Ezekiel 45:13

This is the oblation that ye shal offer, the sixt part of an Ephah of an Homer of wheat, & ye shal giue the sixt part of an Ephah of an Homer of barley. Ezekiel 45:13 (KJV)

The book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, containing visions and messages from God to the exiled Israelites. In this chapter Ezekiel receives a vision of a future temple and its offerings during the time of restoration.

Understanding the terminology:

• Oblation: a portion of a sacrifice or offering given to God.
• Ephah: a unit of measure for dry goods, approximately one bushel.
• Homer: a larger unit, traditionally ten ephahs or about ten bushels.
• Wheat and barley: staple crops in the ancient Near East.

The offering: In this verse Ezekiel is given precise instructions regarding the oblation the people are to present. It specifies a sixth part of an ephah from each homer of wheat and a sixth part of an ephah from each homer of barley.

Symbolism and spiritual lessons:

Care for worship – The detailed instructions for temple offerings highlight the importance of careful, reverent worship and the need for precision and obedience in approaching the Lord.

Equal distribution – By requiring the same proportion from both wheat and barley, the passage promotes fairness and equality among the people, suggesting that everyone, regardless of economic status, is expected to bring their allotted portion.

Gratitude and provision – Offering grain represents gratitude to God for His provision, reminding the people to acknowledge Him as the ultimate source of their sustenance and to give thanks for His blessings.

Honoring God – Giving a portion of the harvest as an offering demonstrates the recognition that all they possess belongs to God and reflects a desire to honor Him with material possessions.

Application:

Worship and obedience – The passage calls believers to worship God in spirit and truth, paying attention to the details of His instructions and obeying His commands with a willing heart.

Gratitude and stewardship – It encourages a spirit of thankfulness and responsible stewardship of the time, talents, and resources God has entrusted to us.

Equality and generosity – As the offering promotes equality, Christians are urged to practice fairness and generosity, extending kindness and help to those in need, thereby reflecting God’s love and grace.

Remember, the study of God’s Word is a continuous journey; ongoing prayer, meditation, and deeper study can reveal further richness in this passage.