Ezekiel 45:3

And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary [and] the most holy [place].

And of this measure {H4060} shalt thou measure {H4058} the length {H753} of five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505}, and the breadth {H7341} of ten {H6235} thousand {H505}: and in it shall be the sanctuary {H4720} and the most {H6944} holy {H6944} place.

Alongside this region you are to measure a length of eight [miles] and a width of three [miles]; in it is to be the sanctuary, which will be especially holy.

From this holy portion, you are to measure off a length of 25,000 cubits and a width of 10,000 cubits, and in it will be the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.

And of this measure shalt thou measure a length of five and twenty thousand, and a breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary, which is most holy.

Ezekiel 45:3 is a precise detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a restored Israel and its new temple, given during the Babylonian exile. This verse specifies the dimensions of a sacred land portion intended to house the sanctuary.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed architectural and geographical blueprint found in Ezekiel chapters 40-48. After the destruction of Solomon's Temple and the exile of the Israelites, God gives Ezekiel a vision of a future, perfect temple and the redistribution of the land among the tribes. Verse 3 defines the specific measurements for the "holy portion" (also called the "oblation" in other verses of this chapter) of land that will contain the temple complex. This portion is a large rectangle, 25,000 cubits (approximately 8.5 miles) in length and 10,000 cubits (approximately 3.4 miles) in breadth, dedicated exclusively for the sanctuary and its grounds, underscoring its immense importance and sacredness within the future landscape of Israel. This vision of a new temple offers hope and a detailed plan for worship in a restored community.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The meticulous measurements throughout Ezekiel's temple vision, including those in verse 3, highlight God's perfect order and detailed planning. It signifies that divine arrangements are exact and purposeful, leaving no room for human arbitrariness in matters of worship and sacred space.
  • Centrality of Worship: The fact that such a vast and specific area is set aside solely for the sanctuary and the Most Holy Place emphasizes the absolute centrality of God's dwelling and worship in the life of the restored community. The temple is not an afterthought but the very heart of the land and the people. This vision anticipates a future where God's presence will fully dwell among His people.
  • Holiness and Separation: The designation of a distinct, large, and measured area for the sanctuary underscores the concept of holiness and separation. This portion of land is consecrated, set apart from common use, reflecting the inherent holiness of God and the need for purity in approaching Him.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sanctuary" in Hebrew is miqdash (מִקְדָּשׁ), meaning a holy place or sacred precinct, commonly referring to the temple. The phrase "most holy place" is qodesh haqqodashim (קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים), literally "holiness of holinesses" or "holy of holies." This refers to the innermost chamber of the temple, the most sacred area where God's presence was uniquely manifested, as seen in the Tabernacle's design (Exodus 26:34) and Solomon's Temple. Its inclusion here signifies the ultimate dwelling place of God's glory.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel's temple vision has specific implications for a future literal temple in Israel, its spiritual principles offer timeless lessons:

  • Prioritizing God's Presence: Just as a vast area was dedicated to the sanctuary, we are called to prioritize God's presence and worship in our lives. Our spiritual "sanctuary" should be central, not peripheral.
  • Reverence for the Sacred: The detailed measurements and separation remind us of the importance of reverence for God and His holiness. We should approach Him with respect and a desire for purity.
  • Hope in God's Faithfulness: This vision, given during a time of desolation, speaks to God's enduring faithfulness and His plan for restoration. It points forward to a time when God would dwell among humanity in the person of Jesus Christ, and ultimately in the New Jerusalem, where there is no temple because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Revelation 21:22).
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 48:10

    And for them, [even] for the priests, shall be [this] holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand [in length], and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof.

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