Ezekiel 46:6

On the day of the New Moon he shall offer a young, unblemished bull, six lambs, and a ram without blemish.

Study Bible

On the day of the New Moon
The New Moon was a significant time in the Hebrew calendar, marking the beginning of a new month. In ancient Israel, the New Moon was a time of renewal and dedication, symbolizing a fresh start and a reminder of God's creation and sovereignty over time. The Hebrew word for "New Moon" is "Rosh Chodesh," which literally means "head of the month." This observance was not only a time for sacrifices but also for communal gathering and worship, reflecting the importance of aligning one's life with God's ordained times.

you are to offer
The act of offering in the Hebrew context is deeply rooted in the concept of worship and devotion. The Hebrew word "qarab" means to bring near or present, indicating that offerings were a means of drawing closer to God. This phrase underscores the importance of intentionality in worship, where offerings are not mere rituals but acts of heartfelt devotion and obedience to God's commands.

a young, unblemished bull
The requirement for a "young, unblemished bull" signifies purity and strength. In Hebrew, "tamim" means complete or perfect, emphasizing the need for offerings to be without defect. The bull, a symbol of strength and service, represents the best of what one has to offer to God. This reflects the principle that God deserves our best, and our offerings should be a reflection of our reverence and gratitude.

six lambs
Lambs were commonly used in sacrificial offerings, symbolizing innocence and submission. The number six, often associated with human effort and imperfection, contrasts with the perfection required in the offerings. This juxtaposition highlights the need for divine grace and the insufficiency of human efforts alone to achieve righteousness. The lambs, therefore, serve as a reminder of the need for humility and reliance on God's provision.

and a ram without blemish
The ram, like the bull, was a significant sacrificial animal, often associated with leadership and atonement. The requirement for it to be "without blemish" reiterates the theme of purity and perfection in offerings. In Hebrew, "ayil" refers to a mature male sheep, symbolizing strength and authority. This offering points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, who was without blemish and provided the perfect atonement for sin.

without blemish
This phrase is crucial in understanding the nature of acceptable offerings to God. The Hebrew word "tamim" again emphasizes the need for completeness and perfection. In a broader theological context, it points to the holiness and perfection of God, who requires that His people strive for purity in their worship and lives. This standard foreshadows the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law's requirements and provided a way for believers to be made righteous before God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Prince
In the context of Ezekiel, the prince is a leader or ruler who has specific responsibilities in the temple worship. He is not a king but holds a significant role in the religious life of Israel.

2. The New Moon
This is a significant time in the Hebrew calendar, marking the beginning of a new month. It was a time for special sacrifices and offerings to the LORD, symbolizing renewal and dedication.

3. The Offerings
The young bull, six lambs, and a ram are specified as offerings. These animals are to be without blemish, indicating the purity and perfection required in offerings to God.

4. The Temple
The setting for these instructions is the temple, which is central to the worship and religious practices of Israel.

5. The LORD
The ultimate recipient of the offerings, representing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Teaching Points

The Role of Leadership in Worship
The prince's responsibility to provide offerings underscores the importance of leadership in guiding and facilitating worship. Leaders today are called to lead with integrity and dedication.

The Significance of the New Moon
The New Moon represents new beginnings and renewal. Believers can reflect on the importance of regular times of renewal and recommitment in their spiritual lives.

The Requirement of Purity
The unblemished offerings symbolize the purity required in our approach to God. This calls believers to pursue holiness and integrity in their lives.

The Continuity of Worship
The regularity of offerings highlights the importance of consistent worship. Christians are encouraged to maintain regular worship practices, both corporately and individually.

Christ as the Fulfillment
While the Old Testament sacrifices were a shadow, Christ is the ultimate fulfillment. Believers can rest in the completed work of Christ while still valuing the principles behind the Old Testament practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. What responsibilities did the prince have in the worship practices of Israel, and how can this inform the role of church leaders today?

2. How does the concept of the New Moon as a time of renewal apply to our spiritual lives in the modern context?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our "offerings" to God—whether time, resources, or talents—are without blemish?

4. How do the regular offerings in the Old Testament inform our understanding of consistent worship practices today?

5. How does understanding the fulfillment of Old Testament sacrifices in Christ impact our approach to worship and daily living?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Numbers 28:11-15
This passage outlines the offerings required at the beginning of each month, providing a background to the instructions given in Ezekiel.

Isaiah 66:23
This verse speaks of all flesh coming to worship before the LORD from one New Moon to another, highlighting the ongoing significance of the New Moon in worship.

Colossians 2:16-17
Paul discusses the shadow of things to come, with Christ being the substance, which can be related to the ceremonial laws and their fulfillment in Christ.