46:3 46:3

Ezekiel 46:4

46:5 46:5

Bible Versions

And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the LORD in the sabbath day [shall be] six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish.
And the burnt offering {H5930} that the prince {H5387} shall offer {H7126} unto the LORD {H3068} in the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117} shall be six {H8337} lambs {H3532} without blemish {H8549}, and a ram {H352} without blemish {H8549}.
"'The burnt offering the prince is to offer ADONAI on Shabbat is to consist of six lambs without defect and a ram without defect.
The burnt offering that the prince presents to the LORD on the Sabbath day shall be six unblemished male lambs and an unblemished ram.
And the burnt-offering that the prince shall offer unto Jehovah shall be on the sabbath day six lambs without blemish and a ram without blemish;

Context

Ezekiel 46:4 is part of Ezekiel's extensive prophetic vision of a new temple and its regulations, spanning chapters 40-48. Following the detailed architectural plans, chapters 44-46 focus on the specific ordinances for worship, the roles of the priests, and the duties of the "prince" (Hebrew: nasi). This particular verse outlines the burnt offering to be presented by the prince on the Sabbath day, emphasizing the structured and precise nature of worship in this visionary temple.

Key Themes

  • Ordered Worship and Divine Mandate: The detailed specifications for offerings highlight God's desire for worship that is orderly, specific, and according to His divine command. Every aspect, from the type and number of animals to the day of offering, is precisely laid out.
  • Holiness and Perfection in Sacrifice: The requirement of "without blemish" for both the lambs and the ram is crucial. This signifies the absolute purity and perfection demanded for anything presented to a holy God. This principle runs throughout the Old Testament sacrificial system, ultimately pointing to the sinless perfection of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice.
  • The Role of the Prince: The "prince" (nasi) is a significant figure in Ezekiel's temple vision, responsible for providing the sacrifices on behalf of the people and observing the temple's ordinances. This role underscores the importance of leadership that facilitates and participates in corporate worship, ensuring that God's requirements are met.
  • Sabbath Observance: The specification of the "sabbath day" for this particular offering reinforces the continuing significance of the Sabbath as a special day set apart for worship and dedication to the LORD, as commanded in the Ten Commandments.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Burnt offering": The Hebrew word is 'olah (עֹלָה), meaning "that which goes up" or "ascends." This refers to a sacrifice entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and consecration to God, with the smoke ascending as a pleasing aroma.
  • "Prince": The Hebrew term used is nasi (נָשִׂיא), which means "chief," "leader," or "prince." It is distinct from melek (מֶלֶךְ), which means "king." In Ezekiel's vision, the nasi appears to be a civil leader who operates within the temple's spiritual framework, subservient to God's law and the priestly order.
  • "Without blemish": The Hebrew phrase is tamim (תָּמִים), meaning "complete," "sound," "perfect," or "whole." This term emphasizes the physical and ritual purity required for sacrificial animals, ensuring they were fit to represent the worshiper and acceptable to God.

Practical Application

While the literal temple and sacrificial system described in Ezekiel's vision are not practiced today by Christians, having been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. This verse reminds us that:

  • God still desires worship that is offered with intentionality, reverence, and purity.
  • Our spiritual offerings (our lives, praise, and service) should be "without blemish"—meaning they are offered with sincerity, wholeheartedness, and in accordance with God's Word.
  • The ultimate "burnt offering" is Jesus Christ Himself, who offered His perfect life without blemish to God, providing complete atonement for sin.
  • Leadership within the church and in our daily lives should facilitate and encourage genuine, God-honoring worship, much like the prince's role in this vision.
  • Setting aside specific time for worship and dedication to God, like the Sabbath, remains a vital spiritual discipline.
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.

  • Ezekiel 45:17

    And it shall be the prince's part [to give] burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.

  • Numbers 28:9

    ¶ And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof:

  • Numbers 28:10

    [This is] the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.
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