What is the meaning of Ezekiel 45:17? And it shall be the prince’s part Ezekiel places a distinct responsibility on “the prince.” In the context of chapters 40–48, this prince is a literal, future Davidic leader who will serve under the Messiah in the millennial temple (Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24-25; 44:3; 46:16-18). While the Messiah reigns as King of kings (Isaiah 9:6-7; Revelation 19:16), the prince manages temple worship on Israel’s behalf. Scripture consistently assigns spiritual leadership to the line of David—seen earlier in 2 Samuel 7:12-16 and foreshadowed again in Jeremiah 30:9—so Ezekiel’s description fits the broader prophetic pattern. Nothing here is symbolic only; God really will raise up this prince to handle worship logistics in a restored Jerusalem. to provide the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings The prince’s first duty is supply. • Burnt offerings (Leviticus 1) represent total consecration to the LORD. • Grain offerings (Leviticus 2) acknowledge God’s provision and covenant faithfulness. • Drink offerings (Numbers 15:5-10) accompany the other sacrifices, completing the picture of fellowship. Under the Law, individual Israelites brought these gifts (Leviticus 22:18-19). In the coming age the prince gathers and distributes them, ensuring that worship never stalls for lack of resources—echoing David’s practice of organizing temple supplies (1 Chronicles 29:2-9). God will personally see to it that worship in the millennial temple is lavish, ordered, and fully supplied (Malachi 1:11). for the feasts, New Moons, and Sabbaths—for all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel The calendar of worship remains intact. Ezekiel lists: • Weekly Sabbaths (Exodus 20:8-11) • Monthly New Moons (Numbers 28:11-15) • Annual feasts—Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles (Leviticus 23; Numbers 28-29). Each observance points to God’s redemptive plan and will be celebrated worldwide (Zechariah 14:16-19). By assigning supply duties to the prince, God guarantees that every festival proceeds in perfect order. Colossians 2:16-17 reminds us these observances foreshadow Christ; Ezekiel shows they will also commemorate Him in His kingdom. He will provide the sin offerings, grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings Ezekiel now widens the list: • Sin (or purification) offerings deal with ceremonial impurity (Leviticus 4). • Grain and burnt offerings, as above, express devotion. • Peace offerings (Leviticus 3) celebrate fellowship and gratitude. The prince supplies all of them. Just as Solomon financed temple sacrifices at the dedication (1 Kings 8:62-64), this future ruler underwrites daily, weekly, and yearly worship. His generosity mirrors the Messiah’s ultimate provision (John 1:29), ensuring uninterrupted communion between God and His people. to make atonement for the house of Israel “Atonement” remains the central aim (Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22). In the millennium, sacrifices will not compete with the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus (Hebrews 10:10-14) but will memorialize it, much as the Lord’s Supper does today (1 Corinthians 11:26). They also visibly apply Christ’s finished work to a redeemed nation (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:26-27). By placing atonement in the prince’s hands, God underscores His covenant promise: Israel will be fully reconciled and enjoy unhindered access to His presence forever. summary Ezekiel 45:17 assigns the future Davidic prince the joyful task of financing and organizing every sacrifice and festival in the millennial temple. His stewardship—covering burnt, grain, drink, sin, and peace offerings for Sabbaths, New Moons, and annual feasts—ensures continual atonement and devotion for the whole nation. In doing so, he reflects the generosity, order, and redemptive purpose of the Messiah, guaranteeing that Israel’s worship in the coming kingdom will be complete, richly provided, and forever centered on the finished work of Christ. |
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