Ezekiel 45:6

And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long, over against the oblation of the holy [portion]: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.

And ye shall appoint {H5414} the possession {H272} of the city {H5892} five {H2568} thousand {H505} broad {H7341}, and five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} long {H753}, over against {H5980} the oblation {H8641} of the holy {H6944} portion: it shall be for the whole house {H1004} of Israel {H3478}.

You are to give the city possession of an area, alongside the offering of the holy portion, one-and-a-half by eight [miles]; it will be for the whole house of Isra'el.

As the property of the city, you are to set aside an area 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, adjacent to the holy district. It will belong to the whole house of Israel.

And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long, side by side with the oblation of the holy portion: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.

Commentary

Ezekiel 45:6 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the division of land and the layout of a future temple and city in a restored Israel. This specific verse describes the dimensions and purpose of the city's allocated territory within this divine blueprint.

Context

Chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel provide an elaborate blueprint for a new temple, its ordinances, and the redistribution of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This vision, received during Israel's exile, offers a profound message of hope and restoration. Ezekiel 45 specifically details the "holy oblation" or "holy portion" of land set aside for the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites (Ezekiel 45:1-5). Adjacent to this sacred area, verse 6 specifies the land designated for the city itself. This meticulous allocation highlights God's divine order and comprehensive provision for every aspect of the restored community, ensuring a proper place for both sacred and civic life.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The exact measurements (five thousand broad by twenty-five thousand long, likely cubits) underscore God's meticulous planning and His desire for order in all things, especially in the governance and daily life of His people. This precision speaks to the perfection of God's future kingdom.
  • Provision for the Community: This designated area is explicitly "for the whole house of Israel," indicating a substantial place for the general populace to live and thrive. It signifies God's comprehensive care and provision for the material and social needs of His people, distinct from the sacred priestly and temple zones.
  • Centrality of Worship: The city's placement "over against the oblation of the holy portion" signifies its close proximity and symbiotic relationship with the spiritual centerโ€”the temple. This arrangement emphasizes that community life should be oriented around worship and God's presence, echoing the idea of God dwelling among His people.
  • Ideal Society: The entire vision, including this verse, paints a picture of an ideal, divinely organized society where every part has its place and purpose, reflecting God's perfect will for His kingdom and a future era of peace and righteousness.

Linguistic Insights

The term "oblation of the holy [portion]" refers to the Hebrew word terumah (ืชึฐึผืจื•ึผืžึธื”), which literally means a "heave offering" or "contribution." In this context, it denotes a consecrated portion of land set apart for sacred use. The dimensions givenโ€”"five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long"โ€”are in cubits, which would equate to approximately 1.5 miles by 7.5 miles, a substantial area dedicated to the city for the people of Israel. These measurements highlight the grand scale of God's plans for restoration.

Practical Application

Ezekiel's vision, though specific in its ancient context, offers timeless principles for believers today. It reminds us of God's character as a God of order, who meticulously plans for the well-being and provision of His people. It encourages us to consider how our communities and individual lives can be ordered in a way that honors God and places His presence and worship at the center. This verse speaks to the importance of both individual spiritual devotion and communal living that reflects God's divine design, looking forward to a time when His presence is fully manifested among His people, bringing perfect order and provision.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 48:15

    And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane [place] for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.

  • Ezekiel 48:18

    And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion shall be] ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion]; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

  • Ezekiel 48:30

    And these [are] the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures.

  • Ezekiel 48:35

    [It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.