Ezekiel 45:4

The holy [portion] of the land shall be for the priests the ministers of the sanctuary, which shall come near to minister unto the LORD: and it shall be a place for their houses, and an holy place for the sanctuary.

The holy {H6944} portion of the land {H776} shall be for the priests {H3548} the ministers {H8334} of the sanctuary {H4720}, which shall come near {H7131} to minister {H8334} unto the LORD {H3068}: and it shall be a place {H4725} for their houses {H1004}, and an holy place {H4720} for the sanctuary {H4720}.

It is a holy portion of the land; it is for the cohanim who serve in the sanctuary, who approach to minister to ADONAI; there will be a place for their houses and a place set aside for the sanctuary.

It will be a holy portion of the land to be used by the priests who minister in the sanctuary, who draw near to minister before the LORD. It will be a place for their houses, as well as a holy area for the sanctuary.

It is a holy portion of the land; it shall be for the priests, the ministers of the sanctuary, that come near to minister unto Jehovah; and it shall be a place for their houses, and a holy place for the sanctuary.

Commentary on Ezekiel 45:4 (KJV)

Ezekiel 45:4 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the future temple, its services, and the re-allocation of land in a restored Israel. This specific verse focuses on the sacred portion of land designated for the priests, emphasizing their vital role in serving the Lord.

Context

Chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel describe a profound vision of a new temple and a meticulously organized land distribution, following the Babylonian exile. This vision serves as a blueprint for an ideal, future state of worship and governance under God's perfect order. Ezekiel 45 details the "holy oblation" or "holy portion" (Hebrew: terumah), a specific, central land allocation that is set apart for the sanctuary and those who minister there. This verse specifically addresses the priests, the "ministers of the sanctuary," and their designated living area within this holy portion, underscoring their proximity to divine service.

Key Themes

  • Sacred Allocation and Holiness: The verse highlights the dedication of a specific, central portion of the land as holy (Hebrew: qodesh), meaning "set apart" or "consecrated" exclusively for divine purposes. This emphasizes God's centrality and the sanctity required for those who serve Him. The idea of a dedicated portion for God's dwelling and His servants echoes earlier provisions for the Levites and priests in the wilderness, such as those found in Numbers 35:1-8.
  • Divine Provision for Priesthood: God meticulously provides for the priests, the "ministers of the sanctuary," ensuring not only a place for the temple but also for their homes. This demonstrates God's care for those who faithfully serve Him, ensuring their sustenance and proximity to their duties. This concept aligns with the Lord being the inheritance of the priests, as seen in Numbers 18:20.
  • Proximity to God and Service: The phrase "which shall come near to minister unto the LORD" emphasizes the unique privilege and responsibility of the priests. Their dwelling place is strategically located to facilitate their constant service and worship in the sanctuary, highlighting the intimacy and dedication required for their sacred duties. This resonates with the principle articulated in Leviticus 10:3, where God declares He will be sanctified by those who draw near to Him.
  • Order and Divine Design: The precise measurements and allocations throughout Ezekiel's temple vision, including this verse, speak to God's meticulous order and perfect plan for His people and their worship. It signifies a future time of perfect alignment with His divine will.

Linguistic Insights

The term "holy [portion]" translates the Hebrew word terumah (תְּרוּמָה), often rendered as "heave offering" or "contribution." In this context, it signifies a portion of land "lifted up" or "set apart" as a dedicated offering to God, emphasizing its consecrated and inviolable nature. The word "sanctuary" is miqdash (מִקְדָּשׁ), referring to the holy place where God dwells and where worship is conducted, further reinforcing the idea of a consecrated space for divine presence and service.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel's vision pertains to a future, literal temple, the principles embedded in this verse offer timeless spiritual lessons:

  • God's Provision for His Servants: The verse reminds us that God cares for those dedicated to His service. Whether in spiritual leadership or in supporting His work, we can trust in His provision for our needs when we prioritize His kingdom.
  • Holiness in Service: The emphasis on the "holy portion" and the priests "coming near to minister" underscores the importance of holiness and consecration for those involved in God's work. Believers today, as part of the "royal priesthood," are called to live set-apart lives, reflecting God's character in all they do.
  • Dedication of Resources: Just as a specific portion of land was dedicated to God, we are called to dedicate our "portions" – our time, talents, and material resources – for His holy purposes. This involves recognizing that all we have ultimately belongs to Him and is to be used for His glory.
  • Proximity to God: The priests' close proximity to the sanctuary signifies the importance of drawing near to God in worship, prayer, and study of His Word. Our spiritual "dwelling place" should be one of constant communion with the Lord.
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 43:19

    And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, a young bullock for a sin offering.

  • Ezekiel 40:45

    And he said unto me, This chamber, whose prospect [is] toward the south, [is] for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house.

  • Numbers 16:5

    And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.

  • Ezekiel 44:13

    And they shall not come near unto me, to do the office of a priest unto me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, in the most holy [place]: but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed.

  • Ezekiel 44:14

    But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service thereof, and for all that shall be done therein.

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 48:11

    [It shall be] for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok; which have kept my charge, which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.

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