Ezekiel Chapter 45 · Verse 14
Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, ye shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer:
Original Language Analysis
וְחֹ֨ק
Concerning the ordinance
H2706
וְחֹ֨ק
Concerning the ordinance
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
1 of 15
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן
of oil
H8081
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן
of oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
2 of 15
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַבַּתִּ֖ים
baths
H1324
הַבַּתִּ֖ים
baths
Strong's:
H1324
Word #:
3 of 15
a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן
of oil
H8081
הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן
of oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
4 of 15
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
הַבַּתִּ֖ים
baths
H1324
הַבַּתִּ֖ים
baths
Strong's:
H1324
Word #:
6 of 15
a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַכֹּ֔ר
out of the cor
H3734
הַכֹּ֔ר
out of the cor
Strong's:
H3734
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, a deep round vessel, i.e., (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry
עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
for ten
H6235
עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
for ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
9 of 15
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
הַבַּתִּ֖ים
baths
H1324
הַבַּתִּ֖ים
baths
Strong's:
H1324
Word #:
10 of 15
a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids
חֹֽמֶר׃
are an homer
H2563
חֹֽמֶר׃
are an homer
Strong's:
H2563
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 15
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
for ten
H6235
עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
for ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
13 of 15
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
Historical Context
Olive oil production was labor-intensive, requiring cultivation, harvesting, pressing, and refining. As a valuable commodity traded internationally, oil represented concentrated wealth. By requiring only 1% for temple use, Ezekiel's vision ensures adequate provision without burdening the people, contrasting with kings who hoarded resources (1 Kings 10:27-29).
Questions for Reflection
- How does oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit connect to our responsibility to 'fuel' corporate worship?
- What does the light taxation rate reveal about God's generosity and trust in His people's willing participation?
Analysis & Commentary
Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, ye shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor—The oil contribution rate is 1/100th (since a cor (כֹּר) = 10 baths, the tenth of a bath per cor = 1%). The chok (חֹק, "ordinance" or "statute") for oil parallels the grain offering but at a lighter rate. Oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen)—from olives, Israel's agricultural wealth—fueled the menorah (Exodus 27:20), anointed priests (Exodus 29:7), and accompanied grain offerings (Leviticus 2:1).
The meticulous measurement—which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer—ensures no confusion between different measurement systems. Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit's anointing (1 Samuel 16:13, Acts 10:38) and the Spirit's sanctifying work (Zechariah 4:1-6). That Israel contributes oil for temple service acknowledges that spiritual vitality comes from God yet requires human participation in maintaining worship. The light oil tax (1%) combined with light grain tax (1.67%) totals approximately 2.67%—far below the tithe, suggesting grace-motivated giving rather than legal obligation.