Ezekiel 46:14

You are also to provide with it every morning a grain offering of a sixth of an ephah with a third of a hin of oil to moisten the fine flour--a grain offering to the LORD. This is a permanent statute.

Study Bible

You are also to provide
This phrase indicates a commandment, emphasizing the responsibility and duty of the people or the priests to offer sacrifices. The Hebrew root for "provide" is "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or to set. This reflects the act of giving as a form of worship and obedience to God, highlighting the importance of regular offerings as a means of maintaining a relationship with the divine.

with it every morning
The phrase "every morning" underscores the regularity and consistency required in worship. The Hebrew word for "morning" is "בֹּקֶר" (boqer), which signifies the beginning of a new day. This daily offering symbolizes the renewal of commitment to God, suggesting that worship and dedication are not occasional but continual acts.

a grain offering
The grain offering, or "מִנְחָה" (minchah) in Hebrew, was a common type of offering in the Old Testament, representing the fruits of human labor. It symbolizes gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. The grain offering was a non-bloody sacrifice, emphasizing the dedication of one's work and sustenance to God.

a sixth of an ephah
An ephah is a unit of measure used in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about 5.8 gallons. A sixth of an ephah indicates a specific, measured amount, reflecting the precision and care in worship practices. This measurement shows that God values order and intentionality in offerings.

with a third of a hin of oil
A hin is another ancient unit of measure, approximately 3.7 liters or about 1 gallon. Oil was a valuable commodity, often used in anointing and as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The inclusion of oil in the offering signifies the richness and depth of the offering, enhancing the grain and symbolizing the presence and blessing of God.

to moisten the fine flour
The fine flour, or "סֹלֶת" (solet) in Hebrew, represents the best of the harvest, finely ground and prepared. Moistening it with oil makes the offering more palatable and pleasing, symbolizing the preparation and dedication of one's best to God. This act of moistening signifies the blending of human effort with divine blessing.

a grain offering to the LORD
This phrase reiterates the purpose of the offering: it is directed to the LORD, or "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God. It emphasizes that the offering is not merely a ritual but an act of worship and reverence to the Creator, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.

This is a permanent statute
The term "permanent statute" indicates that this command is not temporary but enduring. The Hebrew word for "statute" is "חֻקָּה" (chuqqah), meaning an ordinance or decree. This permanence reflects the unchanging nature of God's expectations and the continual need for His people to engage in acts of worship and dedication. It serves as a reminder of the lasting covenant between God and His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet and priest during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is the author of the book that bears his name. He received visions and messages from God concerning the future of Israel and the temple.

2. The Prince
In the context of Ezekiel 46, the prince is a leader who has specific duties in the temple worship, including offerings. His identity is debated, but he represents a figure of authority in the restored temple.

3. The Temple
The temple described in Ezekiel is a vision of a future place of worship, symbolizing God's presence among His people and the restoration of proper worship practices.

4. Grain Offering
A type of offering made to the LORD, consisting of fine flour and oil, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God.

5. Perpetual Statute
This term indicates a lasting ordinance or command that is to be observed continually, reflecting the ongoing nature of worship and dedication to God.

Teaching Points

Consistency in Worship
The daily grain offering symbolizes the importance of regular and consistent worship in the believer's life. Just as the Israelites were to offer daily, Christians are called to maintain a consistent relationship with God through prayer, study, and worship.

Symbolism of the Offering
The grain offering, made of fine flour and oil, represents purity and the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are encouraged to offer their lives as living sacrifices, pure and guided by the Spirit.

Perpetual Dedication
The term "perpetual statute" reminds us of the eternal nature of our commitment to God. Our dedication should not be sporadic but ongoing, reflecting a life wholly devoted to Him.

Role of Leadership in Worship
The prince's role in offering highlights the responsibility of leaders to guide and facilitate worship. Christian leaders today are called to lead by example in devotion and service.

Spiritual Nourishment
Just as the grain offering was a daily requirement, believers need daily spiritual nourishment through God's Word and prayer to sustain their faith and walk with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of a "perpetual statute" in Ezekiel 46:14 apply to our daily spiritual practices today?

2. In what ways can we ensure consistency in our worship and relationship with God, similar to the daily grain offering?

3. How does the symbolism of the grain offering (fine flour and oil) relate to the New Testament teachings on living a Spirit-filled life?

4. What responsibilities do Christian leaders have in facilitating and modeling worship, as seen in the role of the prince in Ezekiel 46?

5. How can we draw parallels between the daily offerings in the Old Testament and the call for believers to be living sacrifices in Romans 12:1?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 2
Provides detailed instructions on grain offerings, emphasizing the importance of offerings as acts of worship and dedication to God.

Numbers 28
Describes daily offerings, highlighting the regularity and consistency of worship practices in the life of Israel.

Hebrews 10
Discusses the fulfillment of the law and offerings in Christ, who is the ultimate and final sacrifice, yet the principles of dedication and worship remain.