Ezekiel 45 17

Ezekiel 45:17 kjv

And 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.

Ezekiel 45:17 nkjv

Then it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, at the feasts, the New Moons, the Sabbaths, and at all the appointed seasons of the house of Israel. He shall prepare the sin offering, the grain offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offerings to make atonement for the house of Israel."

Ezekiel 45:17 niv

It will be the duty of the prince to provide the burnt offerings, grain offerings and drink offerings at the festivals, the New Moons and the Sabbaths?at all the appointed festivals of Israel. He will provide the sin offerings, grain offerings, burnt offerings and fellowship offerings to make atonement for the Israelites.

Ezekiel 45:17 esv

It shall be the prince's duty to furnish the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings, at the feasts, the new moons, and the Sabbaths, all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel: he shall provide the sin offerings, grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, to make atonement on behalf of the house of Israel.

Ezekiel 45:17 nlt

The prince will be required to provide offerings that are given at the religious festivals, the new moon celebrations, the Sabbath days, and all other similar occasions. He will provide the sin offerings, burnt offerings, grain offerings, liquid offerings, and peace offerings to purify the people of Israel, making them right with the LORD.

Ezekiel 45 verses

Ezekiel 45 17 meaning

Ezekiel 45:17 designates a fundamental responsibility of the "prince" (or leader) in the divinely revealed, future temple community. His role is to supply the required animal and grain sacrifices—specifically burnt, grain, drink, and peace offerings—which are essential for the priestly acts of atonement on behalf of the entire "house of Israel." This verse underscores the leader's administrative duty to ensure the continuity and provision of sacred worship, thereby facilitating reconciliation and fellowship between God and His people, while distinguishing it from the sacerdotal acts performed by the priests.

Ezekiel 45 17 Context

Ezekiel 45 belongs to the detailed visionary section of the book (chapters 40-48), describing a new, ideal temple, its regulations, and the reordering of the land of Israel following the Babylonian exile. This vision served to provide hope and a future blueprint for a holy, restored covenant community. Specifically, chapter 45 delineates the sacred land allocations for the sanctuary, priests, Levites, the city, and the Prince. It subsequently establishes regulations concerning standard measures, communal contributions, and, in verse 17, defines the Prince's direct role in funding and providing for the sacrificial system. This role for the Prince stands in sharp contrast to the often corrupt or negligent kings of pre-exilic Judah, underscoring a rectified future where spiritual duties are conscientiously supported by righteous leadership to maintain the sanctity of worship and ensure national atonement.

Ezekiel 45 17 Word analysis

• And it shall be: This introductory phrase emphasizes a divine decree or established ordinance for the future, highlighting the certainty and unalterable nature of the command regarding the Prince's role.
• the prince's (הַנָּשִׂיא - han·nāśî’): Literally "the leader" or "the chief." In Ezekiel's ideal vision, this figure is often understood as a human leader under the ultimate Messianic King. The term avoids "king" (melech) to consciously distinguish him from the corrupt, exploitative kings of Israel and Judah, signifying a redefined leadership role focused on service and adherence to God's law rather than absolute monarchy.
• part to give (לָנָּשִׂיא יִהְיֶה - la·nāśî’ yih·yeh): This phrase denotes "it shall belong to the Prince to provide" or "it is the Prince's responsibility to supply." This clarifies that the Prince's duty is administrative—to fund and ensure the provision of the sacrifices—not to personally perform the priestly ritual of offering them on the altar.
• the burnt offerings (הָעוֹלֹת - hā·‘ōlōṯ): (from ‘olâ, meaning "that which ascends"). These sacrifices were completely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication, complete surrender, worship, and propitiation. They were fundamental and regular offerings.
• and the grain offerings (וְהַמִּנְחָה - wə·ham·minḥâ): (from minḥâ, a gift or tribute). Typically consisting of flour or unleavened cakes, these offerings expressed thanksgiving, devotion, and dependence on God for sustenance and blessings, accompanying other sacrifices.
• and the drink offerings (וְהַנְּסָכִים - wə·han·nəśāḵîm): (from nesek, libation). Liquid offerings, often wine, that were poured out with other sacrifices. They typically signified joy, praise, and dedication, as part of a comprehensive act of worship.
• and the peace offerings (וְהַשְּׁלָמִים - wə·haš·šəlāmîm): (from šelamîm, linked to shalom - peace, wholeness). These offerings fostered communion and fellowship, with portions shared between God, the priests, and the offerers. They expressed thanksgiving, a vow, or a freewill offering, emphasizing a reconciled and restored relationship.
• and to make atonement (לְכַפֵּר - lə·ḵap·pēr): (from kāpar, meaning "to cover," "to purge," "to reconcile"). This signifies the process of cleansing from sin and restoring a right relationship with God. The Prince enables this process by providing the means, while the priests physically enact the atonement using these provisions. His support is critical for national purification.
• for the house of Israel (עַל בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל - ‘al bēṯ Yiśrā’ēl): This phrase denotes the entire community of God's people, emphasizing that the Prince's enabling of atonement rituals is for the collective spiritual well-being of the nation, ensuring their ongoing holiness and their continued dwelling in God's presence.

Ezekiel 45 17 Bonus section

The detailed regulations surrounding the Prince in Ezekiel, especially concerning his provision of offerings, represent a theological and practical shift from previous Israelite kingship. The nāsî provides the means for national atonement but also makes offerings for himself (Ezek 45:22), distinguishing him from the sinless Messiah yet embodying a faithful leader. This visionary leader avoids the past failings of kings who either exploited the people to fund the cult (2 Kgs 16:15) or usurped priestly authority (2 Chr 26:16-19). Therefore, the Prince functions as a responsible civic-religious leader whose authority stems from faithful stewardship of resources to uphold God's commanded worship, anticipating the Messianic age where ultimate provision and atonement would be fully realized.

Ezekiel 45 17 Commentary

Ezekiel 45:17 clarifies the essential duty of the Prince within the meticulously ordered temple worship of Ezekiel's vision. Unlike the often abusive monarchs of the past, this "prince" is defined by his service, specifically his role in providing all the necessary offerings—burnt, grain, drink, and peace sacrifices. This act of provision is distinct from the priestly function of offering, yet it is foundational; without the prince's provision, the priestly ministry of atonement for the nation would cease. The goal, "to make atonement for the house of Israel," highlights the ultimate spiritual purpose of the temple system, enabled by righteous leadership, which ensures collective purity and reconciliation with God. This vision of an ideal leadership and a purified people under proper worship was meant to be a beacon of hope and a call to holiness for the exilic community, illustrating how a godly leader supports the spiritual life of the nation.