And thou shalt prepare a meat offering for it every morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of an hin of oil, to temper with the fine flour; a meat offering continually by a perpetual ordinance unto the LORD.
EZEKIEL 46:14KJVWhat does Ezekiel 46:14 mean?
Ezekiel 46:14 commands that every morning, a specific grain offering mixed with oil must be prepared as a continual sacrifice to the LORD, following a lasting rule. This daily offering is to be made with precise amounts: one-sixth of an ephah of fine flour and one-third of a hin of oil.
In this verse, God is speaking through the prophet Ezekiel, laying out detailed instructions for worship in the envisioned restored temple. The focus is on regular, consistent worship, with exact measurements showing the importance of order and faithfulness in approaching God. This verse is part of a larger section where Ezekiel describes temple practices and offerings for the future community.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 46:14
- The word for "offering" is מִנְחָה (minchah), which means a grain or gift offering, usually of flour or grain, not meat. This clarifies that "meat offering" in the King James Version actually refers to a grain-based sacrifice, not animal flesh.
- The word for "continually" is תָּמִיד (tamid), meaning ongoing or regular. This highlights that the offering is not a one-time event but a perpetual, daily act of devotion.
- The term for "perpetual ordinance" is חֻקַּת עוֹלָם (chuqqat olam), meaning a lasting or eternal statute. This stresses that the practice is meant to endure, not just for a single generation.
Why Ezekiel 46:14 matters
- Ezekiel 46:14 clears up the confusion about the "meat offering" by showing it is actually a grain offering, not an animal sacrifice.
- The verse emphasizes the importance of daily, disciplined worship and the idea that approaching God involves both regularity and careful attention to detail.
- This instruction fits into Ezekiel’s broader vision of a restored temple, highlighting God’s desire for continual relationship and faithfulness from His people.