Ezekiel 45:16

KJV

All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the people {H5971} of the land {H776} shall give this oblation {H8641} for the prince {H5387} in Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'All the people in the land are to present this offering to the prince in Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

All the people of the land must participate in this contribution for the prince in Israel.

American Standard Version

All the people of the land shall give unto this oblation for the prince in Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:16 is a concise yet profound declaration within Ezekiel's visionary blueprint for a restored Israel, emphasizing the universal communal responsibility of "all the people of the land" to provide a specific "oblation" or consecrated contribution. This offering is designated "for the prince," who, in this future temple system, is tasked with administering the public sacrificial system, thereby ensuring the continuous and pure worship of God. The verse underscores the principle of collective participation and support for the spiritual and administrative leadership in maintaining divine order and holiness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:16 is situated within the highly detailed and extensive vision of the new temple and its ordinances, spanning chapters 40-48 of the Book of Ezekiel. This grand vision follows Ezekiel's prophecies of judgment and restoration, culminating in a blueprint for an idealized future Israel. Chapter 45 specifically outlines the sacred portions of the land, the sanctuary, and the roles of the priests and the prince. Verses 13-15 immediately precede verse 16, meticulously detailing the specific types and quantities of the "oblation" (grain, oil, and sheep) that the people are to contribute. These contributions are explicitly designated for the prince to provide the regular burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings necessary for the temple rituals, establishing a clear chain of responsibility for the maintenance of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma and spiritual reflection for Israel. His visions, particularly the temple vision, served as a powerful message of hope and restoration, looking beyond the present desolation to a future where God's presence would dwell among His people in perfect holiness and order. Culturally, the concept of communal offerings and support for the priesthood and temple was deeply ingrained in Israelite life, stemming from the Mosaic Law. This vision, however, presents an idealized, meticulously ordered system, perhaps addressing past failures of leadership and popular adherence to God's commands. The "prince" in this context is distinct from the pre-exilic kings, reflecting a shift towards a more theocratic administration focused purely on facilitating worship rather than wielding political power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Communal Responsibility**, emphasizing that the entire community, not just the leadership, bears a part in sustaining the sacred order and worship. This echoes principles of shared burden and collective covenant obligations found throughout the Torah, such as the various tithes and offerings for the tabernacle/temple (e.g., [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - The Levites' Portion")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Support for Leadership**, demonstrating God's provision for those appointed to oversee spiritual and administrative affairs, ensuring they have the resources to fulfill their divine mandates. Finally, the meticulous details concerning the offerings and contributions reinforce the theme of **Divine Order and Holiness**. The entire temple vision, including the system of oblations, reflects God's desire for perfect justice, purity, and righteousness in His future kingdom, a stark contrast to the spiritual and moral failures that led to the exile (as seen in earlier chapters like [Ezekiel 8](/ezekiel/8 "Ezekiel 8 - Idolatry in the Temple")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **people (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to congregate," this term refers to a collective unit, a community, or a nation. In this context, it emphasizes the universal participation of the entire populace of the land of Israel, highlighting that the responsibility for supporting the sacred order extends to everyone, not just a select few.
* **oblation (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** From a root meaning "to lift up" or "to raise," this word denotes a "heave offering" or a "present offered up." It signifies a dedicated contribution, specifically for sacred purposes, such as sacrifices or tribute to God. Here, it refers to the specific material contributions (grain, oil, sheep) detailed in the preceding verses, which are designated for the public sacrificial system.
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** From a root meaning "to lift" or "to exalt," this term refers to an exalted one, a chief, or a ruler. In Ezekiel's vision, the _nâsîyʼ_ is not a king in the traditional sense but a distinct spiritual and administrative leader responsible for providing the communal sacrifices and maintaining the purity of worship within the visionary temple system, acting as a steward of the sacred.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the people of the land":** This clause underscores the comprehensive nature of the command, indicating that every individual within the territory of Israel is obligated to participate. It signifies a collective, communal responsibility for the maintenance of the sacred order and the support of the divinely appointed leadership, emphasizing unity in purpose and action.
* **"shall give this oblation":** This phrase specifies the action required – "giving" – and the object of that action – "this oblation." The term "oblation" (Hebrew _tᵉrûwmâh_) refers to a consecrated contribution, specifically detailed in the preceding verses (Ezekiel 45:13-15) as specific measures of grain, oil, and sheep. This highlights the material and tangible nature of the people's support for the temple services, which are essential for the communal atonement and worship.
* **"for the prince in Israel":** This final clause identifies the recipient and the ultimate purpose of the oblation. The "prince" (Hebrew _nâsîyʼ_) is the designated leader within this visionary system, responsible for administering the temple's sacrificial system on behalf of the entire community. The contribution is "for" him, enabling him to fulfill his divinely mandated role in providing the communal offerings, thereby ensuring the proper functioning of the worship system in the restored Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:16 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Prescriptive Language**, evident in the imperative "shall give," which functions as a divine command, establishing a non-negotiable obligation for the people. This highlights the authoritative and divinely ordained nature of the temple's operational system. **Emphasis** is achieved through the phrase "All the people of the land," which stresses the universal participation required, underscoring that the responsibility for sustaining sacred worship is not confined to a priestly class or the prince alone, but extends to the entire community. Furthermore, the "oblation" itself serves as **Symbolism**, representing the people's dedication, obedience, and active participation in the restored covenant relationship with God. It symbolizes their material and spiritual commitment to maintaining the holiness and order of the future kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:16 deeply embeds the theological principle of communal responsibility in worship and the support of spiritual leadership, a theme resonant throughout biblical history. The "oblation" signifies more than just a material contribution; it represents the people's active participation in the covenant, their recognition of God's sovereignty, and their commitment to the purity of His worship. This verse portrays an ideal future where the entire community willingly contributes to the maintenance of God's house and the facilitation of atonement, ensuring that the means of corporate worship are continuously available and properly administered. It underscores that true spiritual health requires a collective effort, where both leaders and congregants play their divinely appointed roles in a harmonious system of devotion.

* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - The Levites' Portion")
* [Deuteronomy 12:11](/deuteronomy/12-11 "Deuteronomy 12:11 - Bringing Offerings to the Chosen Place")
* [1 Timothy 5:17](/1_timothy/5-17 "1 Timothy 5:17 - Honoring Elders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Ezekiel's temple vision is highly symbolic and prophetic, pointing to a future era of perfected worship, the underlying principles of communal support for spiritual leadership and active participation in the work of God remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider our role in sustaining the spiritual health and mission of the church. Just as the people in Ezekiel's vision were to provide for the temple services, believers are called to contribute their resources—time, talents, and finances—to the advancement of the Gospel and the ministries that build up God's kingdom. It reminds us that our faith is not merely an individual pursuit but a corporate journey, requiring collective effort to ensure that the means for corporate worship, discipleship, and outreach are available and maintained. This involves honoring and providing for those whom God has called to lead and serve, enabling them to fulfill their divine mandates without hindrance. Ultimately, Ezekiel 45:16 calls us to a willing and active participation in God's ongoing work, reflecting a heart aligned with His desire for order, righteousness, and holiness within His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "all the people" giving an "oblation" apply to our modern understanding of church participation and stewardship?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as members of the body of Christ, support our spiritual leaders and the ministries they oversee?**
* **What does it mean for us to participate in "corporate worship" beyond merely attending services, in light of the communal responsibility highlighted in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "prince" in Ezekiel's vision, and why is he distinguished from a king?**

Answer: The "prince" (Hebrew _nâsîyʼ_) in Ezekiel's temple vision is a unique figure, distinct from the kings of pre-exilic Israel. He is not depicted as wielding political power or engaging in warfare, nor does he come from the priestly line of Levi. Instead, his primary role is administrative and spiritual, focused on providing the communal sacrifices for the people and maintaining the purity and order of worship within the visionary temple. This distinction likely reflects a divine intention for a future, ideal kingdom where spiritual leadership is paramount, and the failures of past kings (who often defiled the temple and led the people into idolatry, as seen in [2 Kings 21](/2_kings/21 "2 Kings 21 - Manasseh's Wicked Reign")) are avoided. He acts as a steward of the sacred, facilitating the people's worship rather than ruling over them in a conventional monarchy.

**What is the "oblation" mentioned in this verse, and what was its purpose?**

Answer: The "oblation" (Hebrew _tᵉrûwmâh_) refers to a specific, consecrated contribution from the people, detailed in [Ezekiel 45:13-15](/ezekiel/45-13 "Ezekiel 45:13-15 - Specific Oblations for the Prince"). These contributions consist of fixed measures of grain, oil, and sheep. The purpose of this oblation was to provide the necessary resources for the "prince" to offer the regular burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings on behalf of the entire community. This system ensured that the public sacrificial rituals, which were central to the worship and atonement process in the temple, could be continuously maintained, signifying the people's collective participation in and support for the sacred order established by God.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision, including this verse, meant to be interpreted literally or symbolically?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision is a complex and debated topic among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future, physical temple that will be built during a millennial kingdom, with all its details being precisely fulfilled. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing an idealized picture of God's perfect order, holiness, and restored relationship with His people, fulfilled spiritually in the church or ultimately in the new heavens and new earth. A third perspective sees it as a combination, with some elements being literal and others symbolic. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the underlying theological principles of divine order, communal responsibility, and the centrality of worship remain profound and applicable, pointing to God's ultimate desire for a people fully consecrated to Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:16, with its emphasis on the communal oblation for the prince to facilitate worship, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in profound ways. The "prince" in Ezekiel's vision, a leader distinct from the kings and priests, who provides for the people's sacrifices, powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ. Christ is the true and eternal "Prince" – the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace"), the [Ruler of God's people](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Ruler from Bethlehem"), and the [Prince of Life](/acts/3-15 "Acts 3:15 - Prince of Life"). He is not merely a facilitator of sacrifices but is Himself the ultimate and perfect "oblation," the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His single, perfect sacrifice on the cross (as described in [Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) superseded all Old Testament offerings, fulfilling their purpose once and for all. Furthermore, the "all the people of the land" who give the oblation are now, in the new covenant, the church—the body of Christ. We no longer offer material sacrifices for atonement, but we are called to offer "spiritual sacrifices" (as exhorted in [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones and Spiritual Sacrifices"))—our lives, our praise, our service, and our resources—as an act of worship and stewardship. This communal offering supports Christ's ongoing work in the world through His church, enabling the spread of the Gospel and the building up of His kingdom. The meticulous order and purity of worship envisioned in Ezekiel's temple are fully realized in Christ, who has made us holy and blameless before God (as affirmed in [Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ")), establishing a new and living way to approach God through His blood (as taught in [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God through Christ")). Thus, Ezekiel 45:16 points to the glorious reality that in Christ, both the perfect sacrifice and the perfect worshipping community are fully realized.

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

Exodus 30:14

Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering unto the LORD.

Exodus 30:15

The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when [they] give an offering unto the LORD, to make an atonement for your souls.

Isaiah 16:1

¶ Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion.