Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred [in length], with five hundred [in breadth], square round about; and fifty cubits round about for the suburbs thereof.
Of this there shall be for the sanctuary {H6944} five {H2568} hundred {H3967} in length, with five {H2568} hundred {H3967} in breadth, square {H7251} round about {H5439}; and fifty {H2572} cubits {H520} round about {H5439} for the suburbs {H4054} thereof.
Of this there is to be reserved for the holy place an area 875 [feet] square, with eighty-seven-and-a-half feet for open land around it.
Within this area there is to be a section for the sanctuary 500 cubits square, with 50 cubits around it for open land.
Of this there shall be for the holy place five hundred in length by five hundred in breadth, square round about; and fifty cubits for the suburbs thereof round about.
-
Ezekiel 42:16
He measured the east side with the measuring reed, five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about. -
Ezekiel 42:20
He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall round about, five hundred [reeds] long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place. -
Ezekiel 27:28
The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.
Ezekiel 45:2 is part of a detailed vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the division of land and the layout of a future temple in Israel, described in chapters 40-48. This specific verse provides precise dimensions for the sanctuary within the larger holy oblation of land.
Context
Following the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel received elaborate visions from God, offering hope and a blueprint for Israel's restoration. Chapters 40-48 meticulously describe a new temple, its ordinances, and the redistribution of the land among the tribes. This vision is highly symbolic, representing God's desire for His people to dwell in holiness and order, with His presence central among them. The measurements given, particularly the 500 by 500 units, likely cubits (as implied by the measuring reed mentioned in Ezekiel 40:5), emphasize the sacred and set-apart nature of this holy area. This section is part of the "holy oblation" of land, which is to be set aside for the Lord, the priests, and the city.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The "five hundred" units mentioned are widely understood to be cubits, a common unit of measurement in biblical times, roughly 18-21 inches. The phrase "square round about" emphasizes the perfect symmetry and completeness of the sanctuary area, signifying its perfection and order. The "suburbs thereof" (KJV), also translated as "open space" or "pasture lands" in other versions, refers to a designated area surrounding the holy precinct. This 50-cubit perimeter further sets the sanctuary apart, likely serving as a buffer for purity, access, and to ensure its sanctity.
Practical Application and Significance
While the precise fulfillment of Ezekiel's temple vision is a subject of theological discussion (some interpret it literally, others symbolically of the church or a future spiritual reality), the principles remain profound. This verse reminds us of: