H7311}; the sixth part {H8345} of an ephah {H374} of an homer {H2563} of wheat {H2406}, and ye shall give the sixth part {H8341} of an ephah {H374} of an homer {H2563} of barley {H8184}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"'This is the offering you are to make: one-sixth of a bushel from every ten bushels of wheat, and you are to give one-sixth of a bushel from every ten bushels of barley.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the contribution you are to offer: a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat, and a sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley.

American Standard Version

This is the oblation that ye shall offer: the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of wheat; and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of barley;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:13 introduces a precise regulation for the sacred offerings to be presented by the people in the visionary temple and land. This specific instruction details the exact quantities of wheat and barley required as a "heave offering" or "oblation," emphasizing the meticulous divine order, economic justice, and faithful stewardship expected in the restored community's worship and daily life. It underscores God's demand for integrity and proportionality in the contributions made to the sanctuary, reflecting a broader principle of righteousness in all transactions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the highly detailed "Temple Vision" found in [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Temple Vision"). Following the intricate architectural blueprints for the new temple (chapters 40-43) and the regulations for its priesthood and worship (chapter 44), Ezekiel transitions in chapter 45 to the sacred portions of land, the role of the prince, and the required offerings from the people. Specifically, [Ezekiel 45:1-8](/ezekiel/45-1 "Ezekiel 45:1-8 - Division of the Holy Land") outlines the allocation of holy land for the sanctuary, priests, Levites, and the city, ensuring a dedicated space for divine presence and service. Verses [Ezekiel 45:9-12](/ezekiel/45-9 "Ezekiel 45:9-12 - Just Weights and Measures") precede our verse, laying down foundational principles of justice and righteous standards for weights and measures, setting the stage for the specific offering amounts. The regulations for the prince's offerings continue immediately after in [Ezekiel 45:14-17](/ezekiel/45-14 "Ezekiel 45:14-17 - Further Offerings of the Prince"), demonstrating a comprehensive system of worship and governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma and spiritual reflection for Israel. The vision of a restored temple and land served as a powerful message of hope, promising a future where God's presence would return to a purified people. The meticulous details, including specific measurements for offerings, reflect the highly structured nature of ancient Near Eastern cultic practices and the importance of precise adherence to divine law. Grain offerings (minchah) were a common form of worship in ancient Israel, symbolizing dedication of the fruits of the land and acknowledging God as the ultimate provider. The emphasis on standardized weights and measures was crucial in a society where economic transactions were often prone to fraud, as highlighted in laws like those found in [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Honest Weights and Measures") and [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - A False Balance is an Abomination to the LORD"). This vision, therefore, not only prescribed future worship but also critiqued past failures in justice and integrity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. The theme of **Divine Order and Holiness** is paramount, as the precise measurements underscore God's demand for exactness and purity in worship, contrasting with the chaotic and idolatrous practices that led to the exile. It reinforces the idea that true worship is not arbitrary but follows divine prescription. Connected to this is **Economic Justice and Integrity**, as the stipulated measures ensure fairness in contributions and reflect a righteous society where exploitation is absent. This aligns with the call for justice throughout the prophetic books, such as [Amos 5:24](/amos/5-24 "Amos 5:24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters"). Furthermore, the offering of staple crops like wheat and barley highlights **Stewardship and Acknowledgment of Divine Provision**, reminding the people that their sustenance comes from God, and a portion is to be returned to Him in gratitude and worship. This echoes the principles of firstfruits offerings found in passages like [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26-1 "Deuteronomy 26:1-11 - Offering of Firstfruits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Oblation (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** This term, derived from the root `rûwm` (to raise, lift up), signifies a "heave offering" or "present." It refers to something lifted up or separated from the common for sacred use, specifically as a gift or tribute to God. In the context of the temple, it denotes a sacred contribution from the people, set apart for the maintenance of the sanctuary and its personnel. It emphasizes the act of lifting up or presenting something to God as an act of worship and dedication.
* **Ephah (Hebrew, _ʼêyphâh'_):** An ancient Hebrew dry measure, approximately equivalent to 22 liters or about 0.6 bushels. It was a standard unit for measuring grain and flour. Its inclusion here highlights the practicality and specificity of God's instructions, ensuring that the offerings were quantifiable and consistent.
* **Homer (Hebrew, _chômer'_):** A larger dry measure, equal to ten ephahs (approximately 220 liters or 6 bushels). The phrase "of an homer" indicates that the ephah measurement is a fraction of this larger unit. The use of both ephah and homer in conjunction provides a precise fractional measurement for the required offering, emphasizing the meticulous detail of God's command for the communal contributions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is the oblation that ye shall offer;":** This opening clause introduces the specific divine requirement for a sacred contribution. The "oblation" (tᵉrûwmâh) is not a voluntary gift but a commanded offering, signifying its importance within the divinely ordained system of worship. It establishes the nature of the following instructions as non-negotiable divine law.
* **"the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of wheat,":** This specifies the first component of the offering: wheat. The quantity is meticulously defined as "the sixth part of an ephah of an homer." Since one homer equals ten ephahs, this means 1/6 of an ephah, which is 1/60th of a homer (1/6 * 1/10 = 1/60). This precise fraction underscores the exactitude and proportionality expected in the offering, ensuring fairness and preventing arbitrary contributions.
* **"and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of barley:":** This clause adds the second component of the offering: barley. The quantity is identical to that of the wheat, reinforcing the principle of equal and precise contribution for both staple grains. Barley was a common, often less expensive, grain than wheat, indicating that the offering was accessible to all and represented the basic provisions of life. The inclusion of both main grains signifies a comprehensive and representative offering from the land's produce.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:13 primarily employs **Precision** and **Legalistic Detail** as its key literary devices. The meticulous enumeration of specific measurements ("the sixth part of an ephah of an homer") for both wheat and barley is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, reflecting a divine insistence on exactness in worship and economic integrity. This **Quantitative Specificity** serves to underscore the absolute nature of God's commands and the high standards of righteousness expected in the restored community. The verse also functions as a **Metonymy**, where the specific grain offering stands for the broader principle of righteous living and adherence to divine law in all aspects of life, including economic transactions and communal responsibilities. The **Repetition** of the phrase "the sixth part of an ephah of an homer" for both wheat and barley emphasizes the consistency and fairness of the divine requirement, reinforcing the theme of justice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:13, with its precise regulations for grain offerings, highlights God's unwavering demand for order, justice, and integrity within His covenant community. The meticulous measurements are not arbitrary but reflect a divine blueprint for a society where economic fairness and faithful stewardship are intrinsically linked to worship. This emphasis on proportional giving from staple crops underscores the theological truth that all provision comes from God, and a portion is to be returned to Him as an act of acknowledgment and gratitude. It teaches that true worship extends beyond ritual to encompass ethical conduct in daily life, ensuring that even economic transactions are governed by divine standards. This vision anticipates a future where the people's relationship with God is characterized by complete obedience and righteousness, reflecting His holy character.

* [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "The Tithe of the Land")
* [Nehemiah 10:37](/nehemiah/10-37 "Bringing Firstfruits and Tithes")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Bring the Whole Tithe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific grain offerings of Ezekiel 45:13 are part of a visionary temple system no longer literally practiced, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for contemporary believers. This verse calls us to a life characterized by intentionality and integrity in our giving and stewardship. It challenges us to consider that our contributions to God's work, whether financial resources, time, or talents, should be offered with a spirit of precision and faithfulness, recognizing that God is worthy of our best and that our giving reflects our trust in His provision. Furthermore, the emphasis on just weights and measures extends to all our economic dealings, urging us to conduct business, manage finances, and interact with others with unwavering honesty and fairness. Our worship is not confined to sacred spaces but permeates every aspect of our lives, transforming our daily decisions into acts of devotion that reflect God's order and righteousness in a world often marked by imprecision and injustice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to demonstrate greater precision and integrity, reflecting God's order?**
* **How does my giving (of time, talent, or treasure) reflect an acknowledgment of God as the ultimate provider and a commitment to His standards of justice?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my economic dealings and personal stewardship are characterized by the fairness and honesty exemplified in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific measurements ("sixth part of an ephah of an homer") in Ezekiel 45:13?**

Answer: The precise measurements are highly significant, underscoring God's demand for meticulousness, order, and justice in the offerings and, by extension, in all aspects of the restored community's life. An "ephah" was a standard dry measure (about 22 liters), and a "homer" was ten ephahs (about 220 liters). Therefore, "the sixth part of an ephah of an homer" equates to 1/60th of a homer (1/6 of an ephah). This exact fraction highlights several points:
1. **Divine Authority:** God is not vague; His commands are specific and require exact obedience.
2. **Fairness and Justice:** Precise measures prevent fraud and exploitation, ensuring that everyone contributes proportionally and that the system is equitable, aligning with principles found in [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - A False Balance is an Abomination to the LORD") and [Deuteronomy 25:13-16](/deuteronomy/25-13 "Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - Honest Weights and Measures").
3. **Stewardship:** It emphasizes that the offering is a calculated portion of one's produce, acknowledging God's ownership and provision.
4. **Symbolic of Restoration:** The meticulous detail in the vision of the new temple and its regulations signifies a perfect, purified worship and a righteous society, in stark contrast to the past failures of Israel that led to their exile.

**How does this Old Testament regulation apply to New Testament believers?**

Answer: While New Testament believers are not bound by the ceremonial law of grain offerings, the principles embedded in Ezekiel 45:13 remain profoundly relevant. The verse teaches us about:
1. **Integrity in Giving:** God still values intentional, proportional, and sincere giving. [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver") encourages cheerful and generous giving, not grudgingly or under compulsion.
2. **Stewardship:** We are called to be faithful stewards of all resources God has entrusted to us, recognizing that everything belongs to Him ([Psalm 24:1](/psalm/24-1 "Psalm 24:1 - The Earth is the LORD's")).
3. **Justice and Honesty:** The emphasis on just weights and measures extends to all our economic and relational dealings. Believers are to be known for their honesty and integrity in the marketplace and in personal finances ([Romans 13:7-8](/romans/13-7 "Romans 13:7-8 - Pay What You Owe")).
4. **Worship as a Lifestyle:** The offerings were integral to daily life. Similarly, our worship is not confined to church services but permeates all aspects of our lives, reflecting God's order and righteousness in our daily decisions and actions ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:13, with its precise demands for grain offerings, points forward to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the principles of divine order, justice, and perfect offering. While the Old Testament offerings were shadows of a greater reality, Christ is the substance. He is the perfect **oblation**, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), whose sacrifice was not a partial measure but a complete, once-for-all offering that perfectly satisfied divine justice ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through the Offering of Jesus Christ")). The meticulousness of the Old Testament law, including these precise measurements, underscores the absolute holiness of God and the impossibility of human beings perfectly meeting His standards through their own efforts. This highlights our desperate need for a perfect mediator. Jesus, in His life, perfectly fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law, demonstrating absolute righteousness and integrity ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Through His atoning work, believers are now able to offer themselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), not through grain, but through lives transformed by His grace, characterized by spiritual integrity and justice, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The vision of a perfectly ordered temple and righteous offerings in Ezekiel ultimately finds its reality in Christ, who is the true temple ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple and I Will Raise It Up")), and in the church, His body, which is built on Him as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.