Ezekiel 46:15

KJV

Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning [for] a continual burnt offering.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus shall they prepare {H6213}{H6213} the lamb {H3532}, and the meat offering {H4503}, and the oil {H8081}, every morning {H1242} for a continual {H8548} burnt offering {H5930}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus they will offer a lamb, a grain offering and oil each morning as the ongoing burnt offering.'

Berean Standard Bible

Thus they shall provide the lamb, the grain offering, and the oil every morning as a regular burnt offering.’

American Standard Version

Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meal-offering, and the oil, morning by morning, for a continual burnt-offering.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:15 outlines a precise divine command within the prophet's visionary temple for a daily, perpetual burnt offering, comprising a lamb, a grain offering, and oil, to be prepared every morning. This instruction underscores God's unwavering desire for consistent, meticulous worship and atonement, serving as a foundational element of the restored covenant community envisioned for Israel's future. The verse highlights the enduring principles of dedication, provision, and purification central to approaching a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 46:15 is situated within the latter portion of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail an elaborate vision of a new temple, its ordinances, and the redistribution of land to the tribes of Israel. This section, often referred to as the "Temple Vision," provides a blueprint for a renewed worship system and a restored covenant relationship between God and His people. Chapter 46 specifically focuses on the laws governing the prince's offerings, the use of the temple gates, and various daily and festival sacrifices. The immediate context of verse 15 is the daily routine of worship, following instructions for the prince's offerings and preceding further details on the preparation of sacrificial meals. The meticulous detail in these chapters emphasizes the sanctity and orderliness of God's future dwelling place and the worship conducted therein.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophecy was delivered during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national despair and spiritual crisis for the Judeans. The destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem (586 BC) and the subsequent displacement of the people had shattered their understanding of God's presence and covenant promises. In this context, Ezekiel's temple vision served as a powerful message of hope, restoration, and divine faithfulness. It assured the exiles that God had not abandoned them and that a future of renewed worship and divine indwelling awaited them. The concept of daily sacrifices was deeply ingrained in Israelite culture, stemming from the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - Daily Burnt Offerings") and [Numbers 28:3-8](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3-8 - Daily Burnt Offering Command")), which prescribed a continual burnt offering. Ezekiel's vision reaffirms the importance of these rituals, albeit in a renewed and purified form, as central to maintaining covenant fellowship with God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Continual Devotion and Worship**, emphasizing the unbroken rhythm of acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision through daily acts of sacrifice. The phrase "every morning [for] a continual burnt offering" highlights the unwavering commitment required. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Ordinance and Purity**, demonstrating God's precise and non-negotiable requirements for approaching Him. These detailed instructions reflect God's holiness and the necessity of a divinely ordained system for atonement and fellowship, echoing the meticulous laws found in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - The Burnt Offering") concerning offerings. Lastly, the verse touches upon the **Elements of Sacrifice and Atonement**, with the lamb symbolizing expiation, the grain offering representing dedication and thanksgiving, and the oil signifying consecration or divine anointing. Together, these elements form a comprehensive act of worship, pointing to the multifaceted nature of reconciliation and communion with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prepare (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This verb (H6213) is a primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it signifies the act of performing, executing, or carrying out the specific ritual of preparing the offerings. It implies a deliberate, prescribed action, emphasizing the importance of adherence to divine instruction in worship. The breadth of its meaning suggests that this preparation is not merely physical but encompasses the entire process of setting apart and presenting the sacrifices according to God's will.
* **meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** This noun (H4503) derives from a root meaning "to apportion" or "bestow." It refers to a donation, euphemistically tribute, and specifically a sacrificial offering, usually bloodless and voluntary. In the KJV, "meat offering" is an archaic translation for what is more accurately understood as a grain, meal, or cereal offering. Unlike the burnt offering, which was wholly consumed, the _minchâh_ often involved a portion being burnt on the altar and the remainder eaten by the priests, symbolizing dedication, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God.
* **burnt offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** This feminine active participle (H5930) comes from a root meaning "to go up." It specifically denotes a holocaust, an offering that "goes up in smoke" as it is entirely consumed on the altar. The _ʻôlâh_ symbolized complete dedication to God and served as an atonement for sin, signifying the worshiper's total surrender and the complete acceptance of the sacrifice by God. Its perpetual nature in Ezekiel's vision highlights the ongoing need for atonement and complete devotion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus shall they prepare the lamb,"**: This initial clause sets forth the divine command, indicating a prescribed method ("Thus shall they") for the preparation of the primary sacrificial animal. The "lamb" (Hebrew: _kebes_) refers to a young ram, a common and significant animal in Israelite sacrificial rituals, often symbolizing purity and atonement. The act of "preparing" implies the meticulous steps involved in readying the animal for sacrifice, including its selection, slaughter, and division.
* **"and the meat offering,"**: This specifies the inclusion of the _minchâh_, or grain offering, alongside the animal sacrifice. This bloodless offering typically consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Its presence signifies that worship is not solely about atonement for sin but also involves acts of thanksgiving, dedication, and the acknowledgment of God's provision, representing the fruits of human labor offered back to the Creator.
* **"and the oil,"**: The mention of "oil" (Hebrew: _shemen_) is significant. Oil, particularly olive oil, was a vital component in many ancient Israelite rituals, symbolizing anointing, consecration, abundance, and often the presence or work of the Holy Spirit. In the context of offerings, it was poured over the grain offering or used in conjunction with the animal sacrifice, adding to its sacredness and completing the prescribed elements of the offering.
* **"every morning [for] a continual burnt offering."**: This concluding phrase emphasizes the perpetual and rhythmic nature of this specific sacrifice. "Every morning" establishes a daily routine, while "continual" (Hebrew: _tâmîyd_) denotes an unbroken, constant practice. This highlights the unwavering commitment to worship and atonement required in the visionary temple, underscoring that God's desire for fellowship and the need for purification are ongoing and foundational to the life of His people. The "burnt offering" (Hebrew: _ʻôlâh_) reiterates that this daily ritual involves the complete consumption of the sacrifice, symbolizing total dedication and comprehensive atonement.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 46:15 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Prescriptive Language**, evident in the opening "Thus shall they prepare," which establishes the verse as a direct divine command or ordinance. This imperative tone underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's requirements for worship. **Symbolism** is also central, with each element of the offering carrying deeper meaning: the lamb symbolizes purity and atonement; the grain offering (meat offering) represents thanksgiving, dedication, and sustenance; and the oil signifies consecration, abundance, and divine anointing. Furthermore, the **Repetition and Emphasis** of "every morning" and "continual" highlight the perpetual and unwavering nature of the required worship, stressing consistency and an unbroken rhythm of devotion. This emphasis serves to impress upon the audience the importance of regular, dedicated communion with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:15, with its emphasis on a continual burnt offering, deeply connects to the broader biblical theology of worship, atonement, and God's covenant relationship with His people. It reiterates the Old Testament principle that access to a holy God requires a divinely appointed means of purification and dedication. While the specific rituals described in Ezekiel's vision are part of a future, idealized temple, they echo the daily sacrifices commanded under the Mosaic Law, demonstrating God's unchanging desire for consistent communion with humanity. The meticulous nature of the offerings highlights the seriousness of sin and the necessity of a perfect sacrifice for reconciliation. Ultimately, these shadows and types find their ultimate substance and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the Lamb, the offering, and the anointing, making possible a new and living way to God.

* [Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - The Daily Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Present Your Bodies as a Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 46:15, though set in a visionary context of ancient temple worship, offers profound principles for contemporary Christian living. The call for a "continual burnt offering" every morning transcends the literal sacrifice of animals and resonates with the New Testament's call for ongoing, wholehearted dedication to God. It challenges believers to cultivate consistent spiritual disciplines, recognizing that our relationship with God is not a sporadic event but a daily, intentional commitment. Just as the lamb was wholly consumed on the altar, we are invited to offer our entire selves – our time, talents, resources, and very lives – as a "living sacrifice" to God, as exhorted in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice"). The elements of the offering – atonement, thanksgiving, and consecration – remind us that our worship should encompass both repentance and praise, acknowledging God's grace and our dependence on Him. This verse encourages us to approach each new day with a renewed spirit of devotion, seeking to honor God in all we do, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and offering the "sacrifice of praise" continually from our lips, as [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise") teaches.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I offer a "continual burnt offering" of my life to God every morning?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of these ancient offerings inform my understanding of God's holiness and His desire for intentional worship?**
* **What elements of "the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil" can I identify in my own spiritual disciplines and acts of devotion today?**
* **How does understanding the "continual" nature of Old Testament worship challenge my consistency in prayer, Bible study, and service?**

### FAQ

**What does "meat offering" mean in this verse?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" (H4503, _minchâh_) is an archaic translation that can be misleading to modern readers. 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 was a bloodless sacrifice. It symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, and the offering of the firstfruits of one's labor to God, distinct from the animal sacrifices which primarily dealt with atonement for sin. The _minchâh_ often accompanied burnt offerings or peace offerings, complementing the act of worship.

**How does this Old Testament command relate to Christian worship today?**

Answer: While Christians are no longer required to offer physical animal or grain sacrifices, as these found their ultimate fulfillment in the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ (as seen in [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), the principles behind Ezekiel 46:15 remain profoundly relevant. The "continual burnt offering" points to God's desire for **continual devotion, consistent spiritual discipline, and wholehearted dedication**. For believers today, this translates into daily prayer, Bible study, worship in spirit and truth, and presenting our bodies as a "living sacrifice" (as encouraged in [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")). Our "offerings" now are sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, obedience, and service, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

**Who are "they" who are commanded to prepare the offerings?**

Answer: In the context of Ezekiel's temple vision, "they" primarily refers to the **priests** and, by extension, the **Levites** who would be responsible for carrying out the temple rituals and sacrifices. Ezekiel's vision details a highly organized and structured system of worship, with specific roles assigned to the prince, the priests, and the people. The preparation and offering of sacrifices were specialized duties performed by those consecrated for temple service, ensuring the proper and holy execution of God's commands. This reflects the order and sanctity required for approaching God in His holy dwelling.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 46:15, with its meticulous instructions for a continual burnt offering, finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "lamb" prepared every morning foreshadows the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Unlike the daily, repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant that could never fully remove sin, Christ offered Himself "once for all" (as proclaimed in [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). His perfect sacrifice on the cross was the complete "burnt offering," wholly consumed by divine judgment, yet resulting in eternal redemption for all who believe, as [Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption") attests. The "continual" nature of the Old Testament offering points to the **eternal efficacy** of Christ's singular sacrifice; it does not need to be repeated because it perfectly and perpetually atones for sin, perfecting those who are sanctified "forever" (as affirmed in [Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Perfected Forever")). Furthermore, the "oil" used in the offering can be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit, poured out upon Christ without measure, enabling His perfect obedience and sacrifice, and subsequently poured out upon believers, empowering them to live lives of continual worship and dedication, presenting themselves as living sacrifices in response to His ultimate offering. Thus, Ezekiel 46:15, far from being an obsolete ritual, serves as a powerful prophetic shadow, illuminating the glorious reality of Christ's complete and final work of redemption.

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

Hebrews 10:1

¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, [and] not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Hebrews 10:10

By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

Hebrews 7:27

Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.

Exodus 29:42

[This shall be] a continual burnt offering throughout your generations [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

Hebrews 9:26

For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Numbers 28:6

[It is] a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.