TRV
Ezekiel 46:7
Bible Versions
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.
He is to prepare a grain offering consisting of a bushel for the bull, a bushel for the ram, and for the lambs as his means allow; with a gallon of olive oil per bushel.
He is to provide a grain offering of an ephah with the bull, an ephah with the ram, and as much as he is able with the lambs, along with a hin of oil per ephah.
and he shall prepare a meal-offering, an ephah for the bullock, and an ephah for the ram, and for the lambs according as he is able, and a hin of oil to an ephah.
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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 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future temple, its rituals, and the regulations for worship. This specific verse outlines the precise quantities of the "meat offering" (more accurately, a grain offering) that is to accompany the animal sacrifices.
Context of Ezekiel 46:7
The chapters from Ezekiel 40 through 48 describe an elaborate vision of a new temple and its associated services. This section details the dimensions of the temple, the duties of the priests, the division of the land, and the specific sacrifices and offerings to be made. Ezekiel 46 focuses on the offerings of the prince and the regulations for the temple gates during the Sabbath and New Moon observances. Verse 7 specifically addresses the accompanying grain offering (often called a "meat offering" in the KJV) for the various animal sacrifices.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "meat offering" in the King James Version can be misleading to modern readers, as it refers not to animal flesh but to a grain offering. The Hebrew word is minchah (מִנְחָה), which signifies a "gift" or "tribute," specifically a cereal or grain offering, usually made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It was a common non-bloody sacrifice, often accompanying burnt offerings.
The "ephah" (Hebrew: ephah, אֵיפָה) was a dry measure, roughly equivalent to 3/5 of a bushel or about 22 liters. The "hin" (Hebrew: hin, הִין) was a liquid measure, approximately one gallon or about 6 liters. These specific measurements emphasize the precise nature of the commanded offerings.
Related Scriptures
The concept of grain offerings is foundational in Old Testament worship. For similar regulations on grain offerings, you can refer to Leviticus 2, which details the preparation and purpose of the minchah. The proportional offerings for different animals are also seen in Numbers 15:4-10. The ultimate fulfillment of all sacrifices is found in Christ, as discussed in Hebrews 10:10-14.
Practical Application
While the literal temple sacrifices are no longer observed by Christians because of Christ's perfect and once-for-all sacrifice, the principles embedded in Ezekiel 46:7 remain relevant. We are called to worship God with intentionality, reverence, and our best. Our "offerings" today might include our time, talents, and financial resources, all given with a heart of gratitude and obedience. This verse reminds us that God desires not just *any* worship, but worship that is thoughtful, generous, and honors His holiness.