King James Version
What Does Ezekiel 46:15 Mean?
“Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning for a continual burnt offering.”
Ezekiel 46:15 · KJV
Context
13
Thou shalt daily prepare a burnt offering unto the LORD of a lamb of the first year without blemish: thou shalt prepare it every morning. of the: Heb. a son of his year every: Heb. morning by morning
14
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.
15
Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning for a continual burnt offering.
16
Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons'; it shall be their possession by inheritance.
17
But if he give a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his to the year of liberty; after it shall return to the prince: but his inheritance shall be his sons' for them.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meat offering, and the oil, every morning for a continual burnt offering. This summary verse unifies 46:13-14's components—kebes (lamb), minchah (grain offering), and shemen (oil)—into a harmonious olat tamid (עֹלַת תָּמִיד, 'continual burnt offering'). The threefold elements create completeness: animal sacrifice for atonement, grain for consecration, oil for Spirit-anointing. Every morning (baboker baboker) establishes daily rhythm.
This perpetual worship anticipates Revelation 5:8-14's ceaseless heavenly liturgy. While Christ's finished work ended sacrificial necessity (Hebrews 10:18), Ezekiel's vision suggests memorial worship continues in the millennium, not for atonement but for remembrance and celebration. Like communion (1 Corinthians 11:26), these offerings would proclaim the Lord's death until—and perhaps even after—He comes.
This perpetual worship anticipates Revelation 5:8-14's ceaseless heavenly liturgy. While Christ's finished work ended sacrificial necessity (Hebrews 10:18), Ezekiel's vision suggests memorial worship continues in the millennium, not for atonement but for remembrance and celebration. Like communion (1 Corinthians 11:26), these offerings would proclaim the Lord's death until—and perhaps even after—He comes.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The continual burnt offering sustained Israel's covenant relationship—cessation signaled divine judgment (Psalm 74:4-8). Antiochus Epiphanes' suspension (167 BC) and Rome's ending (AD 70) marked catastrophic covenant disruptions. Ezekiel's vision promises restoration beyond historical temple worship.
Reflection Questions
- How does the daily pattern of lamb, grain, and oil inform your own rhythms of worship and consecration?
- What role might memorial sacrifices play in millennial worship if Christ's atonement is complete—remembrance, celebration, or pedagogical demonstration?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 11 wordsוַעֲשׂ֨וּ1 of 11
“Thus shall they prepare”
H6213to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת2 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת4 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּנְחָ֛ה5 of 11
“and the meat offering”
H4503a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְאֶת6 of 11
H853properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶן7 of 11
“and the oil”
H8081grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
עוֹלַ֖ת10 of 11
“burnt offering”
H5930a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
תָּמִֽיד׃11 of 11
“for a continual”
H8548properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Ezekiel 46:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Ezekiel 46:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge