Ezekiel 45:13-17 Meaning: Generous and Orderly Worship
13“‘“This is the offering that you shall offer: the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of wheat, and you shall give the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of barley,
14and the set portion of oil, of the bath of oil, one tenth of a bath out of the cor, which is ten baths, even a homer (for ten baths are a homer),
15and one lamb of the flock out of two hundred, from the well-watered pastures of Israel—for a meal offering, for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make atonement for them,” says the Lord Yahweh.
16“All the people of the land shall give to this offering for the prince in Israel.
17It shall be the prince’s part to give the burnt offerings, the meal offerings, and the drink offerings, in the feasts, and on the new moons, and on the Sabbaths, in all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel. He shall prepare the sin offering, the meal offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel.”
13This is the oblation that ye shall offer; the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of wheat, and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of barley:
14Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, ye shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer:
15And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord God.
16All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel.
17And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.
13This is the oblation that ye shall offer: the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of wheat; and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of barley;
14and the set portion of oil, of the bath of oil, the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is ten baths, even a homer (for ten baths are a homer);
15and one lamb of the flock, out of two hundred, from the well-watered pastures of Israel;—for a meal-offering, and for a burnt-offering, and for peace-offerings, to make atonement for them, saith the Lord Jehovah.
16All the people of the land shall give unto this oblation for the prince in Israel.
17And it shall be the prince’s part to give the burnt-offerings, and the meal-offerings, and the drink-offerings, in the feasts, and on the new moons, and on the sabbaths, in all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin-offering, and the meal-offering, and the burnt-offering, and the peace-offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel.
13`This is the heave-offering that ye lift up; a sixth part of the ephah of a homer of wheat, also ye have given a sixth part of the ephah of a homer of barley,
14and the portion of oil, the bath of oil, a tenth part of the bath out of the cor, a homer of ten baths--for ten baths are a homer;
15and one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the watered country of Israel, for a present, and for a burnt-offering, and for peace-offerings, to make atonement by them--an affirmation of the Lord Jehovah.
16All the people of the land are at this heave-offering for the prince in Israel.
17And on the prince are the burnt-offerings, and the present, and the libation, in feasts, and in new moons, and in sabbaths, in all appointed times of the house of Israel: he doth make the sin-offering, and the present, and the burnt-offering, and the peace-offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel.
13This is the heave-offering which ye shall offer: the sixth part of an ephah out of a homer of wheat, and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah out of a homer of barley;
14and the set portion of oil, by the bath of oil, the tenth part of a bath out of a cor, [which is] a homer of ten baths, for ten baths are a homer;
15and one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, from the well-watered pastures of Israel; — for an oblation, and for a burnt-offering, and for peace-offerings, to make atonement for them, saith the Lord Jehovah.
16All the people of the land shall be [held] to this heave-offering for the prince in Israel.
17And it shall be the prince's part [to supply] the burnt-offerings, and the oblation, and the drink-offering, at the feasts, and at the new moons, and on the sabbaths, in all the solemnities of the house of Israel: it is he that shall prepare the sin-offering, and the oblation, and the burnt-offering, and the peace-offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel.
Meaning in one sentence
Why does Ezekiel specify exact portions for offerings? This passage reveals God's desire for orderly, joyful worship in the restored community.
Context
Ezekiel wrote from exile in Babylon, after Jerusalem had fallen. God gave him visions of a restored temple and a renewed people. In chapter 45, the prophet addresses the leaders of Israel, the princes, who had grown violent and unjust. Verses 9-12 call for honest weights and measures. Then verses 13-17 lay out a new system of offerings. The people are to give fixed portions of grain, oil, and sheep to the prince. And the prince is responsible for providing the sacrifices for all the appointed feasts. This is not a return to the old way, where offerings were left to free will and often fell short. It is a vision of orderly, sustained worship at the heart of God's renewed community.
Key Words
Three words carry the weight here. “Oblation” (used by KJV and others) is an offering lifted up, something set apart for God. The people did not give leftovers; they gave designated portions from their harvest and flock. “Atonement” appears twice (verses 15 and 17). It means “to cover” or “to make reconciliation.” Every sacrifice pointed toward restoring relationship with God. The lambs, the grain, the oil, all were given so the people could stay connected to their Holy God. And “the prince” is the leader who channels the people’s gifts into worship. He does not take for himself; he provides for the sacrifices. His role reminds us that godly leadership receives from the community to serve the community’s worship.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have read this passage in different ways. Some see it as a literal blueprint for a future temple in Jerusalem, where Israel will worship according to these exact measures. Others understand it typologically: the prince who provides atonement points to Christ, the true King-Priest who reconciles God’s people. Barnes, for example, says the prince’s role “seems to typify the union of the kingly and priestly offices in the person of the Mediator of the New covenant.” Reformed readers often emphasize that the orderly provision for worship teaches us that God cares about structure and generosity. Across traditions, the passage invites confidence that God has a clear plan for how His people draw near to Him.
A common misunderstanding
Living This Out
You may not live in a restored temple community, but you do have a worship community. This passage asks: do you give your support, your time, your resources, in a way that helps others draw near to God? The people gave fixed portions so that the prince could provide. In your church, your giving provides for teaching, prayer, and ministry. Think of one concrete way you can contribute regularly this week, not grudgingly but as a joyful portion. It might be a set amount of money, or a set time of service. Let it be orderly and generous, matching the heart of the One who gave Himself fully for you.
Main takeaway: God desires orderly, generous worship where leaders serve and every person contributes, because relationship with Him is sustained by His provision and our joyful response.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God told His people to give a little bit of their food to the prince so he could have worship services. It was like bringing your toy so everyone could play together.
For ages 9, 12
In Ezekiel’s vision, God gave exact rules for how much grain, oil, and sheep the people should give to the prince. The prince then used those gifts to provide the animals and food for the temple sacrifices. This shows that God wants worship to be planned and generous. Everyone gave a small amount, but together they had everything they needed. When you bring your offering to church, you are part of making worship happen.
Questions People Ask
Why did God specify such exact amounts for the offerings?
The fixed amounts ensured that worship was never neglected. In the old system, offerings depended on the free will of the people, and sometimes they fell short (see Malachi 3:8). By setting specific proportions, God guaranteed that the prince would always have enough to provide the sacrifices, and justice was maintained because everyone contributed fairly.
Who is the 'prince' in Ezekiel 45?
The prince is the leader of the restored community, distinct from the priests. He receives the people's contributions and is responsible for supplying all the sacrifices for the festivals and atonement services. Many Christian commentators see the prince as a foreshadowing of Christ, who combines kingly and priestly roles to make reconciliation for His people.
Does this passage apply to Christians today?
Most Christians do not observe the Old Testament sacrificial system, but the principles remain. The passage teaches that worship requires order, that leaders are to provide for the community's spiritual needs, and that every person has a part to contribute. It also points forward to Jesus, the ultimate Prince who offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice.
What does 'atonement' mean in these verses?
Atonement means 'to cover' or 'to make reconciliation.' In Ezekiel, the offerings of grain, lambs, and other gifts were means of covering sin and restoring the people's relationship with God. This points ahead to the final atonement made by Christ on the cross, which completely reconciles us to God.
Why are the amounts different for wheat (1/6) and oil (1/10)?
The different proportions may reflect typical yields or the relative value of the crops. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown notes a progression: grain required a sixtieth part, oil a hundredth, and sheep one out of two hundred. The important point is that every commodity had a fixed, fair proportion, ensuring neither the rich nor the poor were burdened, and worship was sustained.
For pastors & researchers
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