Ezekiel 45:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:6 details the precise dimensions and purpose of the city's land allocation within the prophet's grand vision of a restored Israel. This verse specifies that a substantial area, measuring five thousand by twenty-five thousand (likely cubits), is to be appointed as the possession for the city, situated adjacent to the holy oblation. This designated territory is explicitly intended for the entire house of Israel, underscoring God's meticulous planning and comprehensive provision for the civic and residential needs of His people in the divinely ordered future kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:6 is situated within the latter section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which presents an elaborate, visionary blueprint for a new temple, its associated ordinances, and the systematic redistribution of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This particular chapter, Ezekiel 45, focuses on the "holy oblation" (or "holy portion") of land, which is meticulously set aside for the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites, as detailed in [Ezekiel 45:1-5](/ezekiel/45-1 "Ezekiel 45:1-5 - The Holy Portion of Land"). Following this sacred allocation, verse 6 specifies the dimensions and purpose of the land designated for the city itself, demonstrating a clear distinction and yet a close relationship between the sacred and civic aspects of the restored community. The precise measurements throughout this section underscore the divine order and comprehensive nature of God's future plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The visions in Ezekiel 40-48 were received by the prophet during the Babylonian exile (circa 573 BC), a period of profound national despair and displacement for the Jewish people. Having witnessed the destruction of the first temple and the desolation of Jerusalem, the exiles longed for restoration. This detailed blueprint, therefore, served as a powerful message of hope, promising a future return, a rebuilt temple, and a reordered society under God's direct governance. The meticulous land divisions and city planning reflect ancient Near Eastern practices of territorial organization, but here, they are divinely ordained, emphasizing God's sovereignty over every aspect of national life, from worship to daily living. The concept of a "holy portion" and specific land allocations was deeply rooted in Israel's covenant history, recalling the initial division of Canaan under Joshua.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader vision, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**, with the exact measurements (five thousand broad by twenty-five thousand long, likely cubits) underscoring 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, where chaos is replaced by divine harmony. Secondly, it emphasizes **Comprehensive Provision for the Community**, as this designated area is explicitly "for the whole house of Israel." This signifies God's thorough care and provision for the material and social needs of His people, distinct from but adjacent to the sacred priestly and temple zones, ensuring a place for all to live and thrive. Thirdly, the city's placement "over against the oblation of the holy portion" signifies the **Centrality of Worship** and God's presence. This arrangement emphasizes that community life should be oriented around worship and God's presence, echoing the idea of God dwelling among His people, a theme that culminates in the naming of the city, "[The LORD Is There](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Name of the City")."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Appoint (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From H5414, this primitive root means "to give," but is used with a great latitude of application, including to "put," "make," "assign," or "ordain." In Ezekiel 45:6, it conveys the authoritative act of God (or His designated agents) in establishing and allocating this specific territory. It is not a suggestion but a divine decree, indicating a fixed and purposeful assignment of land for the city.
* **Possession (Hebrew, _ʼăchuzzâh'_):** From H272, this feminine passive participle means "something seized," specifically referring to a "possession," particularly of land. This term underscores the permanent and rightful ownership of the allocated territory by the city and, by extension, by the people of Israel. It implies a secure and enduring inheritance, distinct from temporary occupation.
* **Oblation (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** From H8641, this word refers to "a present (as offered up)," especially in sacrifice or as tribute, often translated as "heave offering" or "contribution." In this context, it denotes a consecrated portion of land that has been "lifted up" or set apart for sacred use, specifically for the sanctuary, priests, and Levites. Its proximity to the city's possession highlights the sacred-civic relationship within the divine plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long,"**: This clause specifies the dimensions of the land designated for the city. The verb "appoint" (nâthan) indicates a divine directive for the allocation. The measurements, five thousand (cubits) in breadth and twenty-five thousand (cubits) in length, describe a substantial rectangular area. This precise enumeration emphasizes the meticulous detail of God's plan, ensuring adequate space for the civic and residential needs of the population, distinct from the sacred precincts.
* **"over against the oblation of the holy [portion]:"**: This phrase clarifies the geographical relationship of the city's land to the sacred area. "Over against" (ʻummâh) implies proximity and direct adjacency. The "oblation of the holy portion" refers to the consecrated land set aside for the temple, priests, and Levites, as described in [Ezekiel 45:1-5](/ezekiel/45-1 "Ezekiel 45:1-5 - The Holy Portion of Land"). This placement signifies that while the city is distinct from the sacred, it is intrinsically linked to and positioned in direct relation to the center of worship and God's presence, indicating a community life oriented around the divine.
* **"it shall be for the whole house of Israel."**: This concluding declaration states the ultimate beneficiary and purpose of this land allocation. The phrase "the whole house of Israel" emphasizes that this provision is for the entire nation, encompassing all tribes and people. It underscores God's comprehensive care, ensuring that every member of the restored community has a place and a secure inheritance within the divinely ordered land, fostering unity and communal well-being.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 45:6 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Precision**, evident in the exact numerical dimensions provided ("five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long"). This meticulous detail is characteristic of Ezekiel's visionary descriptions, serving not merely as architectural specifications but as a symbolic representation of God's perfect order, control, and comprehensive planning. The numbers themselves may also carry a **Symbolic** weight, pointing to divine completeness and sufficiency. Furthermore, the phrase "over against the oblation of the holy portion" utilizes **Juxtaposition**, placing the civic space of the city in direct adjacency to the sacred space of the temple and priestly land. This highlights the symbiotic relationship between the daily life of the people and the centrality of worship, suggesting that the community's existence is to be continually oriented towards God's presence. The entire vision, including this verse, functions as an **Extended Metaphor** for an ideal, divinely governed society, offering hope and a blueprint for future restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:6, in its meticulous detail regarding land allocation, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, provision, and intentionality. The precise measurements and designated purpose for the "possession of the city" reveal a divine blueprint for a community where every aspect of life, from sacred worship to civic dwelling, is carefully considered and provided for. This reflects a theological truth that God's kingdom is not chaotic but perfectly structured, ensuring the well-being and flourishing of His people. The proximity of the city to the "holy portion" underscores the principle that even daily life and communal organization are to be lived in the shadow and influence of God's holy presence, emphasizing that true societal flourishing stems from a right relationship with the divine. This vision of a divinely ordered land and people points forward to the ultimate reality of God dwelling among His people in perfect harmony.

* [Numbers 35:2-8](/numbers/35-2 "Numbers 35:2-8 - Cities for the Levites")
* [Revelation 21:16](/revelation/21-16 "Revelation 21:16 - Dimensions of the New Jerusalem")
* [Nehemiah 11:1-2](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1-2 - Repopulating Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 45:6, though deeply rooted in an ancient prophetic vision, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, who meticulously plans for the flourishing and provision of His people. This verse challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and communities, can reflect this divine order in our own lives and structures. Are our priorities aligned in such a way that God's presence and worship are central, influencing even the "civic" or mundane aspects of our existence? Just as the city was positioned "over against the holy portion," we are called to live our daily lives in conscious proximity to God's holiness, allowing His standards to shape our decisions, relationships, and communal endeavors. This vision inspires us to seek intentionality and divine wisdom in building lives and communities that honor God and provide for the well-being of all, anticipating the ultimate reality of His perfectly ordered kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of God's plan for the city in Ezekiel 45:6 challenge my own approach to planning and intentionality in my life or community?**
* **In what ways can I ensure that God's "holy portion" (His presence, His Word, His worship) remains central and influential in the "city" (the daily, practical aspects) of my life?**
* **What does this verse teach me about God's comprehensive provision for His people, and how might that encourage me in areas of personal or communal need?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific dimensions mentioned in Ezekiel 45:6?**

Answer: The dimensions of "five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long" (likely cubits) are highly significant. They represent a substantial area, approximately 1.5 miles by 7.5 miles, designated for the city. This precision underscores God's meticulous planning and His desire for perfect order in the restored community. It signifies that God provides ample space for the civic and residential needs of "the whole house of Israel," ensuring their well-being and flourishing. The exactness of the measurements also points to the divine authority and certainty of the vision, contrasting with the chaos and destruction experienced during the exile. These dimensions are part of a larger, divinely engineered blueprint for an ideal society, where every element is purposefully placed, as seen in the broader context of [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple").

**How does the city's placement "over against the oblation of the holy portion" inform its purpose?**

Answer: The phrase "over against" (Hebrew: ʻummâh) indicates direct adjacency and proximity. This placement is crucial because it signifies that while the city is the civic and residential center, it is positioned in direct relation to the "oblation of the holy portion," which is the consecrated land for the temple, priests, and Levites, detailed in [Ezekiel 45:1-5](/ezekiel/45-1 "Ezekiel 45:1-5 - The Holy Portion of Land"). This arrangement emphasizes that the daily life and communal activities of the people are to be lived in conscious proximity to, and under the influence of, God's holy presence. It underscores that the spiritual center is not isolated but is foundational to the entire community's structure and purpose, reinforcing the idea that a truly flourishing society is one oriented around worship and divine principles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 45:6 describes a physical land allocation in a future, restored Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are profoundly realized in Christ. The meticulous order and comprehensive provision for "the whole house of Israel" foreshadow the New Covenant reality where God's people are gathered not by physical land boundaries but by their union with Christ. Jesus Christ is the true "holy portion," the ultimate sanctuary, in whom God dwells fully among humanity, as described in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). The city's placement "over against the oblation of the holy portion" finds its spiritual parallel in the Christian life, where our "citizenship is in heaven" ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")), and our daily existence is to be lived in constant proximity to the indwelling Holy Spirit and the finished work of Christ. The promise of God's dwelling with His people, ensuring their provision and order, culminates in the New Jerusalem of [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth"), where Christ is the lamp and the temple, and all of God's redeemed "house" finds its eternal and perfectly ordered possession in Him, fulfilling the deepest longings for a divinely organized community where "[God himself will be with them and be their God](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")."

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.