Ezekiel 45:15

KJV

And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And one {H259} lamb {H7716} out of the flock {H6629}, out of two hundred {H3967}, out of the fat pastures {H4945} of Israel {H3478}; for a meat offering {H4503}, and for a burnt offering {H5930}, and for peace offerings {H8002}, to make reconciliation {H3722} for them, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the flock, take one sheep from every two hundred being pastured in Isra'el; [all these are to be used] for grain offerings, burnt offerings and peace offerings, to make atonement for them,' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

And one sheep shall be given from each flock of two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel. These are for the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, to make atonement for the people, declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

and one lamb of the flock, out of two hundred, from the well-watered pastures of Israel;—for a meal-offering, and for a burnt-offering, and for peace-offerings, to make atonement for them, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:15 outlines a specific contribution of a lamb from the abundant pastures of Israel for various communal offerings—meat (grain), burnt, and peace offerings—all intended to make reconciliation for the people. This divine instruction, given by the Lord GOD, is part of Ezekiel's detailed vision for a restored temple and its ordinances in a future, ideal Israel, emphasizing the re-establishment of proper worship and the ongoing provision for atonement within the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:15 is situated within the latter portion of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail an elaborate vision of a new temple, its precise dimensions, the sacred portion of the land, and the ordinances for worship in a restored Israel. This vision follows the devastating destruction of the first temple and the Babylonian exile, offering a divine blueprint for future worship and governance. Chapter 45, in particular, focuses on the sacred portion of the land, the duties of the prince, and the required contributions for communal offerings, ensuring the maintenance of the sacrificial system. The verse immediately precedes further instructions regarding the prince's role in providing offerings for the festivals, reinforcing the communal and institutional nature of the prescribed worship. The meticulous detail across [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple and Land") underscores God's desire for order, holiness, and a renewed covenant relationship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision of Ezekiel's temple was given to the prophet during the Babylonian exile (circa 593-571 BC), a time of profound national trauma and spiritual reflection for the Israelites. The destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, the center of their religious and national identity, raised questions about God's faithfulness and Israel's future. In this context, the detailed instructions for a new temple and its sacrificial system served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's enduring commitment to His covenant people. Culturally, the sacrificial system was central to Israelite worship, providing the divinely ordained means for approaching a holy God, confessing sin, expressing thanksgiving, and maintaining fellowship. The emphasis on specific quantities and quality ("one lamb out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures") reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of offering the "firstfruits" and the "best" as a sign of reverence and obedience, ensuring the purity and sufficiency of the offerings.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Holiness**, as God meticulously prescribes the means by which His people can approach Him in a holy manner, emphasizing precision and integrity in worship. Secondly, the mention of "fat pastures of Israel" underscores the theme of **God's Provision and Blessing**, indicating that the restored land will be fruitful and capable of sustaining the required offerings, a stark contrast to the desolation experienced during the exile (cf. [Ezekiel 36:30](/ezekiel/36-30 "Ezekiel 36:30 - God's Blessing of Fruitfulness")). Thirdly, and most crucially, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**. The various offerings—meat, burnt, and peace—culminating "to make reconciliation for them," demonstrate the perpetual need for expiation of sin and the restoration of a right relationship with God, a central tenet of the covenant (cf. [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). This vision anticipates a future where God's presence is fully re-established among a purified people, as seen in [Ezekiel 43:7](/ezekiel/43-7 "Ezekiel 43:7 - God's Dwelling Among Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lamb (Hebrew, _seh'_):** This term refers to a member of a flock, specifically a sheep or goat, often a young one. In the context of Israelite worship, the lamb was a quintessential sacrificial animal, prized for its purity and innocence. Its selection for offerings, as seen throughout the Pentateuch, underscores its symbolic significance as a suitable substitute for atonement, pointing to the unblemished nature required for approaching a holy God.
* **reconciliation (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to cover," this word signifies expiation, condonation, placating, or canceling. It is the foundational concept behind atonement, implying the covering or purging of sin to restore a broken relationship. This is the same root from which "Yom Kippur" (Day of Atonement) is derived, highlighting the profound theological weight of making things right between God and humanity.
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This compound title emphasizes the absolute sovereignty and covenant faithfulness of God. `ʼĂdônây` is an emphatic form of "Lord," signifying master or sovereign, often used as a proper name for God. `Yᵉhôvih` is a variation of YHWH (the personal, covenantal name of God), specifically used after `ʼĂdônây` to avoid the repetition of the same sound, ensuring reverence. Together, they underscore that these instructions are not mere human suggestions but divine mandates from the supreme, covenant-keeping God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel;":** This clause specifies the precise quantity and quality of the contribution. "One lamb out of two hundred" indicates a generous, yet manageable, proportion, emphasizing communal responsibility and abundance from a blessed land. The phrase "fat pastures of Israel" highlights the prosperity and divine provision that would enable such offerings, signifying a land restored to its former fruitfulness and a people capable of offering their best to God. This detail underscores the ideal nature of the vision, where resources are plentiful for worship.
* **"for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, ":** This segment enumerates the types of offerings for which the lamb is designated. The "meat offering" (Hebrew: _minchâh_) was typically a bloodless grain offering, signifying dedication, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's provision. The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: _ʻôlâh_) was a whole burnt offering, symbolizing complete devotion, surrender, and general atonement for sin. The "peace offerings" (Hebrew: _shelem_) were offerings of fellowship, communion, and thanksgiving, often shared between God, the priests, and the worshiper. The combination of these offerings indicates a comprehensive approach to worship, addressing various aspects of the relationship with God—atonement, dedication, and fellowship.
* **"to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord GOD.":** This concluding phrase states the ultimate purpose of all these offerings: reconciliation. The verb "to make reconciliation" (Hebrew: _kâphar_) signifies the act of covering or expiating sin, thereby restoring a right relationship between God and His people. This highlights humanity's inherent sinfulness and the divine provision for bridging the gap. The emphatic declaration "saith the Lord GOD" underscores the divine origin and authority of these commands, affirming that this sacrificial system is God's ordained means for His people to find forgiveness and maintain fellowship with Him.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:15 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "lamb" serving as a powerful symbol of purity, innocence, and substitutionary sacrifice, a motif deeply ingrained in Israelite worship. The various "offerings" (meat, burnt, peace) collectively symbolize the multifaceted nature of human interaction with the divine: complete surrender, grateful acknowledgment, and joyful fellowship, all pointing towards the ultimate goal of atonement. The meticulous numerical proportion ("one out of two hundred") and the descriptive phrase "fat pastures of Israel" utilize **Specific Detail** to create a vivid picture of an ideal, abundant, and ordered worship environment, emphasizing divine precision and the blessings of a restored land. Finally, the concluding phrase, "saith the Lord GOD," acts as a **Divine Pronouncement** or **Divine Fiat**, lending absolute authority and certainty to the instructions, reinforcing that these are not human suggestions but direct commands from the sovereign Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:15 stands as a profound theological statement, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to providing a means for His people to be reconciled to Him, even in an ideal future. It underscores the perpetual reality of human sin and the divine necessity of atonement. The detailed prescription of a lamb for various offerings highlights that true worship involves both expiation of sin and the cultivation of a holistic relationship with God—one marked by complete surrender, grateful dedication, and joyful communion. This vision, given in a time of national desolation, served as a powerful reminder that God's plan for His people always included a path to holiness and restored fellowship, even when human efforts failed. It foreshadows a greater, more perfect reconciliation to come, rooted in God's own provision.

* [Leviticus 1:4](/leviticus/1-4 "Atonement through Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Atonement")
* [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "Christ Our Propitiation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal sacrificial system detailed in Ezekiel is no longer practiced by Christians, as it found its perfect and final fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the underlying principles of Ezekiel 45:15 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse serves as a stark reminder of humanity's inherent need for reconciliation with a holy God, a need that is met not by our own merit but by God's gracious provision. It challenges us to consider the quality of our "offerings" to God—not just material possessions, but our time, talents, and affections. The expectation of a generous contribution from the "fat pastures" encourages us to offer our best, recognizing that all we have comes from Him. Furthermore, the combination of offerings (burnt, grain, peace) teaches us that our relationship with God is multi-faceted, requiring complete surrender, grateful acknowledgment of His daily provision, and joyful fellowship. Our worship should be holistic, encompassing every aspect of our lives as a "living sacrifice" unto Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezekiel 45:15 deepen your appreciation for the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer today, offer yourself as a "living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1) that embodies complete surrender, grateful acknowledgment, and joyful fellowship with God?**
* **Considering the generous proportion of the lamb (1 out of 200), how does this verse challenge your perspective on stewardship and giving your best to God in all areas of your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "one lamb out of two hundred"?**

Answer: This specific proportion signifies a generous yet manageable contribution from the community, emphasizing communal responsibility for the maintenance of temple worship and the sacrificial system. It suggests a standard of abundance and quality ("fat pastures") that the restored Israel would be able to provide, reflecting God's blessing on the land and His desire for a high standard of worship. It's not just about quantity, but about offering a significant, high-quality portion from the community's prosperity.

**Does this verse imply that animal sacrifices will resume in a future temple?**

Answer: From a Christian theological perspective, no. While Ezekiel's vision is highly detailed and literal in its description, its ultimate fulfillment is understood to be spiritual and typological, pointing to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently teaches that Christ's death on the cross was the "once for all" sacrifice that perfectly accomplished atonement, rendering further animal sacrifices unnecessary ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Christ's Single Sacrifice")). Therefore, while the vision emphasizes the importance of atonement and worship, its literal fulfillment in the Christian era is found in Christ and the spiritual worship of the church.

**What is the difference between a "meat offering," "burnt offering," and "peace offerings"?**

Answer: These were distinct types of sacrifices in ancient Israel:
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew: _minchâh_):** More accurately translated as "grain offering" or "meal offering," this was typically a bloodless offering of flour, oil, and frankincense. It symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, and acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew: _ʻôlâh_):** This was a whole burnt offering, where the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar. It symbolized complete devotion, surrender to God, and general atonement for sin, signifying the worshiper's total commitment.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew: _shelem_):** These offerings were characterized by fellowship and communion. A portion was burned on the altar for God, a portion given to the priests, and the remainder was eaten by the worshiper and their family in a communal meal. They were offered for thanksgiving, vows, or as a freewill offering, symbolizing restored fellowship and peace with God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:15, with its emphasis on a pure lamb offered for reconciliation, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "one lamb" from the "fat pastures of Israel" powerfully foreshadows the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, who came from the blessed lineage of Israel to be the perfect, unblemished sacrifice. Just as the Old Testament offerings aimed "to make reconciliation," Christ's death on the cross accomplished the complete and final atonement for humanity's sin, providing a reconciliation that the blood of animals could never fully achieve ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "The Inability of Animal Blood to Take Away Sins")). He is our ultimate "burnt offering," representing total surrender and devotion to God's will ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Christ's Obedience to God's Will")); our perfect "grain offering," as His life was a pure and dedicated offering; and our eternal "peace offering," establishing true peace between God and humanity through His blood ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")). The meticulous instructions in Ezekiel's vision highlight the divine necessity of a perfect sacrifice, a need perfectly met by Christ, who is both the priest and the offering, the one who truly "makes reconciliation for them" once and for all ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Christ as Propitiation")).

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.

Cross-References

Leviticus 1:4

And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.

Leviticus 6:30

And no sin offering, whereof [any] of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation to reconcile [withal] in the holy [place], shall be eaten: it shall be burnt in the fire.

Proverbs 3:9

Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

Proverbs 3:10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Malachi 1:14

But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.

Romans 5:10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.