Ezekiel 45:24

KJV

And he shall prepare a meat offering of an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and an hin of oil for an ephah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall prepare {H6213} a meat offering {H4503} of an ephah {H374} for a bullock {H6499}, and an ephah {H374} for a ram {H352}, and an hin {H1969} of oil {H8081} for an ephah {H374}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to provide as a grain offering a bushel [of grain] for a young bull and a bushel for a ram, and for each bushel [of grain] a gallon of olive oil.

Berean Standard Bible

He shall also provide as a grain offering an ephah for each bull and an ephah for each ram, along with a hin of olive oil for each ephah of grain.

American Standard Version

And he shall prepare a meal-offering, an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and a hin of oil to an ephah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:24 details the precise quantities of grain and oil offerings required to accompany animal sacrifices provided by the "prince" in the prophet's vision of the restored temple and its ordinances. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of divine worship, emphasizing God's demand for order, exactness, and the comprehensive provision necessary for acceptable offerings within the ideal, future community of Israel. It highlights the prince's role in facilitating the liturgical life of the people, ensuring that all elements for proper worship are readily available and aligned with God's exacting standards.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:24 is situated within the expansive vision of the new temple and its associated rituals and land distribution, spanning chapters 40-48 of the book of Ezekiel. This section, often referred to as Ezekiel's "Temple Vision," describes an elaborate, divinely ordered system for worship in a restored Israel. Chapter 45 specifically outlines the sacred districts, the portion of land designated for the "prince," and his crucial responsibilities concerning the temple sacrifices. The prince is depicted not merely as a political leader but as a central figure in the liturgical life of the community, tasked with providing the necessary elements for the offerings. The detailed measurements and specific requirements for sacrifices, including the complementary grain and oil offerings mentioned in this verse, underscore the emphasis on divine order and the meticulous adherence to God's standards for worship in this ideal future state. This vision serves as a blueprint for perfect worship and community life, contrasting sharply with the defiled worship that led to Israel's exile.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The destruction of the first temple and the cessation of sacrificial worship left the exiles longing for restoration and a renewed relationship with God. In this context, Ezekiel's temple vision offered hope for a future where God's presence would return to a purified Israel, and proper worship would be re-established. The sacrificial system, as detailed in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 1-7](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1-7 - Laws of Offerings")), was central to Israelite religion, serving as the means of atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God. The inclusion of grain offerings (`minchah`) and oil alongside animal sacrifices was a standard practice, as seen in passages like [Numbers 15:1-16](/numbers/15 "Numbers 15:1-16 - Laws of Offerings with Grain and Drink Offerings"). The prince's role in providing these offerings reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice where rulers often supported and facilitated temple worship, ensuring the continuity of religious rites for their people. The precision of measurements (ephah and hin) was not only practical but also deeply symbolic of the divine demand for exactness and holiness in approaching God.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 45:24 contributes significantly to several key themes within the broader temple vision and the book of Ezekiel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Order and Holiness**, where God's meticulous instructions for the temple and its rituals emphasize His absolute sovereignty and the necessity of purity in approaching Him. Every detail, down to the specific measurements of offerings, reflects a divine blueprint for a holy community. Another prominent theme is **Leadership and Provision**, as the prince is explicitly charged with preparing and providing the sacrificial elements. This highlights the vital role of leadership in facilitating and sustaining the spiritual well-being and worship life of the people. The verse also speaks to the **Completeness of Worship**, reiterating that animal sacrifices were often accompanied by grain and oil offerings, signifying a comprehensive and acceptable act of devotion. This holistic approach to worship is seen throughout the Pentateuch, for instance, in the various offerings prescribed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Laws and Offerings"). Finally, the entire vision, including this verse, embodies the **Anticipation of Future Restoration and Ideal Worship**, painting a picture of a purified Israel living in perfect communion with God, where all aspects of life, especially worship, are conducted according to His perfect will.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** H4503. From an unused root meaning "to apportion, i.e. bestow." This term refers to a donation, euphemistically tribute, and specifically a sacrificial offering that is typically bloodless and voluntary. While the KJV translates it as "meat offering," it more accurately denotes a "grain offering" or "meal offering," usually consisting of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, offered either baked or unbaked. It was distinct from animal sacrifices but frequently accompanied them as a complementary act of worship and dedication, signifying devotion and provision.
* **ephah (Hebrew, _ʼêyphâh'_):** H374. Of Egyptian derivation. An ephah was a dry measure for grain, equivalent to approximately 22 liters or about 3/5 of a bushel. Its repeated mention in this verse (for both the bullock and the ram) underscores the precise and abundant nature of the grain offerings required, emphasizing the exactness and generosity expected in worship.
* **hin (Hebrew, _hîyn'_):** H1969. Probably of Egyptian origin. A hin was a liquid measure, equivalent to approximately 3.67 liters or about one gallon. The specification of a "hin of oil" for an ephah of grain highlights the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the offerings, ensuring that every component of the sacrifice was measured and presented according to divine standards.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall prepare a meat offering of an ephah for a bullock,"**: This clause establishes the prince's responsibility (`he shall prepare`) in providing the necessary elements for worship. The "meat offering" (grain offering) is specified as one ephah (a significant dry measure) to accompany the sacrifice of a bullock. This indicates a substantial offering, emphasizing generosity and the comprehensive nature of the required worship. The bullock was a common and valuable sacrificial animal, often used for sin offerings or burnt offerings, signifying atonement or complete dedication.
* **"and an ephah for a ram,"**: This continues the specification of the grain offering, stating that the same quantity (one ephah) is also required for a ram. Rams were also significant sacrificial animals, often used for burnt offerings, peace offerings, or sin offerings, particularly for leaders or the community. The identical measurement for both animals reinforces the consistent and precise nature of the regulations, ensuring uniformity in the accompanying offerings regardless of the specific animal.
* **"and an hin of oil for an ephah."**: This final clause specifies the liquid component of the offering: one hin of oil. The oil was to accompany "an ephah," implying that this measure of oil was for each ephah of grain offering. Oil was a vital element in many Old Testament offerings, symbolizing consecration, joy, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Its inclusion underscores the completeness of the offering, as grain offerings were typically mixed with oil (e.g., [Leviticus 2:4](/leviticus/2-4 "Leviticus 2:4 - Grain Offering with Oil")). The precise measurement of both dry and liquid components highlights the divine demand for exactness in all aspects of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:24 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Precision and Detail**, evident in the explicit mention of specific measurements ("ephah" and "hin") and the pairing of these with particular animals ("bullock" and "ram"). This meticulousness underscores the divine demand for exactness in worship, reflecting God's holy character and the seriousness with which His commands are to be observed. The **Repetition** of "ephah" reinforces this sense of precise and consistent measurement for each animal sacrifice. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Prescriptive Law**, outlining specific regulations for future worship, which is characteristic of the broader temple vision. This prescriptive nature serves to establish a divine standard for the restored community. Finally, the entire passage, with its detailed regulations for a future temple, can be understood as **Symbolism**. While literal in its description, the vision as a whole symbolizes an ideal, purified worship and a perfectly ordered community under God's rule, pointing to a future state of perfect communion and obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:24, with its emphasis on precise measurements for sacrificial offerings, underscores a foundational theological principle: God's demand for order, holiness, and intentionality in worship. The meticulous details are not arbitrary but reflect the character of a holy God who requires His people to approach Him with reverence and according to His prescribed ways. This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of Old Testament sacrifices, where animal offerings for atonement were often accompanied by grain and oil offerings as expressions of devotion, thanksgiving, and the dedication of the fruits of the land. The prince's role in providing these elements emphasizes that leadership within God's community carries the responsibility of facilitating and upholding proper worship, ensuring that the means for reconciliation and communion with God are readily available. This vision, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder that true worship is never haphazard but is a deliberate, ordered, and complete act of reverence towards a holy God.

* [Leviticus 2:1-3](/leviticus/2-1 "The Law of the Grain Offering")
* [Numbers 15:4-5](/numbers/15-4 "Accompanying Offerings for Burnt Offerings")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the detailed sacrificial regulations of Ezekiel's temple vision are not literally observed by New Covenant believers, their underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for contemporary Christian life and worship. This verse challenges us to consider the intentionality and precision we bring to our spiritual "offerings" today. Just as God required exact measures and specific components for ancient sacrifices, He desires our worship to be thoughtful, wholehearted, and aligned with His will. This means offering our best—our time, talents, and resources—not haphazardly, but with purpose and devotion. For those in leadership, the prince's responsibility to "prepare" these offerings serves as a powerful reminder of their call to facilitate and enable genuine worship within the community, providing environments and resources that encourage spiritual growth and faithful devotion. Ultimately, our "sacrifices" now are spiritual: offering our bodies as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), the sacrifice of praise ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")), and acts of service and generosity ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Doing Good and Sharing")). These should be offered with the same precision, reverence, and completeness that God required in the Old Testament, reflecting our deep love and commitment to Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I bring greater intentionality and "precision" to my personal worship and devotion to God?**
* **How does the prince's responsibility to provide for worship challenge leaders in the church today?**
* **What "spiritual sacrifices" am I currently offering to God, and how can I ensure they are offered with my best and in accordance with His will?**
* **How does the emphasis on divine order in Ezekiel's vision shape my understanding of God's character and His expectations for His people?**

### FAQ

**What is a "meat offering" in Ezekiel 45:24?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word `minchâh` (H4503). It does not refer to animal flesh but rather to a "grain offering" or "meal offering." This type of offering typically consisted of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and could be offered baked or unbaked. It was a bloodless offering, distinct from animal sacrifices, but often accompanied them as a complementary act of worship, thanksgiving, or dedication, as seen in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Law of the Grain Offering").

**What do "ephah" and "hin" signify in this verse?**

Answer: "Ephah" (H374) and "hin" (H1969) are ancient Hebrew units of measurement. An ephah was a dry measure, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about 3/5 of a bushel, primarily used for grain. A hin was a liquid measure, approximately 3.67 liters or about one gallon, used for liquids like oil or wine. Their specific mention in Ezekiel 45:24 signifies the meticulous detail and precision God required in the offerings. It underscores the divine demand for order, exactness, and adherence to specific standards in worship, emphasizing that every component of the sacrifice was to be presented according to His prescribed will. This precision highlights the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision, including these regulations, meant to be taken literally for a future time?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision (chapters 40-48) varies among scholars. Some interpret it literally, believing it describes a physical temple and its rituals that will be built and practiced during a future millennial reign of Christ on earth. Others view it as symbolic, representing an ideal, spiritual reality of God's presence, perfect worship, and the ordered life of the community under the New Covenant, fulfilled in Christ and the church. A third view sees it as a conditional prophecy, outlining what *would have been* if Israel had fully repented, or as a blueprint for a future ideal that finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the new heavens and new earth. Regardless of the literal or symbolic interpretation, the underlying principles of God's holiness, the necessity of proper worship, and the role of leadership in facilitating devotion remain timeless truths.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:24, with its intricate details concerning sacrificial offerings, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous preparation and precise measurements of grain and oil, accompanying the bullocks and rams, foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). In the Old Covenant, these offerings, though divinely commanded, were merely a "shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities" ([Hebrews 10:1](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1 - The Law as a Shadow")). Jesus, as our [great high priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), offered Himself as the singular, all-sufficient sacrifice, fulfilling all the requirements of the Law and rendering the elaborate temple system and its animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The "prince's" provision in Ezekiel points to Christ, who not only provided the ultimate sacrifice but also continually intercedes for His people. Through His once-for-all death on the cross, He established a new covenant, making it possible for believers to draw near to God with confidence, not through animal blood and grain, but through His own precious blood ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). The precision of the Old Testament offerings speaks to the perfection of Christ's sacrifice, which was flawlessly executed according to God's eternal plan, fully satisfying divine justice and providing complete redemption. Our worship now is a spiritual offering, a response to His finished work, as we offer our bodies as living sacrifices and the sacrifice of praise through Him ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices"); [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "The Sacrifice of Praise")).

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

Ezekiel 46:5

And the meat offering [shall be] an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.

Ezekiel 46:7

And he shall prepare a meat offering, an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs according as his hand shall attain unto, and an hin of oil to an ephah.

Numbers 28:12

And three tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram;

Numbers 28:15

And one kid of the goats for a sin offering unto the LORD shall be offered, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.