What is the meaning of Ezekiel 46:6? On the day of the New Moon “On the day of the New Moon…” (Ezekiel 46:6) • New Moon festivals marked the start of each biblical month. God built rhythm and anticipation into Israel’s calendar so worship never drifted into routine (Numbers 10:10; 28:11-15). • Ezekiel’s vision looks ahead to a restored Temple and order of worship. The New Moon remains a set appointment for honoring the Lord’s sovereignty over time (Isaiah 66:23). • Believers today note that the same Lord who ordered Israel’s months still directs our seasons (Psalm 104:19). Though Colossians 2:16 warns against legalism, the underlying principle—regularly resetting our focus on God—still applies. a young, unblemished bull “…he shall offer a young, unblemished bull…” (46:6) • The bull was the largest and most valuable animal in the sacrificial system, often linked with atonement for leaders (Leviticus 4:3) and national sin (Leviticus 16:3). • “Unblemished” points to moral and physical perfection—an earthly picture of Christ, the perfect substitute (Hebrews 9:13-14). • Placing this costly animal at the head of the New Moon offering underlines God’s supreme worth and the seriousness of approaching Him. six lambs “…six lambs…” • Lambs were daily burnt-offering staples (Exodus 29:38-42) and Passover’s central symbol (Exodus 12:5). • Offering six of them stresses completeness; the number mirrors humanity’s six-day work-week, suggesting that every facet of life belongs on the altar (Romans 12:1). • Lamb imagery draws our attention again to Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Ezekiel’s vision therefore foreshadows a kingdom where Christ’s redemptive work is continually remembered (1 Peter 1:18-19). a ram without blemish “…and a ram without blemish.” • Rams signify strength and dedication. In the ordination of priests, a ram was called “the ram of consecration” (Leviticus 8:22). • Genesis 22:13 offers the earliest picture: God provided a ram in Isaac’s place. That substitutionary theme culminates in Christ, the once-for-all sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Pairing the ram with the bull and lambs rounds out the New Moon worship package—covering leadership, the people, and priesthood. Nothing is left outside God’s redeeming reach (Ezekiel 45:23-24). summary Ezekiel 46:6 lays out a New Moon offering of a bull, six lambs, and a ram, each “unblemished.” Literally, it sketches future Temple worship; spiritually, it calls every generation to fresh dedication. The bull highlights the high cost of sin, the lambs the comprehensive claim of God on daily life, and the ram the strength of consecration. All three point unmistakably to Jesus Christ, the perfect sacrifice who fulfills every shadow and sustains unending worship in His coming kingdom. |
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