Ezekiel 46:13

And you shall provide an unblemished year-old lamb as a daily burnt offering to the LORD; you are to offer it every morning.

Study Bible

And you shall provide
This phrase indicates a commandment, emphasizing the responsibility and duty of the people to offer sacrifices. The Hebrew root word for "provide" is "נָתַן" (natan), which means to give or to present. This reflects the act of giving back to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. In a spiritual sense, it reminds believers of the importance of daily dedication and offering oneself to God.

a lamb a year old without blemish
The specification of "a lamb a year old" signifies purity and innocence, as a young lamb is often seen as a symbol of these qualities. The requirement of being "without blemish" underscores the need for perfection in offerings to God, symbolizing the sinless nature of Christ, the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. Historically, this reflects the meticulous care in selecting offerings, pointing to the holiness and perfection required in worship.

for a burnt offering
The term "burnt offering" comes from the Hebrew word "עֹלָה" (olah), meaning "that which goes up" or "ascent," referring to the smoke rising to God. This offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete surrender and dedication to God. It represents the believer's call to live a life wholly devoted to God, allowing every aspect of life to be an offering to Him.

to the LORD
This phrase highlights the direction and purpose of the offering. The Hebrew name used here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. It reminds believers of the personal relationship God desires with His people and the importance of directing worship and offerings to Him alone.

every day
The daily nature of this command underscores the importance of regular, consistent worship and dedication. It reflects the idea that worship is not a one-time event but a continual practice. Historically, this daily offering was a central part of the temple worship, symbolizing the ongoing need for atonement and relationship with God.

morning by morning
This phrase emphasizes the regularity and timing of the offering, suggesting the importance of starting each day with a focus on God. It reflects the biblical principle of seeking God early and prioritizing Him in daily life. The repetition of "morning by morning" indicates a rhythm of life centered around God, encouraging believers to begin each day with prayer and dedication.

you shall provide it
The repetition of the command to "provide" reinforces the responsibility and intentionality required in worship. It serves as a reminder that worship is an active, deliberate act of obedience and love towards God. This phrase calls believers to be intentional in their daily walk with God, ensuring that their lives are a continual offering to Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book. He conveys God's messages to the Israelites, often through visions and symbolic actions.

2. The Temple
The context of this verse is a vision of a future temple, which Ezekiel describes in detail. This temple represents God's presence and the restoration of worship.

3. The Lamb
A year-old lamb without blemish is specified for the daily burnt offering. This symbolizes purity and the need for a perfect sacrifice.

4. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, to whom the offerings are made. This emphasizes the relationship between God and His people.

5. Burnt Offering
A type of sacrifice in the Old Testament where the entire animal is consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.

Teaching Points

Daily Devotion
Just as the Israelites were to offer a lamb daily, Christians are called to daily devotion and worship, dedicating each day to God.

Purity in Worship
The requirement for a lamb without blemish highlights the need for purity in our worship and lives. We are called to offer our best to God.

Symbolism of Sacrifice
The burnt offering symbolizes total surrender to God. In our lives, we are to live as living sacrifices, wholly dedicated to His service.

Christ as the Perfect Sacrifice
The daily offering points forward to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Our faith rests in His perfect sacrifice.

Consistency in Faith
The regularity of the offering teaches the importance of consistency in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and fellowship.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the requirement of a daily offering in Ezekiel 46:13 reflect the importance of regular worship in our lives today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our worship and service to God are "without blemish"?

3. How does the concept of a burnt offering as total dedication apply to our modern Christian walk?

4. How does the daily offering in Ezekiel point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and how should this impact our understanding of grace?

5. What practical steps can we take to maintain consistency in our spiritual disciplines, reflecting the daily offering described in Ezekiel 46:13?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:38-42
This passage describes the daily offerings commanded by God, establishing a pattern of continual worship and dedication.

Leviticus 1:3-9
Details the requirements for burnt offerings, emphasizing the need for offerings to be without blemish, pointing to the holiness required in worship.

Hebrews 10:1-14
Discusses the insufficiency of animal sacrifices and points to Christ as the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice, fulfilling the law's requirements.