What is the meaning of Ezekiel 45:22? On that day • The phrase signals a specific, appointed time in God’s prophetic calendar. Other prophetic passages use the same wording to point to a real, future moment when the LORD acts decisively (cf. Zechariah 14:9; Isaiah 2:11). • Here it anchors the ordinance to the millennial worship system Ezekiel 40–48 describes—a literal future temple and priesthood after Christ’s return (compare Ezekiel 43:7, “This is the place of My throne…”). • By marking “that day,” God underlines that His redemptive plan moves toward a definite fulfillment, giving certainty and hope to His people. the prince shall provide • “The prince” is a human leader, distinct from both Messiah and the priests, repeatedly mentioned in Ezekiel 44–48 (e.g., Ezekiel 44:3; 46:16). • He functions as Israel’s civil head during the Millennium, a Davidic ruler under Messiah’s ultimate kingship (see Ezekiel 34:23–24; 37:24–25). • His obligation to “provide” reveals servant leadership: he supplies what worshipers need rather than demanding it from them—foreshadowing the Christ-like model of authority (cf. Matthew 20:25-28). a bull as a sin offering • A literal animal sacrifice is envisioned, consistent with the detailed sacrificial system in Ezekiel 40–46. • These offerings will not compete with Christ’s once-for-all atonement (Hebrews 10:10); rather, they will memorialize it, just as the Lord’s Supper presently looks back to the cross. • The bull—a costly animal—underscores the gravity of sin and the richness of God’s provision, echoing earlier patterns (Leviticus 4:3-14). for himself • Even this exalted prince needs cleansing. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “all have sinned.” • His personal participation guards against any notion that human leaders stand above the need for forgiveness (cf. Leviticus 9:7, where Aaron also offered first for himself). • By taking the lead in repentance, he models humility and accountability for the nation. and for all the people of the land • The offering covers the entire covenant community, reflecting God’s heart to forgive collectively as well as individually (Ezekiel 36:24-28). • It fulfills the mediatorial role civil rulers were always meant to play—protecting, representing, and blessing the people (2 Samuel 23:3-4). • This shared sacrifice bonds prince and people together in unity under God, anticipating the universal worship pictured in Zechariah 14:16-19. summary Ezekiel 45:22 points to a real future day when Israel’s prince will personally furnish a costly sin offering, acknowledging his own need and that of the entire nation. In the millennial temple these sacrifices will vividly commemorate Christ’s completed work, foster humility in leadership, and unite God’s people in grateful worship as His redemptive plan reaches its promised climax. |
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