Ezekiel 45:14

KJV

Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, [ye shall offer] the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, [which is] an homer of ten baths; for ten baths [are] an homer:

KJV (with Strong's)

Concerning the ordinance {H2706} of oil {H8081}, the bath {H1324} of oil {H8081}, ye shall offer the tenth part {H4643} of a bath {H1324} out of the cor {H3734}, which is an homer {H2563} of ten {H6235} baths {H1324}; for ten {H6235} baths {H1324} are an homer {H2563}:

Complete Jewish Bible

The law for olive oil is to be half a gallon from every fifty gallons, which is the same as ten bats or one homer, since ten bats equal a homer.

Berean Standard Bible

The prescribed portion of oil, measured by the bath, is a tenth of a bath from each cor (a cor consists of ten baths or one homer, since ten baths are equivalent to a homer).

American Standard Version

and the set portion of oil, of the bath of oil, the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is ten baths, even a homer (for ten baths are a homer);

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:14 details a precise regulation for the offering of oil within the visionary temple, specifying that a tenth part of a bath of oil is to be offered from a cor (or homer) of produce. This instruction is part of a broader set of divine ordinances concerning the future sanctuary, emphasizing meticulous adherence to God's standards for worship, the sustenance of priestly service, and the maintenance of holiness within the restored community. The verse underscores the importance of exactness and proper stewardship in the service of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the final major section of the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters 40-48, which describe a detailed, visionary temple and its associated ordinances, land distribution, and worship protocols. Following the prophet's visions of judgment and restoration, this section presents an idealized blueprint for a future Israelite community centered around a new sanctuary. Chapters 45 and 46 focus on the specific offerings, land allocations for the prince and priests, and the prescribed festivals and sacrifices. Ezekiel 45:14, therefore, is not an isolated command but one of many precise regulations designed to govern the worship life of the community, ensuring order, holiness, and the proper functioning of the divinely ordained system. It follows instructions for grain and new wine offerings, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to the sustenance of the temple service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem (586 BC) and the cessation of its sacrificial system left a spiritual void and raised questions about God's presence and future plans. Ezekiel's temple vision provided hope and a divine blueprint for restoration, emphasizing that God's presence would return to a purified people and a meticulously ordered sanctuary. The specific measurements and offerings, including oil, reflect familiar practices from the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 2:1-16](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - Grain Offerings") concerning grain and oil offerings), but with new or modified quantities and contexts, indicating a renewed covenantal relationship and a purified worship. Oil itself was a vital commodity in ancient Israel, used for food, light (lamps in the tabernacle/temple), anointing (priests, kings, prophets), and medicinal purposes, symbolizing blessing, provision, and the presence of the Spirit.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 45:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's vision. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Holiness**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for how His people approach Him. The precise measurements and regulations underscore that worship is not arbitrary but must conform to divine standards, thereby maintaining the sanctity of the sanctuary and the people. This echoes themes of holiness found throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Secondly, the verse speaks to **Stewardship and Provision**, as the people are required to contribute from their produce to sustain the temple and its services. This reinforces the principle that all provision comes from God, and a portion is to be returned to Him in worship and support of His work, a concept seen in early tithes like [Genesis 14:20](/genesis/14-20 "Genesis 14:20 - Abraham's Tithe"). Lastly, the emphasis on the **Restoration of Worship** is paramount. After the exile and the destruction of the temple, this vision provides a detailed pathway for renewed, purified worship, ensuring the proper atonement and communion with God in the future. This theme of restoration is central to the latter half of Ezekiel, as seen in the vision of the dry bones in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ordinance (Hebrew, _chôq'_):** From H2706, this term signifies an "enactment," "decree," "law," or "statute." It denotes something appointed, fixed, or prescribed by divine authority. In Ezekiel 45:14, its use emphasizes that the regulation concerning oil is not a suggestion but a binding, divinely mandated requirement for the operation of the visionary temple. It highlights the non-negotiable nature of God's instructions for worship and the meticulous order He demands.
* **bath (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From H1324, this is a specific Hebrew liquid measure, roughly equivalent to 5.8 gallons or 22 liters. Its repeated mention in the verse, alongside "cor" and "homer," underscores the precise quantitative requirements for the oil offering. The "bath of oil" refers to the standard unit of liquid measure for the oil itself, from which a portion is to be offered.
* **tenth part (Hebrew, _maʻăsêr'_):** From H4643, this word literally means "a tenth" or "tithe." Its inclusion here specifies the exact proportion of oil to be offered. This concept of a "tenth" is deeply rooted in biblical tradition as a principle of giving back to God, signifying recognition of His ownership and provision, and supporting the sacred service. Here, it applies specifically to a measured portion of oil from a larger yield of produce.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil,"**: This opening phrase establishes the subject of the regulation: a specific divine decree ("ordinance") pertaining to oil. The repetition of "oil" and the mention of "the bath of oil" immediately focus the reader on the liquid measure of this essential commodity, setting the stage for the precise quantities to follow.
* **"ye shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor,"**: This clause provides the core instruction. The people are commanded to contribute ("ye shall offer") a specific proportion – "the tenth part of a bath" – of oil. This offering is to be derived "out of the cor," indicating that for every "cor" (a dry measure) of produce, a corresponding amount of oil is required. This links the oil offering directly to the agricultural yield, emphasizing the principle of giving from one's abundance.
* **"which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer:"**: This final clause serves as a crucial clarification of the units of measurement. It explicitly states the equivalence between a "cor" (a dry measure) and a "homer" (also a dry measure, often used interchangeably with cor), and then further defines this dry measure in terms of liquid measures: a homer is equivalent to ten baths. This precise conversion ensures there is no ambiguity regarding the required quantity of oil, reinforcing the divine demand for exactness in all matters of worship and contribution.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:14 primarily employs **Legalistic Language** and **Prescriptive Style**, characteristic of the entire visionary temple section. The verse is a direct command, laying out specific requirements with no room for interpretation regarding the quantity. The use of precise numerical values and units of measurement (bath, cor, homer, tenth part) demonstrates **Exactitude** and **Specificity**, highlighting God's demand for meticulous adherence to His instructions. There is also an element of **Repetition** ("bath of oil," "ten baths are an homer") which serves to clarify and emphasize the precise relationship between the different units of measure, ensuring the reader fully grasps the required proportion. This detailed, almost architectural, precision in language underscores the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of these ordinances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:14, with its precise regulation for oil offerings, connects deeply to the broader biblical themes of divine sovereignty, human stewardship, and the nature of worship. The meticulous instructions underscore God's ultimate ownership of all resources and His right to prescribe how a portion is to be returned to Him for the maintenance of His sanctuary and service. This echoes the principles of tithing and firstfruits found throughout the Old Testament, where giving was an act of worship, dependence, and obedience, acknowledging God as the source of all blessing. The oil itself, often symbolic of anointing, light, and sustenance, points to the essential elements required for the proper functioning of sacred space and ritual, highlighting the need for divine provision and spiritual enablement in worship.

* [Leviticus 2:1-16](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - Grain Offerings and Oil") - Details the use of oil in various grain offerings, establishing its significance in Israelite worship.
* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Tithes for the Levites") - Establishes the principle of a tenth (tithe) for the support of the Levitical priesthood and temple service.
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth") - Encourages honoring God with one's wealth and the firstfruits of all produce, promising blessing in return.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific regulations of Ezekiel's visionary temple are not literally enacted by believers today, the underlying principles of Ezekiel 45:14 remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual lives. The command for precise and proportionate giving reminds us that our worship and service to God should be marked by intentionality, excellence, and generosity, not by casual or haphazard efforts. It challenges us to consider what "tenth part" of our resources, time, talents, and affections we are dedicating to the Lord and His kingdom work. Just as the oil was essential for the temple's functions, our contributions, offered with a willing heart, are vital for the flourishing of the church and the spread of the Gospel. This verse calls us to a disciplined stewardship, recognizing that everything we possess is a gift from God, and our giving is a tangible expression of our gratitude and trust in His continued provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I called to offer a "tenth part" to God, beyond just financial giving?**
* **How does the emphasis on "ordinance" and "precision" in this verse challenge my approach to worship and spiritual disciplines?**
* **What does my generosity (or lack thereof) reveal about my trust in God's provision and my commitment to His work?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of oil in biblical worship, and why is it specifically mentioned here?**

Answer: Oil held multifaceted significance in biblical worship and daily life. It was a staple food, fuel for lamps (e.g., the menorah in the tabernacle, as described in [Exodus 27:20-21](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20-21 - Oil for the Lamp")), and an agent for anointing priests, kings, and prophets, symbolizing consecration and the impartation of the Holy Spirit (e.g., [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David Anointed King")). In Ezekiel 45:14, the oil is specified as an offering, likely for the lamps in the visionary temple and possibly for anointing or other sacrificial rituals. Its inclusion underscores its essential role in maintaining the sacred space and its services, symbolizing light, sustenance, and divine presence, all of which are critical for proper worship.

**Are the measurements (bath, cor, homer) literal, and how do they relate to each other?**

Answer: Yes, the measurements are literal ancient Hebrew units of volume. A "bath" (H1324) was a liquid measure, approximately 5.8 gallons or 22 liters. A "cor" (H3734) and a "homer" (H2563) were equivalent dry measures, each roughly 6.5 bushels or 220 liters. Ezekiel 45:14 explicitly clarifies their relationship for this specific offering: "which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer." This means that one homer (or cor) of dry produce was equivalent in volume to ten baths of liquid. The instruction to offer "the tenth part of a bath out of the cor" therefore means that for every cor of produce, one-tenth of a bath of oil was to be contributed. This precise ratio ensured a consistent and substantial supply of oil for the temple's needs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:14, with its meticulous regulation for oil offerings in a visionary temple, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, including specific offerings like oil, foreshadowed the perfect and complete provision for sin and the means of communion with God. Jesus, as the ultimate [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the one perfect sacrifice, rendering all subsequent animal or material offerings obsolete (as affirmed in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's One Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the oil, often symbolizing the Holy Spirit, points to Christ as the one who baptizes with the Spirit ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John the Baptist on Jesus")). Through His finished work, believers are now indwelt by the Spirit, becoming living temples where God resides ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). The precise "ordinance" of oil in Ezekiel highlights the divine standard for approaching God, a standard perfectly met by Christ's obedience and righteousness. We no longer offer physical oil, but we are called to offer our lives as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")) empowered by the Spirit, shining as lights in the world ([Matthew 5:14-16](/matthew/5-14 "Matthew 5:14-16 - You Are the Light of the World")) because the true Light, Jesus Christ, has come into the world ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

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.