“Nanhte jaw ya na hkungga gaw ndai hku rai nga ai: Hkaulan mam: 1/60, shu la lu ai htam 60 kaw na htam mi Muk-yaw mam: 1/60, shu la lu ai htam 60 kaw na htam mi Tsanlun sau: 1/100, hpun kaw na pru ai htam 100 na htam mi (Dai ni hpe bat hte hteng ra ai, bat 10 bat = 1 home = 1 hkora) Sagu: Israela a tsit lali ai udat shara na sagu 200 rai shagu, langai mi jaw ya ra ai. “Nanhte gaw shadung hkungga ni hpe mung, hkum ting nat nawng na dusat ni hpe mung, mahku hkungga ni a matu dusat ni hpe mung la sa na myit dai, shaloi nanhte a shut hpyit ai yubak mara ni raw dat ai hkrum na ra ai. Tsaw Htum ai dai Madu ngai nan dai amu hpe hkang da ni ai.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes a specific offering of grain that the people are to provide. God is instructing them to offer a sixth part of an ephah from each homer of wheat and barley. The key message is about the precise amount of grain to be given as an offering.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a big bag of cookies, and your mom asks you to give her one cookie for every six you have. That's kind of like what God is asking here, but with wheat and barley instead of cookies.
Historical Background
The prophet Ezekiel wrote this verse around 593-571 BCE. It was addressed to the Israelites in exile, providing specific instructions about their offerings. In ancient Near Eastern culture, offerings were a common way to show devotion and provide for the community.
Living It Out Today
Today, we might think of this as a reminder to give a portion of our earnings or resources to support our community or faith. For example, setting aside a small part of your allowance to help a local charity.
An ephah and a homer were ancient units of measurement. An ephah was a dry measure, and a homer was a larger unit of measurement for grain.
Why is the offering specified to be a sixth part?
The specific amount, a sixth part, was likely intended to be a fair and standardized offering for all, ensuring consistency and fairness in worship practices.
How does this relate to modern offerings?
This verse can be seen as an early model for tithing or giving a portion of one's resources, encouraging generosity and support for communal or spiritual needs.
What does this tell us about ancient Israelite practices?
It highlights the importance of structured religious practices, including specific offerings, which were crucial for maintaining communal and spiritual life in ancient Israel.