What connections exist between Ezekiel 45:14 and New Testament teachings on giving? Verse Snapshot “The prescribed portion of oil, measured by the bath, is one-tenth of a bath from each cor (the cor measures ten baths or one homer, since ten baths are equivalent to a homer).” – Ezekiel 45:14 What Stands Out • Precise, God-given ratio: 1/10 bath per cor • Applies to every harvest, large or small • Supports ongoing temple worship under the coming prince (vv. 17-25) • Emphasizes stewardship, fairness, and consistency Echoes in Jesus’ Teaching • Matthew 23:23 – Jesus affirms tithing’s principle while calling for heart devotion • Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4 – The widow’s two small coins show proportionate giving measured by sacrifice, not size • Luke 16:10 – Faithfulness “in very little” signals readiness for larger kingdom trust Paul’s Reinforcement • 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up…” • 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 – Give “according to what one has,” producing equality among believers • 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly…” • Philippians 4:15-18 – Gifts to gospel ministry are “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice” • Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18 – Material support for those who labor in the word echoes temple provision for priests Shared Principles • God specifies the portion: whether oil (Ezekiel) or income (Corinthians), giving is intentional, not random • Proportionality: large harvests yield larger offerings; lean harvests, smaller—but everyone participates • Sustaining worship and ministry: oil kept lamps burning; present-day giving fuels gospel light • Worship-driven stewardship: offerings are “holy to the LORD,” not mere philanthropy Putting It All Together Ezekiel 45:14 paints a picture of ordered, proportionate giving that undergirds worship. The New Testament lifts that same pattern into Spirit-filled generosity: systematic, percentage-based, cheerful, and aimed at advancing the work of Christ. Living It Out Today • Determine a prayerful percentage of income (start with a tenth; grow as God prospers) • Set it aside first, just as temple oil was measured before use • Direct it to local church ministry and wider gospel needs, reflecting Philippians 4:18 • Review regularly, letting generosity expand with gratitude (2 Corinthians 9:8-11) |
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