What is the context?
The people must supply measured portions of grain, oil and sheep for the offerings. The grain contribution is a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat or barley; one sheep is taken from each two hundred.
All the people participate in the contribution for the prince. In turn, he is responsible to provide the offerings for the feasts, New Moons, Sabbaths and other appointed occasions.
The collection therefore has an assigned purpose. It supports the offerings made for the house of Israel, rather than being described as wealth for the prince to spend without responsibility.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Cambridge explains the grain due as one-sixtieth and the prince’s obligation as providing the public sacrifices in return for the contributions. Henry emphasizes provision for the worship and ministers of God.
The passage gives responsibilities to both the people who contribute and the ruler who receives what is supplied.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Second Corinthians 8:12–21 describes a different kind of collection: the churches helping people in need. Paul takes care that the gift is administered honorably before the Lord and before people, and he considers what the givers can actually provide.
The amounts and purpose are different from Ezekiel’s prescribed offerings. The connection is the responsibility that accompanies shared resources. Gifts entrusted for God’s work and people’s needs call for generosity, clear purpose and trustworthy handling.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.