יחזקאל, פרק מ״ו, פסוק ד׳

The sacrificial instructions detailed in the Book of Ezekiel often present noticeable differences from the familiar laws found in the Five Books of Moses. The offering brought by the prince serves as a clear example of this pattern. The requirement to sacrifice six lambs and one ram creates a distinct challenge, as the standard Sabbath offering mandated by the Torah consists of only two lambs [רש״י, רד״ק]. This gap between the traditional law and Ezekiel's vision prompts various explanations regarding the exact nature and timing of this specific offering.

One approach suggests that this is a future innovation. Rather than replacing the familiar Sabbath or festival offerings, it is a unique sacrifice that will be brought in the future on behalf of the prince and the people [רד״ק]. Conversely, another perspective places this offering within a very specific timeframe: the dedication period of the Temple. According to this view, the offering takes place on a Sabbath that falls during the inauguration days, serving as a special addition to the regular mandatory sacrifices of that day [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

Taking a completely different direction, some suggest that the event does not occur on the weekly day of rest at all, but rather on a festival. Normally, a festival requires an offering of seven lambs and two rams. Therefore, the instruction serves to teach a practical law: the exact quantity of animals does not prevent the sacrifice from taking place. If the prince cannot find the full number of animals, he is permitted to bring six lambs instead of seven, and one ram instead of two [רש״י].

On a more conceptual and symbolic level, the specific number of animals can be connected to the structure of the heavens. In this interpretation, the six lambs correspond to six planets, reflecting a future reality in which the celestial influence of the planet Saturn will be completely canceled [אהבת יהונתן].