יחזקאל, פרק מ״ה, פסוק י״ד

The prophetic vision of the future establishes specific laws for offerings, focusing carefully on the exact measurements required for olive oil to ensure absolute clarity and prevent any confusion. A fixed allowance is set as the required tithe for the oil offering [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ], which was specifically intended for the grain offerings that were mixed with oil [רד״ק]. Alternatively, this established portion of oil is understood to be the specific allotment designated for the prince [מלבי״ם].

To define these portions, the ancient measurement system is utilized. The Bat serves as the standard unit of volume for liquids, particularly oil, functioning much like the dry measure used for goods such as wheat and barley [רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Another measurement utilized is the Kor, which commentators universally agree is completely identical to the Chomer. The use of two different names for the exact same volume stems from the context in which the measurement is used. It is called a Chomer when an owner gathers his agricultural produce into piles inside his home. However, it is referred to as a Kor in the context of commerce and outward trade, a distinction that was customary during the era of King Solomon [מלבי״ם].

The mathematical relationship between these units is precise: ten Bats make up a single Chomer. Consequently, one Bat is exactly one-tenth of the larger volume. Based on this established ratio, there are different perspectives regarding the exact amount of oil that must be separated. One approach maintains that the required tithe is exactly one-tenth, meaning one entire Bat is separated from every Kor [מצודת דוד]. A contrasting view suggests that the required offering is only one-hundredth of the total amount. According to this understanding, one must give a tenth of a Bat from a whole Kor, which ultimately amounts to a one-percent contribution [רד״ק]. This smaller portion is explained through a vivid metaphor based on the Hebrew word for the liquid measure, which also translates to "daughter." It is compared to a daughter inheriting a tenth of her mother's estate. The "older daughter" represents the initial tenth of the total volume, and from her, a "younger daughter" is taken as a tithe of the tithe, equaling exactly one percent [מלבי״ם].

The repetition at the conclusion regarding ten measures making up the larger volume is not accidental. The primary approach among commentators is that this restatement serves to establish an eternal standard. It dictates that just as this specific ratio of measurements was the accepted practice in the past and present, it must be strictly preserved and remain entirely unchanged in the future.