All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel.

EZEKIEL 45:16KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 45:16 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 45:16 mean?

Ezekiel 45:16 describes a required contribution from the people of Israel for their prince, or ruler. The contribution is part of a system for supplying offerings at the place of worship, with the people and the ruler each having a part in providing what is needed.

God is speaking through Ezekiel about how the people are to order their worship. After the amounts of grain and oil are specified in verses 13–15, verse 16 makes the contribution a duty shared by “all the people of the land.”

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 45:16

  • “oblation” — תְּרוּמָה (terumah): A contribution or offering set aside for a particular purpose. The word helps show that the KJV’s “oblation” is something the people give, rather than a ceremony they perform.
  • “prince” — נָשִׂיא (nasiʾ): A leader or ruler. The word identifies the person who receives the people’s contribution as the ruler within Israel.

Why Ezekiel 45:16 matters

  • The contribution involves the whole community, not just worship leaders. The words “all the people of the land” make its reach broad.
  • The ruler has a responsibility as well as a place in receiving the contribution. Verse 17 says that the prince must provide offerings for the appointed occasions of worship.
  • The offering is practical and measured. The nearby instructions name portions of grain, oil, and animals, showing what the contribution consists of.

Where else these words appear

“oblation” Hebrew H8641 · used in 63 verses

  • Exodus 25:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.
  • Numbers 15:19 Then it shall be, that, when ye eat of the bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave offering unto the LORD.
  • Ezra 8:25 And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:

“prince” Hebrew H5387 · used in 120 verses

  • Genesis 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
  • Numbers 7:54 On the eighth day offered Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh:
  • 2 Chronicles 1:2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every governor in all Israel, the chief of the fathers.