Ezekiel 45:7

KJV

And a [portion shall be] for the prince on the one side and on the other side of the oblation of the holy [portion], and of the possession of the city, before the oblation of the holy [portion], and before the possession of the city, from the west side westward, and from the east side eastward: and the length [shall be] over against one of the portions, from the west border unto the east border.

KJV (with Strong's)

And a portion shall be for the prince {H5387} on the one side and on the other side of the oblation {H8641} of the holy {H6944} portion, and of the possession {H272} of the city {H5892}, before {H6440} the oblation {H8641} of the holy {H6944} portion, and before {H6440} the possession {H272} of the city {H5892}, from the west {H3220} side {H6285} westward {H3220}, and from the east {H6924} side {H6285} eastward {H6921}: and the length {H753} shall be over against {H5980} one {H259} of the portions {H2506}, from the west {H3220} border {H1366} unto the east {H6921} border {H1366}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The prince is to have the territory on both sides of the holy offering and the city's holding; it will extend westward to the western border of the land and eastward to its eastern border; and the length [from the far side of one] of its two parts [to the far side of the other] will be the same as the length of one of the [tribal] portions.

Berean Standard Bible

Now the prince will have the area bordering each side of the area formed by the holy district and the property of the city, extending westward from the western side and eastward from the eastern side, running lengthwise from the western boundary to the eastern boundary and parallel to one of the tribal portions.

American Standard Version

And whatsoever is for the prince shall be on the one side and on the other side of the holy oblation and of the possession of the city, in front of the holy oblation and in front of the possession of the city, on the west side westward, and on the east side eastward; and in length answerable unto one of the portions, from the west border unto the east border.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 45:7 meticulously details the precise allocation of land for the "prince" within the visionary temple and land distribution described in Ezekiel's prophecy. This verse specifies the geographical placement and dimensions of the prince's territory, emphasizing its strategic location adjacent to the sacred "oblation of the holy portion" and the "possession of the city," extending from the western to the eastern borders of the land. It underscores God's meticulous order, the designated role of leadership, and the careful separation of sacred and administrative domains in the prophet's blueprint for a restored Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 45:7 is situated within a lengthy prophetic vision spanning [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple and Land"). This comprehensive blueprint describes a new temple, a reformed priesthood, and a precise re-division of the land among the tribes of Israel. The preceding chapters (Ezekiel 40-43) detail the temple's architecture and the glory of God returning to it. [Ezekiel 44](/ezekiel/44 "Ezekiel 44 - Ordinances for the Priests and Levites") outlines the ordinances for the priests and Levites. [Ezekiel 45](/ezekiel/45 "Ezekiel 45 - The Holy Oblation and Prince's Portion") then focuses on the sacred land divisions: the "holy oblation" for the temple, priests, and Levites ([Ezekiel 45:1-6](/ezekiel/45-1 "Ezekiel 45:1-6 - The Holy Oblation")), and the city's possession. Verse 7 specifically addresses the prince's portion, placing it strategically bordering these significant sacred and communal areas, highlighting the interconnectedness and yet distinct roles within God's meticulously planned future order.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophecy was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people who had lost their land, temple, and sovereignty. In this context, the detailed vision of a restored temple and a re-divided land offered profound hope and reassurance of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Land was central to Israelite identity and God's covenant with Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abraham")). The allocation of land, particularly for leadership, carried significant cultural weight, reflecting divine order and preventing the abuses of power seen in previous monarchies (e.g., [1 Samuel 8:11-18](/1_samuel/8-11 "1 Samuel 8:11-18 - Samuel's Warning about Kings")). The vision addresses the past failures of kings and priests by establishing precise boundaries and roles, ensuring justice and preventing encroachment upon sacred or public domains.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous details of Ezekiel 45:7 contribute to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, **Divine Order and Meticulous Planning** are paramount; the precise measurements and boundaries underscore God's absolute sovereignty and His detailed plan for a restored Israel, where every aspect, including land allocation, is divinely ordained and perfectly structured. Secondly, the **Role of the Prince** is a central theme; the "prince" (Hebrew: *nasi'*) in this vision represents a significant leader, yet distinct from the high priest and previous kings. Their role is administrative and supportive of the temple worship, with specific land for their sustenance and to prevent oppression ([Ezekiel 45:8](/ezekiel/45-8 "Ezekiel 45:8 - The Prince's Just Rule")). This portion ensures their ability to fulfill their duties without encroaching on the sacred or public land. Thirdly, the **Separation of Sacred and Secular** is clearly delineated; the land division distinctly demarcates the holy areas (temple, priests) from the prince's possession and the city, maintaining the sanctity of God's dwelling place. Finally, this detailed land distribution is part of the larger prophetic hope for **Future Restoration and Inheritance**, where Israel's complete restoration includes a designated, secure inheritance for each tribe and leader, reflecting God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** This term (H5387) refers to an "exalted one," a "chief," or "ruler." Notably, it is not the typical Hebrew word for "king" (*melek*). In Ezekiel's vision, the *nasi'* is a leader with significant authority but operates under God's ultimate sovereignty, distinct from the abuses of power characteristic of past kings. Their role is circumscribed, focused on administration, justice, and support of the temple, rather than absolute monarchical rule.
* **oblation (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "to lift up," this word (H8641) signifies a "present (as offered up)," especially in sacrifice or as tribute. In this context, "the oblation of the holy portion" refers to the sacred land set apart and dedicated to God for the temple and the support of the priestly service, emphasizing its consecrated nature as a "heave offering" to the Lord.
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** This term (H1366) literally means "a cord" (as twisted), and by implication, a "boundary." It extends to mean the "territory enclosed," a "limit," or "landmark." The repetition of "border" (west border unto the east border) underscores the precise and defined nature of the prince's land, highlighting the divine order and the clear demarcation of territories within the restored land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And a portion shall be for the prince on the one side and on the other side of the oblation of the holy [portion], and of the possession of the city":** This clause establishes the central location of the prince's allotted land. It is positioned directly adjacent to, and flanked by, two crucial areas: the "oblation of the holy portion" (the sacred area for the temple, priests, and Levites) and "the possession of the city" (the land designated for the city and its inhabitants). This strategic placement signifies the prince's role as a mediator or guardian between the sacred and the civil, with a responsibility to both.
* **"before the oblation of the holy [portion], and before the possession of the city":** This phrase reiterates and emphasizes the proximity of the prince's land to these two key areas. The Hebrew word "before" (*pânîym*) here implies "in front of" or "facing," reinforcing the idea that the prince's territory directly abuts these significant domains, making their administration and oversight a primary concern.
* **"from the west side westward, and from the east side eastward: and the length [shall be] over against one of the portions, from the west border unto the east border":** This detailed description specifies the extensive east-west dimensions of the prince's land. It indicates that this portion stretches across the entire breadth of the land allocation, from the extreme western boundary to the extreme eastern boundary. The phrase "over against one of the portions" likely refers to the length being equivalent to one of the tribal portions, emphasizing its substantial size and its role in balancing the overall land distribution. This precise geographical definition highlights the meticulous planning and comprehensive nature of God's restoration vision.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezekiel 45:7, and indeed throughout [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple and Land"), is **Precision and Detail**. The verse is replete with exact measurements and directional specifications ("west side westward," "east side eastward," "from the west border unto the east border"). This meticulous recounting is not merely descriptive; it serves to underscore the divine origin and absolute certainty of the vision. It conveys God's perfect order, His sovereignty over every aspect of His creation and His people, and the unshakeable nature of His future plans. The **Repetition** of phrases like "oblation of the holy portion" and "possession of the city" also serves to emphasize the distinct yet interconnected nature of these territories, reinforcing the clear boundaries and divine structure. Furthermore, the entire vision can be seen as **Symbolism**, where the physical dimensions and allocations represent deeper spiritual truths about God's kingdom, justice, and the ideal relationship between sacred worship and righteous governance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 45:7 provides a profound glimpse into God's character as a God of order, justice, and meticulous planning. The precise allocation of land for the prince, positioned strategically between the sacred and the civil, reflects God's concern for righteous governance and the proper stewardship of resources. It underscores the principle that leadership, even in a restored kingdom, must operate within defined boundaries, respecting both divine mandates (the holy portion) and the needs of the people (the city's possession). This vision anticipates a future where perfect harmony exists between spiritual authority and civil administration, preventing the corruption and oppression that plagued ancient Israel's leadership. It speaks to God's faithfulness in establishing a just and orderly kingdom, ensuring provision for those who serve and protecting the sanctity of His dwelling place.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Borders of the Land of Canaan")
* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning the King")
* [Isaiah 32:1-2](/isaiah/32-1 "Isaiah 32:1-2 - A Righteous King Will Reign")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 45:7, though part of a complex prophetic vision, offers timeless principles for believers today. The meticulous detail of God's plan reminds us that God is a God of order, not chaos. This should inspire us to seek order in our personal lives, our families, and our communities, recognizing that clear boundaries and defined roles contribute to peace and flourishing. For those in positions of leadership, whether in the church, home, or workplace, the prince's circumscribed role serves as a powerful reminder of accountability and stewardship. Our authority is never absolute but is granted by God to serve His purposes and His people, always respecting the "holy portion" of divine principles and the "possession of the city" of human needs. We are called to administer justly, provide faithfully, and protect the integrity of what is sacred. Ultimately, this vision encourages us to trust in God's perfect plan for His kingdom, knowing that He has a place and purpose for each of us within His grand design, and that His ultimate reign will bring perfect justice and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in Ezekiel's vision challenge my understanding of God's character and His involvement in the specifics of life?**
* **In what areas of my life or leadership do I need to establish clearer "borders" or respect existing "holy portions" (e.g., spiritual disciplines, moral boundaries)?**
* **How can I, in my sphere of influence, emulate the prince's role of just administration and support for what is sacred, without encroaching on others' "possession"?**
* **What does this vision of divine order and provision teach me about trusting God's faithfulness for my own future and inheritance?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "prince" (nasi') in Ezekiel's vision, and is it Jesus?**

Answer: The "prince" (Hebrew: *nasi'*) in Ezekiel's vision is a distinct figure from the high priest and the former kings of Israel. While a leader with significant authority, their role is circumscribed, focusing on administration, justice, and supporting the temple worship, rather than absolute monarchical rule. They are responsible for providing sacrifices for the people ([Ezekiel 45:17](/ezekiel/45-17 "Ezekiel 45:17 - The Prince's Responsibility for Offerings")) and ensuring fair land distribution. Most biblical scholars agree that this *nasi'* is not Jesus Christ Himself. Jesus is the ultimate King and High Priest, who fulfills and transcends these roles. The *nasi'* in Ezekiel's vision is often interpreted as a human, messianic-era leader who will govern under the direct sovereignty of God, or as a symbolic representation of righteous, accountable leadership in God's restored kingdom.

**Is Ezekiel's temple vision, including the land divisions, meant to be taken literally in the future?**

Answer: There are varying interpretations regarding the literalness of Ezekiel's temple vision. Some dispensationalists interpret it as a literal blueprint for a future temple and land division during a millennial kingdom on earth, where animal sacrifices would be reinstituted as memorial offerings. Others view the vision as primarily symbolic, representing God's ideal order, spiritual restoration, and the perfect relationship between God and His people in a future, perhaps eternal, state. A third view sees it as a conditional prophecy that was not fully realized due to Israel's continued disobedience, yet still conveys timeless truths about God's holiness, justice, and desire to dwell among His people. Regardless of the literal interpretation, the detailed nature of the vision consistently underscores God's meticulous planning, His commitment to justice, and the importance of holiness and order in His kingdom.

**What is the significance of the precise measurements and boundaries in this chapter?**

Answer: The precise measurements and boundaries throughout [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple and Land"), including the specific dimensions of the prince's portion in [Ezekiel 45:7](/ezekiel/45-7 "Ezekiel 45:7 - The Prince's Land Portion"), are highly significant. They emphasize God's absolute sovereignty and His meticulous attention to detail in establishing His kingdom. This precision conveys several messages: divine order, the certainty of God's prophetic word, the prevention of human corruption (by clearly defining roles and territories), and the sanctity of God's dwelling place. It contrasts sharply with the chaos and injustice that often characterized Israel's past, pointing to a future where God's perfect will is fully realized, and everything is in its proper place according to His design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 45:7 describes a specific land allocation for a human prince in a future, earthly kingdom, its underlying principles find their ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The meticulous divine order and the establishment of a just ruler foreshadow the perfect reign of Christ, the true "Prince of Peace" ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")), whose kingdom is not of this world but is eternal and spiritual ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). The prince's role in Ezekiel's vision, mediating between the sacred and the civil and ensuring justice, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is both our High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")) and our King ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). He is the one who establishes true righteousness and provides for His people, not through a physical land portion, but through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling of His Spirit. The "oblation of the holy portion" and the "possession of the city" ultimately find their reality in Christ, who is the true Temple where God dwells among His people ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the Temple")) and who grants us an eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence fills all things and there is no longer a need for a separate holy portion, for all is made holy in Him ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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 48:21

And the residue [shall be] for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house [shall be] in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 34:24

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].

Ezekiel 46:16

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; If the prince give a gift unto any of his sons, the inheritance thereof shall be his sons'; it [shall be] their possession by inheritance.

Ezekiel 46:18

Moreover the prince shall not take of the people's inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession; [but] he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession: that my people be not scattered every man from his possession.

Ezekiel 37:24

And David my servant [shall be] king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

Luke 1:32

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.