Ezekiel 45:1

¶ 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.

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}.

"'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.

“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.

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

Context of Ezekiel 45:1

Ezekiel 45:1 introduces a crucial aspect of the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision, detailed in chapters 40-48. This vision, received while the Israelites were in Babylonian exile, describes a meticulously designed future temple and the reordering of the land of Israel. After the detailed architectural plans for the temple itself, Ezekiel shifts to the division of the land for its inhabitants, including specific provisions for the priests, Levites, and the prince. This particular verse sets the stage for the allocation of a special, "holy portion" or "oblation" of the land, distinct from the tribal inheritances. It underscores the divine blueprint for a restored Israel, where God's presence and worship are central and paramount, a stark contrast to the desecrated temple and scattered people of Ezekiel's time.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Holiness and Consecration: The primary theme is the absolute holiness of the designated land. By calling it an "oblation unto the LORD" and "a holy portion," the text emphasizes that this area is set apart exclusively for God's dwelling and the sacred service of His people. This concept of holiness is central to the entire vision, reflecting God's desire for a pure and dedicated relationship with Israel.
  • Divine Order and Precision: The specific dimensions given—"five and twenty thousand [reeds]" in length and "ten thousand" in breadth—highlight God's meticulous planning and the divine order He establishes. This precision signifies that the future arrangement is not arbitrary but divinely ordained, ensuring harmony and proper function within the renewed community. The method of division "by lot" also echoes the historical land divisions in Joshua's time, affirming God's sovereign distribution.
  • Centrality of God's Presence: This holy portion of land is where the new temple will be located. Its dedication as an "oblation" ensures that the very heart of the land, and thus the nation, is consecrated to God. This symbolizes that God's presence and His worship are to be the absolute center of the restored Israelite society, influencing all aspects of life.
  • Stewardship and Offering: The act of "offering an oblation" signifies the people's responsibility and privilege to dedicate a significant portion of their inheritance back to the Lord. It teaches a principle of giving the best and setting aside resources specifically for God's purposes, acknowledging His ultimate ownership of all things.

Linguistic Insights

The word "oblation" in the KJV text translates the Hebrew term terumah (תְּרוּמָה), which literally means "a heave offering" or "a contribution." It refers to something lifted up or set apart for sacred use, often for the priests or the sanctuary. This emphasizes that the land is not merely a gift but a consecrated portion, dedicated and elevated for God's specific use. The phrase "holy portion" uses the Hebrew word qodesh (קֹדֶשׁ), reinforcing the idea of being set apart, distinct, and consecrated for divine purposes, emphasizing its inviolable sanctity. The "reeds" mentioned as a unit of measurement refer to the measuring reed of six cubits, a standard in Ezekiel's vision.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 45:1, though describing a specific future arrangement for Israel, offers timeless principles for believers today. It calls us to:

  1. Prioritize God's Holiness: Just as a portion of the land was set aside as holy, we are called to live holy lives, recognizing that we are set apart for God's purposes. This means dedicating our time, talents, and resources to His glory.
  2. Center Our Lives on God: The holy portion being at the heart of the land reminds us to place God at the center of our personal lives, families, and communities. When God is central, all other aspects of life find their proper order and purpose.
  3. Practice Generous Stewardship: The concept of "offering an oblation" encourages a spirit of generous giving and stewardship. We are called to give back to the Lord from what He has provided, not just out of obligation, but as an act of worship and recognition of His sovereignty. This can include financial contributions, but also our time, energy, and abilities for His kingdom work.
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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 48:29 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Psalms 16:6 (2 votes)

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