What is the meaning of Ezekiel 46:11? At the festivals and appointed feasts “At the festivals and appointed feasts…” (Ezekiel 46:11) • Ezekiel is describing worship rhythms in the future temple he has just measured (Ezekiel 40–48). • The “festivals and appointed feasts” echo Leviticus 23, where the Lord set Israel’s calendar around His redemptive acts. Those gatherings will still be honored—now fulfilled in Messiah yet celebrated in real time (Isaiah 66:22-23; Zechariah 14:16). • The verse assumes literal, recurring celebrations, reinforcing that God’s covenant timetable never slips (Genesis 1:14; Galatians 4:4). the grain offering shall be an ephah with a bull “…the grain offering shall be an ephah with a bull…” • An ephah was roughly 22 liters/23 quarts—about half a bushel. In Mosaic law a bull normally received three-tenths of an ephah (Numbers 15:8-9). Here the portion is enlarged to a full ephah, signaling abundance and gratitude in the Messianic age (Joel 2:24). • Grain offerings symbolized daily dependence on God’s provision (Leviticus 2:1-3) and accompanied burnt offerings to complete the picture of total surrender (Romans 12:1). • The pairing of animal and grain underscores that worship is both costly and practical; God is honored with life and livelihood. an ephah with a ram “…an ephah with a ram…” • Under earlier regulations a ram normally took two-tenths of an ephah (Numbers 15:6). Matching the bull’s measure levels the field—every offering, great or small, receives equally lavish accompaniment (Psalm 65:11). • The ram often figured in substitutionary sacrifice (Genesis 22:13). Coupling it with a full ephah magnifies the sufficiency of the Substitute who reigns in Ezekiel’s temple (Hebrews 9:24-26). and as much as one is able to give with the lambs “…and as much as one is able to give with the lambs…” • The law sets no fixed amount here, inviting voluntary generosity (Deuteronomy 16:17; Proverbs 3:9-10). • Lambs were the most common offering, accessible to every household (Exodus 12:3-5). The open-ended measure keeps worship from becoming mere ritual; hearts remain engaged (Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:7). • God values willingness over volume, yet He records even the flexibility, proving that every detail of worship matters. along with a hin of oil per ephah “…along with a hin of oil per ephah.” • A hin equals about 3.8 liters/1 gallon. Oil mixed with grain made a pleasing aroma when burned (Exodus 29:40). • Throughout Scripture oil points to consecration and the Spirit’s empowering presence (1 Samuel 16:13; Isaiah 61:1). By mandating “a hin of oil per ephah,” the Lord marries provision (grain) with anointing (oil), showing that the coming kingdom will be marked by both bounty and Spirit-filled worship (Acts 2:17-18). • The fixed ratio—no matter the animal—keeps worship standardized, preventing favoritism and ensuring equity in God’s house (Ezekiel 45:10-12). summary Ezekiel 46:11 sketches a tangible, future worship scene where every festival features: • set sacrifices (bulls, rams, lambs), • generous grain portions, • Spirit-symbolizing oil, • and room for freewill giving. The verse teaches that God’s redemptive calendar endures, His provision overflows, and His people will honor Him with both mandated offerings and voluntary gifts. In the coming temple—and in present hearts—worship remains a blend of obedience, generosity, and anointing, all pointing to the sufficiency and lordship of Christ. |
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