What is the significance of the "sixth of an ephah" in offerings? Setting the Context Ezekiel’s temple vision gives precise weights and volumes for worship. Twice the prophet records a “sixth of an ephah” as the required grain measure. • Ezekiel 45:13 — “This is the contribution you are to offer: a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat and a sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley.” • Ezekiel 46:5 — “The grain offering for the ram shall be a sixth of an ephah, and the grain offering with the lambs a tenth of an ephah…” • Ezekiel 46:14 — “…morning by morning you shall provide a sixth of an ephah with a third of a hin of oil…” What an Ephah Measures • The ephah was Israel’s standard dry measure, roughly 22 liters (about 5.8 gallons). • One-sixth of an ephah equals about 3.6 – 3.7 liters (just under a gallon). • God fixed the ephah to guarantee honesty: “You must have honest balances, an honest ephah…” (Ezekiel 45:10; cf. Leviticus 19:35-36). Why a Sixth? Key Observations • Proportional generosity – For a daily lamb the Law required only a tenth of an ephah (Numbers 28:5). In the millennial vision God raises the portion for certain sacrifices to a sixth, stressing abundance and gratitude. • Consistent remembrance – Six days complete man’s workweek (Exodus 20:9). A sixth-portion offered “morning by morning” (Ezekiel 46:14) ties every workday to worship. • Royal tribute picture – Ezekiel 45:13 links the sixth to the “contribution” (terumah) owed to the prince. It symbolizes loyal submission to the Messiah-King who supplies the temple (Ezekiel 45:16-17). • Honest scales, holy worship – By specifying an exact fraction, God eliminates guesswork. The worshiper can neither cheat nor boast. True worship rests on precision, not personal preference (Proverbs 11:1). • Foreshadowing Christ, the Bread of Life – Grain speaks of daily bread (Matthew 6:11) and of Jesus Himself (John 6:35). The measured sixth teaches that God provides exactly what is needed—never scant, never wasteful. Theological Significance • Sufficiency: A sixth is enough to sustain the priesthood yet small enough for every worshiper to afford. Grace is abundant but accessible (2 Corinthians 9:8). • Sanctified routine: The fixed portion turns ordinary flour into continual worship. Everyday resources become holy when offered in obedience (Romans 12:1). • Anticipation of perfect rule: These millennial statutes look ahead to Messiah’s reign when justice flows from the throne and measures are always right (Isaiah 11:3-5). Practical Takeaways for Believers • Give with precision—budget generosity into every paycheck just as Israel measured grain. • Let daily tasks start with worship; morning devotion sanctifies the rest of the day. • Live transparently—honest scales in business and relationships honor the God of exact measures. • Trust Christ’s sufficiency; He supplies “our daily bread” in the right proportion for every need. Summary The “sixth of an ephah” underscores God’s call to precise, sufficient, and continual worship. It binds workday to sanctuary, points to the just reign of Christ, and reminds believers that honest, measured obedience honors the Lord who provides exactly what His people need. |
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