יחזקאל, פרק מ״ה, פסוק כ״ד

Ezekiel's vision of the future Temple introduces a unique system of offerings, presenting a fascinating challenge when compared to the established laws of the Torah. The instructions detail specific amounts of grain and oil to accompany the animal sacrifices, utilizing ancient units of volume such as the ephah for flour and the hin for liquids [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The central difficulty arises from the requirement to bring a full ephah of grain for both a bull and a ram, along with a full hin of oil for each ephah. These quantities are entirely different from the exact measurements commanded in the Torah.

One approach attempts to resolve this contradiction by aligning the new instructions with the original laws [רש״י]. According to this perspective, the ephah does not represent the actual amount of fine flour placed on the altar, but rather the total amount of raw flour from which the standard portion will be sifted. Similarly, the requirement for a hin of oil does not mean pouring out the entire container. Instead, it implies using the internal measurement lines of the hin vessel to carefully measure out the standard, required amount of oil for each animal.

The primary approach among commentators, however, rejects this attempt at reconciliation. They argue that the instructions make no distinction between raw and fine flour, nor do they suggest using only a partial measure of oil, but rather demand the full amounts [אברבנאל]. Therefore, these commentators agree that these instructions represent a special, one-time decree. The new measurements do not override the permanent laws of the Torah. Instead, they are intended exclusively for the inauguration period of the future Temple [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם, אברבנאל, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

A deeper layer of understanding focuses on the very nature of the grain offering itself [אהבת יהונתן]. Unlike an animal sacrifice, which provides atonement for both the spiritual and physical aspects of a person, a grain offering consists purely of physical materials. In accepting it, God seemingly waives the need for the spiritual component of the sacrifice. Moreover, a grain offering is typically brought by a poor person who often feels profound shame when presenting such a modest gift. This deep sense of shame acts as a complete atonement for the person's sins even before the offering is made. Consequently, by the time the grain is presented, it has transformed into a pure, unblemished gift to God.