Definition: And the meat offering [shall be] an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 46. It's a really important part of understanding how God’s plan for Israel was set up during the time of Ezekiel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a specific ritual sacrifice – an offering – that would be performed to show God’s favor and establish a system of worship. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Ezekiel 46:5” : This is the verse itself. It’s from a chapter in the Bible called Ezekiel, and it’s describing a very specific offering. “And the meat offering [shall be] an ephah for a ram…” : "Ephah" means a large measure – think of it like a giant sack or barrel. An ephah was a standard measurement used by ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians. So, this means the offering will be huge . It’s a massive amount of meat, enough to fill an entire ephah (a very large container). It's a significant amount of food offered as a sign of God’s presence and blessing. “…and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give…” : This means that alongside the huge offering of meat, there would also be another portion – a smaller offering – for the lambs. The lamb is a symbol of innocence and sacrifice, so this part acknowledges that God's people need to provide sustenance for their flock. “and an hin of oil to an ephah.” : “Hin” refers to a small measure, like a container or bucket. This signifies that there’ll be a separate offering – a smaller amount – of oil. The ephah (the huge meat offering) is paired with this smaller offering of oil. Oil was often used in religious rituals as a symbol of God's grace and protection. In short, this verse establishes a system where the people of Israel would offer a massive amount of food – an ephah – to demonstrate their devotion and receive blessings from God. It’s a crucial part of the plan to show that God was willing to provide for his people and to establish a strong, dedicated community. What's the significance? This verse is important because it highlights: God’s Favor: It shows that God is generous and wants to bless Israel through this ritual. Structured Worship: It demonstrates a clear and organized way for worship and devotion within the nation. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps explore why this verse was important in Ezekiel’s time?