Ezekiel 45:1

KJV

¶ Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, ye shall offer an oblation unto the LORD, an holy portion of the land: the length [shall be] the length of five and twenty thousand [reeds], and the breadth [shall be] ten thousand. This [shall be] holy in all the borders thereof round about.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover, when ye shall divide {H5307} by lot the land {H776} for inheritance {H5159}, ye shall offer {H7311} an oblation {H8641} unto the LORD {H3068}, an holy portion {H6944} of the land {H776}: the length {H753} shall be the length {H753} of five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} reeds, and the breadth {H7341} shall be ten {H6235} thousand {H505}. This shall be holy {H6944} in all the borders {H1366} thereof round about {H5439}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'When you divide the land by lot for inheritance, you are to set aside an offering for ADONAI, a holy portion of the land. Its length is to be 25,000 [cubits, that is, eight miles] and its width 10,000 [three miles]; this entire region is to be holy.

Berean Standard Bible

“When you divide the land by lot as an inheritance, you are to set aside a portion for the LORD, a holy portion of the land 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits wide. This entire tract of land will be holy.

American Standard Version

Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, ye shall offer an oblation unto Jehovah, a holy portion of the land; the length shall be the length of five and twenty thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand: it shall be holy in all the border thereof round about.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:1 introduces a pivotal aspect of Ezekiel's visionary blueprint for a restored Israel, detailing the precise dimensions and sacred purpose of a "holy portion" of land. This divine allocation, designated as an "oblation" to the LORD, is to be set apart for the new temple and its priestly service, underscoring God's meticulous plan for a renewed community where His presence and worship are central, and emphasizing the sanctity and divine order of the post-exilic nation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition within Ezekiel's comprehensive vision, which spans chapters [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The Division of the Land"). Following the intricate architectural plans for the new temple and its regulations (chapters Ezekiel 40-44), Ezekiel 45 shifts the focus to the distribution and administration of the land itself. Specifically, this verse introduces the concept of a sacred reserve—a "holy portion" or "oblation"—which is distinct from the tribal inheritances described later in [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - Tribal Allotments"). It establishes the spiritual and physical heart of the renewed land, ensuring that the sacred space for God's dwelling and the service of His priests is secured and preeminent, thereby setting the stage for subsequent regulations concerning the prince, priests, and Levites.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel received this elaborate vision during the Babylonian exile, a period characterized by profound national despair and spiritual introspection for the Israelites. Their beloved temple in Jerusalem had been utterly destroyed, their land despoiled, and their covenant relationship with God seemingly broken. In this context of desolation, Ezekiel's vision offered a powerful message of hope, restoration, and divine order. The practice of dividing land "by lot" echoes ancient Israelite customs, particularly the distribution of the land of Canaan under Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 14:2](/joshua/14-2 "Joshua 14:2 - Land Divided by Lot")), grounding the future vision in historical precedent while elevating it to a new level of divine precision and holiness. The "oblation" also draws upon the familiar Israelite practice of setting aside sacred offerings for God and His sanctuary (e.g., [Numbers 18:8-11](/numbers/18-8-11 "Numbers 18:8-11 - The Priests' Portion of Offerings")), but here it is applied to a vast and significant portion of land.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 45:1 introduces and reinforces several major themes woven throughout the latter half of the book of Ezekiel. Foremost is the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, emphasizing that the restored community and its land must be set apart exclusively for God's purposes, a stark contrast to the defilement that led to the exile. This is inextricably linked to the **Centrality of God's Presence**, as the holy portion is where the temple, God's dwelling place, will reside, signifying that His presence is the absolute core of the renewed nation. The meticulous dimensions given highlight **Divine Order and Precision**, illustrating God's sovereign and detailed plan for restoration, ensuring harmony and proper function. The measuring reed, first mentioned in [Ezekiel 40:5](/ezekiel/40-5 "Ezekiel 40:5 - The Measuring Reed"), underscores this divine precision. Finally, the act of "offering an oblation" speaks to **Stewardship and Dedication**, calling the people to acknowledge God's ultimate ownership and to consecrate their resources to Him, reflecting a renewed covenant relationship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **oblation (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** From the root `rûwm` (H7311, to be high, to raise), this word (H8641) literally means "a heave offering" or "a contribution." It refers to something lifted up, set apart, or dedicated for sacred use, often for the priests or the sanctuary. In Ezekiel 45:1, it signifies a portion of the land that is not merely given, but consecrated and elevated for God's specific, holy purposes, acknowledging His supreme claim over it.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the tetragrammaton (H3068), the personal, covenantal name of God, often translated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The oblation is offered specifically "unto the LORD," highlighting that this dedication is to the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, affirming His ultimate authority and ownership.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** This term (H6944) denotes something sacred, set apart, or consecrated for divine purposes, distinct from the common or profane. The land is described as "an holy portion" and "holy in all the borders thereof," reinforcing its inviolable sanctity and exclusive dedication to God. This holiness is not inherent in the land itself but is conferred upon it by its divine purpose and designation.
* **divide (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):While its primary meaning (H5307) is "to fall," in this context, `nâphal` is used idiomatically to mean "to divide by lot" or "to apportion." This method of distribution, common in ancient Israel (e.g., the tribal inheritances in Joshua), signifies a divine, rather than human, determination of boundaries and ownership. It underscores God's sovereign hand in the allocation of the land, ensuring fairness and divine approval.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance":** This opening clause sets the context for the future distribution of the land among the returned exiles. The phrase "divide by lot" signifies a method of allocation believed to be guided by divine providence, ensuring a fair and God-ordained distribution rather than human negotiation or conquest. It points to a time of restoration when the land, lost during the exile, will be re-established as the inheritance of God's people.
* **"ye shall offer an oblation unto the LORD, an holy portion of the land":** This is the central command of the verse. Before the general tribal inheritances are distributed, a specific, consecrated portion of land must be "offered" as a "heave offering" or "contribution" to the Lord. This "oblation" is designated as "holy," meaning it is set apart exclusively for divine use, emphasizing God's priority and supreme claim over the land and its people.
* **"the length [shall be] the length of five and twenty thousand [reeds], and the breadth [shall be] ten thousand.":** Here, the precise dimensions of this holy portion are given. The unit of "reeds" (each reed being six cubits, or approximately 10.5 feet) indicates an enormous area—25,000 reeds by 10,000 reeds. This meticulous specificity highlights the divine order and intentionality behind the vision, demonstrating that this sacred space is not arbitrary but precisely designed by God for His purposes.
* **"This [shall be] holy in all the borders thereof round about.":** This concluding phrase reiterates and emphasizes the absolute sanctity of the designated land. The holiness is not confined to a central point but extends to "all the borders thereof round about," signifying that the entire dedicated area is inviolably sacred. This reinforces the idea that the boundaries of God's consecrated space are clearly defined and set apart from the common land, underscoring its unique and sacred status.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:1 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. **Precision and Detail** are paramount, evident in the exact measurements given for the holy portion of land ("five and twenty thousand [reeds]" by "ten thousand"). This meticulousness is characteristic of Ezekiel's entire vision (Ezekiel 40-48) and serves to emphasize the divine origin and perfect order of the future temple and land. It suggests that God's plans are not vague but intricately designed. **Repetition** is also used for emphasis, particularly with the word "holy," which appears twice in the verse ("an holy portion" and "This [shall be] holy"). This reiteration underscores the absolute sanctity and consecrated nature of this designated land, highlighting its separation from the common and its exclusive dedication to the Lord. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is inherent in the very concept of the "oblation" and the "holy portion" of land. This designated area symbolizes God's rightful claim over all the land and His desire for a people and space consecrated to Him. It represents the re-establishment of a divinely ordered society with God at its absolute center, contrasting sharply with the defilement and disorder that led to the exile.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:1, with its description of a divinely ordained "holy portion" of land, profoundly illuminates God's unwavering commitment to holiness and His desire for a consecrated people and place. This specific allocation underscores the principle that God's presence demands a dedicated space, set apart from the common, where His worship and decrees can be perfectly observed. It speaks to God's meticulous nature, His sovereign control over all things, and His ultimate plan for restoration that prioritizes His glory and the sanctity of His dwelling. The "oblation" signifies that the very best and a significant portion must be given back to the Lord, not out of obligation, but as an act of worship and recognition of His ultimate ownership and provision. This vision, though rooted in the specific context of Israel's restoration, points to a universal truth about God's character and His call for His people to live lives of consecration, with Him at the absolute center.

* [Leviticus 27:30](/leviticus/27-30 "Leviticus 27:30 - Tithes Are Holy to the Lord")
* [Numbers 18:8](/numbers/18-8 "Numbers 18:8 - The Priests' Portion of Offerings")
* [1 Peter 1:16](/1_peter/1-16 "1 Peter 1:16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 45:1, though describing a specific, ancient blueprint for a future Israel, offers timeless and profound principles for believers today. The concept of setting aside a "holy portion" of land for the Lord serves as a powerful metaphor for prioritizing God in every aspect of our lives. Just as a physical space was consecrated for His dwelling and service, we are called to consecrate our very being—our time, talents, resources, and relationships—to Him. This means intentionally dedicating the "firstfruits" and the "best" of what we have to God's purposes, recognizing that all we possess ultimately belongs to Him. Placing God at the center of our lives, families, and communities ensures that His holiness permeates our existence, guiding our decisions and shaping our values. It challenges us to examine where our true priorities lie and whether we are truly living as a people set apart for His glory, reflecting His divine order and sanctity in a chaotic world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life (time, finances, relationships, career) do you need to intentionally set aside a "holy portion" for the Lord?**
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan for the land in Ezekiel challenge or encourage your understanding of His providence in your own life?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to ensure God's presence is truly central in your daily activities and decisions?**
* **How does the concept of "oblation" inspire your approach to stewardship and generosity in your local church and community?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "oblation" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "oblation" (Hebrew: _terumah_) in Ezekiel 45:1 refers to a "heave offering" or "contribution" that is lifted up and set apart for sacred use. Its significance is multifaceted: it symbolizes God's ultimate ownership of the land and all resources; it represents a consecrated portion dedicated exclusively for His dwelling (the temple) and the service of His priests; and it demonstrates the people's act of worship and dedication, giving back to God the best of what He has provided. This concept is deeply rooted in Israelite sacrificial and offering laws, where specific portions were set aside as holy to the Lord (e.g., [Leviticus 2:9](/leviticus/2-9 "Leviticus 2:9 - Part of the Grain Offering as a Memorial Portion")).

**Why are the dimensions of the holy portion so specific and large?**

Answer: The precise and substantial dimensions (25,000 reeds by 10,000 reeds, an enormous area) highlight God's meticulous planning and the divine order He establishes for the restored community. This specificity emphasizes that the future arrangement is not arbitrary but divinely ordained, ensuring harmony and proper function within the renewed society. The large size underscores the importance and centrality of the sacred space, providing ample room for the temple, priests' dwellings, and Levites' portions, signifying that God's presence and worship are to be paramount and generously accommodated within the restored land. This attention to detail is characteristic of Ezekiel's entire temple vision, beginning in [Ezekiel 40:1](/ezekiel/40-1 "Ezekiel 40:1 - The Vision of the New Temple").

**Is this vision of the land division meant to be a literal prophecy or symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple and land vision, including Ezekiel 45:1, is debated among scholars. Some interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future, rebuilt temple and land division in a millennial kingdom. Others view it primarily as symbolic, representing God's ideal for a perfectly ordered, holy community centered on His presence, a spiritual reality that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the Church, or in the new heavens and new earth (as hinted in [Revelation 21:10-27](/revelation/21-10-27 "Revelation 21:10-27 - The New Jerusalem")). Regardless of the literal or symbolic emphasis, the theological principles of holiness, divine order, and the centrality of God's presence remain powerfully relevant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 45:1, with its vision of a "holy portion" of land consecrated to the Lord for His dwelling, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament temple and its surrounding holy land pointed to God's desire to dwell among His people, they were but shadows of the greater reality to come. Jesus declared Himself to be the true Temple, stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")," referring to His body. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ established a new covenant, making it possible for God to dwell not in a physical structure or a specific piece of land, but in the hearts of believers by His Spirit. He is the ultimate "holy portion" and the perfect "oblation," offering Himself as the once-for-all sacrifice that truly consecrates and cleanses. As the great High Priest, Jesus has entered the "[true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man](/hebrews/8-2 "Hebrews 8:2 - Christ, the Minister of the True Tabernacle")", and through Him, believers are made a "[holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood")" and are built together into a "[holy temple in the Lord](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21 - Built into a Holy Temple in the Lord")". Thus, the precise measurements and sacred dedication of Ezekiel's vision are spiritually fulfilled in the boundless and eternal holiness found in Christ, who is the center of God's new spiritual kingdom, making His people themselves the consecrated dwelling place of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 48:29

This [is] the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these [are] their portions, saith the Lord GOD.

Zechariah 14:20

In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD; and the pots in the LORD'S house shall be like the bowls before the altar.

Zechariah 14:21

Yea, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness unto the LORD of hosts: and all they that sacrifice shall come and take of them, and seethe therein: and in that day there shall be no more the Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

Numbers 34:13

And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This [is] the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the LORD commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe:

Joshua 14:2

By lot [was] their inheritance, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes, and [for] the half tribe.

Psalms 16:5

The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

Psalms 16:6

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.