What is the meaning of Ezekiel 45:14? The prescribed portion of oil Ezekiel 45:14 opens by saying, “The prescribed portion of oil…”. In the larger passage (Ezekiel 45:13-17) the LORD assigns specific portions of grain, animals, and oil that the people are to bring so the prince can provide the daily, weekly, and annual sacrifices in the future temple. • This reveals God’s continued concern that worship be supplied in an orderly, dependable way (compare Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:2). • It also echoes earlier covenant practice: the people contribute, the priesthood (here, the prince) administers (cf. Exodus 25:1-8). Measured by the bath The verse continues, “…measured by the bath….” A bath was a standard liquid measure (about 5¾ gallons / 22 liters). • Standardized measures guard fairness and honesty, something God had already insisted on in Ezekiel 45:10-12 and in Leviticus 19:35-36. • Using one clear unit keeps everyone—prince and people—accountable (Proverbs 16:11). Is a tenth of a bath “…is a tenth of a bath….” One-tenth of a bath per cor means 0.575 gallon (2.2 L) of oil for every larger unit of produce. • The fraction recalls the principle of set, proportional giving found throughout Scripture (Numbers 18:26; Malachi 3:10). • It underscores that God’s requirements are precise yet not burdensome; He asks only a small portion for His house. From each cor “…from each cor….” A cor was a larger dry measure for grain or pressed olives. • “Each” shows the requirement is universal: every producer participates, large or small (Deuteronomy 16:16-17). • The prince will receive consistent resources, eliminating the need for forced levies or unjust taxation (Ezekiel 45:8-9). (A cor consists of ten baths or one homer) Parenthetically the text explains the equivalence. • God clarifies units so no one can manipulate the system—echoing Isaiah 1:22-23, where corrupt leaders diluted standards. • By bridging bath, cor, and homer, the LORD guarantees transparency across liquid and dry commodities (Ezekiel 45:11). Since ten baths are equivalent to a homer The concluding reminder cements the math: ten baths = one homer. • This converts the oil offering into an easy-to-track 1 percent levy (1/10 bath for every 10 baths). • Such clarity prevents exploitation, fulfilling the promise that princes will “no longer oppress My people” (Ezekiel 45:8). • It harmonizes with the prophetic picture of a righteous, messianic administration where weights and measures reflect God’s justice (Jeremiah 23:5-6). summary Ezekiel 45:14 sets a simple, exact standard: for every cor (ten baths/one homer) of produce, the people bring one-tenth of a bath of oil. The verse teaches: • Worship in the coming temple will be supplied through fair, proportional giving. • God values precise, honest measurements that protect both worshipers and leaders. • By spelling out the equivalence of bath, cor, and homer, the LORD removes any opportunity for confusion or oppression. In short, the verse illustrates God’s meticulous care for righteous administration and unbroken worship in the future kingdom. |
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