Ezekiel 46:7 Commentary

Verse Text: "And he shall prepare a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering unto the Lord daily, morning by morning, he shall prepare it." (Ezekiel 46:7, KJV)

Introduction

The verse of Ezekiel 46:7 speaks of the daily sacrificial practices in the restored temple as envisioned by the prophet Ezekiel. This imagery is rich with theological implications and presents insights into God's provision for worship and the significance of sacrifice in the covenant community.

Contextual Background

This portion of Ezekiel details the ordinances of worship within the anticipated future temple. Many scholars agree that these instructions served to illustrate the holiness of God and the essentiality of atonement in the life of Israel. The reinstatement of sacrifices after the exile indicates a restoration of Israel's covenant fidelity.

Thematic Insights

In approaching this verse, several themes emerge that are crucial for understanding its significance:

• The Role of Sacrifice: The requirement of a lamb for a burnt offering underscores the necessity of sacrifice in maintaining the relationship between God and His people. As Matthew Henry notes, this perpetual offering reflects the continuous need for atonement.
• Symbol of Innocence: The lamb, being a creature of innocence, represents purity and serves as a foreshadowing of Christ, the Lamb of God, who would ultimately fulfill the sacrificial system.
• Daily Devotion: The instruction to prepare the lamb morning by morning signifies the importance of daily worship and devotion in the life of believers. As Adam Clarke remarks, this routine signifies the unwavering commitment of the people toward God.
• Renewal of Covenant Relationship: The act of offering was not merely about ritual observance but about renewing the covenant relationship between God and His people. Albert Barnes highlights this renewal aspect, emphasizing that each offering is a reminder of God's grace and mercy.

Exegesis of the Verse

In examining the verse, the following components are noteworthy:

• Preparation of the Lamb: The action of 'preparing' indicates a purposeful offering, reflective of reverent worship. This preparation involved not merely the physical act but an attitude of heart that acknowledged God’s sovereignty.
• Daily Sacrifice: The phrase 'daily, morning by morning' suggests consistency and dedication in worship. This reflects the broader biblical notion that worship should permeate the rhythms of life, aligning daily actions with divine will.
• Burnt Offering: The burnt offering was distinct in that it was completely offered to God, symbolizing total devotion and consecration. Henry elaborates that this points to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who entirely gave Himself for humanity.

Theological Reflections

The implications of this verse resonate throughout both the Old and New Testaments. The act of sacrifice is at the heart of atonement theology:

• Foreshadowing Christ: This verse powerfully foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who upon His arrival would fulfill the sacrificial system. Additionally, the New Testament book of Hebrews contrasts the effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice with the Old Testament system, reflecting on its limitations.
• Ongoing Need for Atonement: The continual offering speaks to humanity's ongoing need for forgiveness and the grace that God extends. This mirrors themes in Pauline epistles where sin and grace are discussed extensively.
• Worship as Life's Rhythm: The daily repetition of the sacrifice serves as a reminder that worship is integral to daily life and has cosmic significance in the divine order.

Conclusion

In summary, Ezekiel 46:7 is a profound testament to the significance of sacrifices and worship in the community of faith. Understanding this verse invites pastors, students, theologians, and scholars to delve deeper into the complexities of worship, the beauty of daily devotion, and the overarching narrative of redemption that transcends time. The emphasis on daily sacrifice echoes a vital truth: a continuous relationship with God requires intentional, sacrificial living grounded in His covenant of grace.