Ezekiel 46 4

Ezekiel 46:4 kjv

And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the LORD in the sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish.

Ezekiel 46:4 nkjv

The burnt offering that the prince offers to the LORD on the Sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish;

Ezekiel 46:4 niv

The burnt offering the prince brings to the LORD on the Sabbath day is to be six male lambs and a ram, all without defect.

Ezekiel 46:4 esv

The burnt offering that the prince offers to the LORD on the Sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish and a ram without blemish.

Ezekiel 46:4 nlt

"Each Sabbath day the prince will present to the LORD a burnt offering of six lambs and one ram, all with no defects.

Ezekiel 46 4 Cross References

VerseTextReference
Ezekiel 46:5"And the meat offering for the lamb shall be a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of oil."Mosaic Law; Lamb as sacrifice
Exodus 29:38"Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually."Daily burnt offering; Priestly consecration
Leviticus 6:13"The burnt offering is on the altar all night unto the morning: and the fire of the altar shall be burning."Perpetual fire of the altar
Leviticus 23:37"These are the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, every thing upon his day:"Specified offerings for feasts
Numbers 28:3"And thou shalt say unto them, This is the offering made by fire that ye shall offer unto the LORD; two lambs of the first year without blemish day by day, for a continual burnt offering."Continual burnt offering instruction
Isaiah 1:11"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of the lambs, or of the goats."Critique of superficial sacrifices
Jeremiah 33:18"Neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually."Promise of continued priestly ministry
Hosea 6:6"For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings."Emphasis on inward devotion over outward ritual
Malachi 1:11"For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts."Universal worship and pure offerings
John 1:29"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice (Lamb of God)
Hebrews 9:14"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?"Christ's sacrifice perfecting worship
Hebrews 10:10"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."Christ's singular and sufficient sacrifice
Revelation 5:12"Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."Lamb receiving ultimate worship
Romans 12:1"I beseech you therefore, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."Spiritual sacrifices in the New Covenant
Matthew 5:23-24"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."Importance of right relationship for acceptable worship
Acts 3:21"Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his prophets since the world began."Future restitution and restoration
Psalm 51:17"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."Importance of contrite heart in sacrifice
Jeremiah 7:23"But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you."Obedience as the essence of covenant relationship
Revelation 21:22"And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it."Future eternal worship centered on God and the Lamb

Ezekiel 46 verses

Ezekiel 46 4 Meaning

The Lord's Command Regarding the Burnt Offering: In the Temple worship described for future times, the daily burnt offering is to be provided by the prince. Specifically, it consists of a year-old male lamb. This offering is the Lord's, presented regularly every morning.

Ezekiel 46 4 Context

Ezekiel 46 describes specific regulations for worship in the restored Jerusalem Temple during a future messianic age, as envisioned by the prophet. This chapter focuses on the role of the prince, the communal offerings, and the Sabbath and new moon observances. Verse 4 pertains to the daily burnt offering, which is to be provided by the prince, a key figure in this future temple system. This vision provides a blueprint for a renewed covenant relationship between God and His people, characterized by order, reverence, and perpetual worship. The detailed instructions contrast with the apostasy and destruction previously prophesied, offering a hope for restoration and a future of righteous governance and devotion. The prince's responsibility for the daily lamb sacrifice signifies his role in leading the nation in worship and upholding the covenant.

Ezekiel 46 4 Word Analysis

  • "And the prince": (Hebrew: וְהַנָּשִׂיא, wəhan·nā·sî) - "And" (וְ) connects this to previous verses, likely outlining duties. "The prince" (הַנָּשִׂיא) refers to a future royal leader, distinct from a king, who presides over Israel. His role involves leadership and responsibility, particularly in religious matters.
  • "shall offer": (Hebrew: יַעֲלֶה, ya·‘a·lĕh) - From the root עָלָה (‘ā·lâ), meaning "to go up" or "to ascend." It's used for burnt offerings because they were consumed on the altar, "going up" in smoke to God. This verb signifies the act of presenting the sacrifice.
  • "for a burnt offering": (Hebrew: לְעֹלָה, lə‘ō·lâ) - Refers to the ‘olah, a "burnt offering" or "whole offering," signifying complete devotion and atonement for the worshipper. It was entirely consumed on the altar.
  • "daily": (Hebrew: לַיּוֹם, lay·yōm) - "For the day" or "daily." This emphasizes the continuous, constant nature of the offering, mirroring the perpetual offerings established in the Mosaic Law.
  • "morning by morning": (Hebrew: בַּבֹּקֶר, בַּבֹּקֶר, bab·bō·qĕr, bab·bō·qĕr) - Repetition of the word for "morning" (בֹּקֶר, bō·qĕr), intensifying the continuous aspect of this daily rite. It points to the regularity and unceasing nature of this prescribed worship.
  • "even so": (Hebrew: כֵּן, kēn) - "Thus" or "so." This phrase indicates the manner or way in which the offering is to be presented, following a specific prescribed format.
  • "shall he": (Hebrew: הוּא, ) - Emphasizes that the prince himself is the one who must perform this duty.
  • "offer": (Hebrew: יַעֲלֶה, ya·‘a·lĕh) - Again, the verb for burnt offering, reiterating the prince's active participation.
  • "for the burnt offering of every lamb": (Hebrew: אֶת־הָעֹלָה, הַשֶּׂה, ’ĕṯ hā·‘ō·lâ, haş·şēh) - Specifies the offering: a lamb (שֶׂה, śēh), likely a young sheep. This connects directly to the prescribed daily lambs of Exodus and Numbers.
  • "according to the number": (Hebrew: מִסְפָּר, mis·pār) - Indicates a quantitative aspect, adhering to a specific count or amount for the sacrifice.
  • "after the appointed": (Hebrew: קֹדֶשׁ, qō·dĕš) - This phrase implies "according to the holy ordinance" or "according to the appointed use." The offerings are presented according to the divine command and established sanctuary practice. The masculine singular form might refer to "the ordinance," though the plural form for appointed times is more common for festivals. Given the context, it's understood as conforming to the divine requirements.

Word-Group Analysis

  • Prince's Role in Worship: The repeated emphasis on the prince's active role ("shall offer," "shall he offer") highlights his primary responsibility in initiating and leading national worship. This contrasts with kings who were sometimes mediators but not always directly performing sacrifices.
  • Daily Perpetual Sacrifice: The phrases "daily," "morning by morning," and the choice of a lamb all echo the perpetual burnt offerings prescribed by Moses (Exodus 29:38-42, Numbers 28:3-8). This establishes continuity with past covenant practices and points to an enduring form of worship.
  • "According to the Ordinance": The instruction to offer "according to the number" and "after the appointed" underscores the importance of divine order and established procedures in worship. Worship is not arbitrary but follows God’s specific commands and timing.

Ezekiel 46 4 Bonus Section

The recurring image of the prince offering the daily sacrifice in Ezekiel’s vision has led to extensive discussion among scholars. Some view this as a literal blueprint for a future Jewish temple. Others interpret it allegorically, seeing the prince as a type of the Messiah, and the sacrifices as symbols of Christ's atoning work and the ongoing spiritual worship of believers. The focus on the prince underscores a principle seen throughout Scripture: leadership bears significant responsibility for the spiritual well-being and faithfulness of the community. The daily offering reflects the need for continuous relationship with God, sustained through ongoing repentance, devotion, and acknowledgment of His sovereignty, whether through literal sacrifices or, as understood by New Testament believers, through faith in Christ's sacrifice and spiritual devotion.

Ezekiel 46 4 Commentary

Ezekiel 46:4 mandates the prince to offer a daily burnt offering of a lamb, "morning by morning." This instruction reiterates the fundamental, perpetual nature of Israel’s covenantal worship established under the Mosaic Law. The burnt offering signified complete devotion to God and provided for atonement. The prince, as the civil and spiritual leader in this future envisioning, takes personal responsibility for ensuring this essential aspect of communal worship is maintained. The phrase "morning by morning" stresses the continuous, day-in, day-out nature of this service, symbolizing constant reliance on God and daily consecration. This highlights the kingly role in mediating God’s presence and favor to the people through proper worship. The specific mention of a lamb points to the sacrificial system's continuity, even while pointing towards the ultimate Lamb of God. This future model anticipates a reign where devotion to God is paramount and modeled by its leaders.