Ezekiel 46:6 - On the day of the new moon it shall be a young bull without defect, and six lambs, and a ram. They shall be without defect.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ezekiel 46:6" mean?
This verse from Ezekiel 46:6 describes a specific offering to be made on the day of the New Moon in the envisioned Temple. Let's break down the meaning:
"On the day of the new moon..." This establishes the timing: the offering is prescribed for the first day of each month in the Hebrew calendar, marked by the sighting of the new crescent moon. The New Moon was a significant religious observance in ancient Israel, a time for special sacrifices and feasting.
"...it shall be a young bull without defect..." This specifies the first animal offering: a young, male bull (usually a calf or young ox) that is without any physical blemish or imperfection. The lack of defect symbolizes purity and offering the best to God.
"...and six lambs, and a ram. They shall be without defect." This adds further animals to the offering: six lambs (young sheep) and one ram (an adult male sheep). Like the bull, these animals are also required to be "without defect".
In summary, Ezekiel 46:6 prescribes a substantial animal sacrifice to be offered on the day of the New Moon, consisting of one young bull, six lambs, and one ram, all of which must be free from any physical blemish or imperfection.
Symbolic Significance and Context:
Ritual Purity: The requirement for animals to be without defect underscores the importance of purity and holiness in approaching God.
Worship and Atonement: Animal sacrifices were a central part of Israelite worship, serving as acts of thanksgiving, atonement for sins, and communion with God.
Ezekiel's Vision: This verse is part of Ezekiel's larger vision of a restored Temple and a renewed covenant with God. The meticulous instructions for sacrifices are meant to re-establish proper worship and re-order Israelite society after a period of exile and spiritual decline.
Future Hope: The specific details of these sacrifices suggest a hope for a future time when Israel would be restored to its land and able to worship God according to His revealed plan.
Interpretation in Different Traditions:
Judaism: Orthodox Judaism traditionally believes in the eventual rebuilding of the Temple and the resumption of these sacrifices. Other branches of Judaism interpret these verses metaphorically, focusing on the spiritual principles of worship and devotion.
Christianity: Christians generally understand these sacrifices as foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the perfect and unblemished Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The Old Testament sacrifices are seen as having been fulfilled in Christ.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 46:6 provides specific instructions for an elaborate animal sacrifice to be made on the New Moon, symbolizing purity, devotion, and the hope for a renewed relationship between God and His people. The interpretation of this verse varies depending on religious tradition and theological perspective.
Ezekiel 46:6 - On the day of the new moon it shall be a young bull without defect, and six lambs, and a ram. They shall be without defect.
What does "Ezekiel 46:6" mean?
This verse from Ezekiel 46:6 describes a specific offering to be made on the day of the New Moon in the envisioned Temple. Let's break down the meaning:
"On the day of the new moon..." This establishes the timing: the offering is prescribed for the first day of each month in the Hebrew calendar, marked by the sighting of the new crescent moon. The New Moon was a significant religious observance in ancient Israel, a time for special sacrifices and feasting.
"...it shall be a young bull without defect..." This specifies the first animal offering: a young, male bull (usually a calf or young ox) that is without any physical blemish or imperfection. The lack of defect symbolizes purity and offering the best to God.
"...and six lambs, and a ram. They shall be without defect." This adds further animals to the offering: six lambs (young sheep) and one ram (an adult male sheep). Like the bull, these animals are also required to be "without defect".
In summary, Ezekiel 46:6 prescribes a substantial animal sacrifice to be offered on the day of the New Moon, consisting of one young bull, six lambs, and one ram, all of which must be free from any physical blemish or imperfection.
Symbolic Significance and Context:
Ritual Purity: The requirement for animals to be without defect underscores the importance of purity and holiness in approaching God.
Worship and Atonement: Animal sacrifices were a central part of Israelite worship, serving as acts of thanksgiving, atonement for sins, and communion with God.
Ezekiel's Vision: This verse is part of Ezekiel's larger vision of a restored Temple and a renewed covenant with God. The meticulous instructions for sacrifices are meant to re-establish proper worship and re-order Israelite society after a period of exile and spiritual decline.
Future Hope: The specific details of these sacrifices suggest a hope for a future time when Israel would be restored to its land and able to worship God according to His revealed plan.
Interpretation in Different Traditions:
Judaism: Orthodox Judaism traditionally believes in the eventual rebuilding of the Temple and the resumption of these sacrifices. Other branches of Judaism interpret these verses metaphorically, focusing on the spiritual principles of worship and devotion.
Christianity: Christians generally understand these sacrifices as foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the perfect and unblemished Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The Old Testament sacrifices are seen as having been fulfilled in Christ.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 46:6 provides specific instructions for an elaborate animal sacrifice to be made on the New Moon, symbolizing purity, devotion, and the hope for a renewed relationship between God and His people. The interpretation of this verse varies depending on religious tradition and theological perspective.