Ezekiel 46:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Ezekiel 46:7
7 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.
Chapter Context
Ezekiel 46 is a prophetic vision chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, worship, mercy. Written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-570 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ministered to exiles in Babylon with visions of God's glory and future restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezekiel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezekiel 46:7
7 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.
Analysis
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. The Hebrew minchah (מִנְחָה, 'grain offering') accompanies animal sacrifices—fine flour representing the fruit of human labor dedicated to God. An ephah (אֵיפָה, roughly 22 liters) of grain per large animal shows generous provision, while according as his hand shall attain unto (mattat yado, מַתַּת יָדוֹ) allows proportional giving based on means.
The phrase an hin of oil to an ephah specifies oil for mixing with flour—a hin (הִין, about 3.7 liters) enriching each ephah. This mirrors Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 8:12: giving is acceptable 'according to that a man hath.' Grace-filled worship combines prescribed standards with Spirit-enabled generosity.
Historical Context
Grain offerings in Mosaic law (Leviticus 2) symbolized consecration of daily life and labor. The ephah measure appears throughout biblical commerce and worship. Ezekiel's specifications modify Numbers 28-29 regulations, suggesting a renewed covenant framework while maintaining sacrificial symbolism.
Reflection
- What does 'according as his hand shall attain' teach about God's expectation for our financial stewardship and worship?
- How do grain offerings—products of human labor mixed with oil—typify the Spirit-empowered works believers offer God through Christ?
Word Studies
- Lamb: שֶׂה / כֶּבֶשׂ (Seh / Kebes) H3532 - Lamb, young sheep
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Ezekiel 46:5