Ezekiel 45:22
And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock for a sin offering.
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשָׂ֤ה
prepare
H6213
וְעָשָׂ֤ה
prepare
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הַנָּשִׂיא֙
shall the prince
H5387
הַנָּשִׂיא֙
shall the prince
Strong's:
H5387
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, an exalted one, i.e., a king or sheik; also a rising mist
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And upon that day
H3117
בַּיּ֣וֹם
And upon that day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
הַה֔וּא
H1931
הַה֔וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
4 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
בַּעֲד֕וֹ
H1157
בַּעֲד֕וֹ
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
5 of 11
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
וּבְעַ֖ד
H1157
וּבְעַ֖ד
Strong's:
H1157
Word #:
6 of 11
in up to or over against; generally at, beside, among, behind, for, etc
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַ֣ם
for himself and for all the people
H5971
עַ֣ם
for himself and for all the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
8 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Passover required sin offerings (Numbers 28:22), but Mosaic law doesn't specify a prince's role. Ezekiel introduces a millennial prince (not king David, as he has sons—46:16) who leads worship but isn't divine. Interpretations vary: literal Davidic descendant in millennium, symbolic representation of Christ, or Messiah Himself. Regardless, the principle stands: leaders represent people before God, foreshadowing Christ's mediatorial work.
Questions for Reflection
- Who is the 'prince' in Ezekiel's vision—Messiah, Davidic descendant, or symbolic figure?
- How does the prince offering for himself differ from Christ's sinless self-offering?
- What does representative sacrifice teach about leadership and mediation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock for a sin offering—The נָשִׂיא (nāśîʾ, 'prince') offers for himself and כָּל־עַם הָאָרֶץ (kol-ʿam hāʾāreṣ, 'all the people of the land') a פַּר חַטָּאת (par ḥaṭṭāʾt, 'bull for sin offering').
The prince's role differs from Mosaic high priest but includes representative sacrifice. His offering covers himself and the nation, demonstrating corporate responsibility. This foreshadows Christ, the ultimate Prince/Messiah (Isaiah 9:6, Ezekiel 34:24, 37:25), who offered Himself for His people (Hebrews 7:27, 9:28). Unlike earthly princes needing sin offerings for themselves, Christ was sinless (Hebrews 4:15), offering only for others. Ezekiel's prince points to but doesn't fully fulfill Messiah's perfect priesthood.