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.

And for them, even for the priests {H3548}, shall be this holy {H6944} oblation {H8641}; toward the north {H6828} five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} in length, and toward the west {H3220} ten {H6235} thousand {H505} in breadth {H7341}, and toward the east {H6921} ten {H6235} thousand {H505} in breadth {H7341}, and toward the south {H5045} five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} in length {H753}: and the sanctuary {H4720} of the LORD {H3068} shall be in the midst {H8432} thereof.

This holy offering will be for the cohanim; it will be eight [miles] in length along its north and south sides and three in width along its west and east sides; ADONAI's sanctuary will be inside it.

This will be the holy portion for the priests. It will be 25,000 cubits long on the north side, 10,000 cubits wide on the west side, 10,000 cubits wide on the east side, and 25,000 cubits long on the south side. In the center will be the sanctuary of the LORD.

And for these, even for the priests, shall be the 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 Jehovah shall be in the midst thereof.

Commentary

Ezekiel 48:10 is part of Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a new temple and a re-divided land for Israel, which occupies the final nine chapters of his prophetic book (Ezekiel 40-48). This specific verse details the dimensions and purpose of the sacred land designated for the priests within this future allocation.

Context

Following the detailed description of the new temple (Ezekiel 40-43), the return of God's glory (Ezekiel 43:4), and the regulations for its worship, Ezekiel's vision shifts to the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Within this re-apportionment, a special "holy oblation" (or "holy portion" / "heave offering") is set aside, distinct from the tribal allotments. This holy oblation is further subdivided for specific purposes: the priests, the Levites, and the city. Verse 10 specifically describes the portion dedicated to the priests, highlighting its central importance due to the sanctuary's location within it.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The detailed measurements and specific allocations throughout Ezekiel's vision underscore God's meticulous planning and the perfect order of His future kingdom. Every aspect, including the land for the priests, is precisely defined.
  • Holiness and Consecration: The land described as a "holy oblation" (Hebrew: terumah) signifies its dedication to God and its sacred purpose. This portion is set apart for those who minister before the Lord, emphasizing the holiness required in His service and presence.
  • Centrality of God's Presence: The declaration that "the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof" is paramount. It reinforces the idea that God's dwelling place is the absolute center of this new arrangement, signifying His immediate and abiding presence among His people. This echoes the biblical theme of God desiring to dwell with humanity.
  • Provision for Priesthood: The dedicated land ensures that the priests, who serve in the sanctuary, have their own consecrated space for dwelling and support, emphasizing their vital role in the worship and administration of God's house.

Linguistic Insights

The term "oblation" here comes from the Hebrew word terumah, which typically refers to a contribution or offering, often a heave offering lifted up to God. In this context, it describes a sacred portion of land "lifted out" or set apart from the common land for holy purposes. The dimensions, "five and twenty thousand" (25,000) and "ten thousand" (10,000), are likely given in reeds (a unit of measurement equivalent to six cubits), indicating a substantial and precisely measured area.

Related Scriptures

  • For the broader context of the holy oblation, see Ezekiel 45:1-5.
  • The concept of God's presence being central is foundational, as seen in the tabernacle's design in Exodus 25:8.
  • The emphasis on a holy priesthood is a recurring theme, culminating in the New Testament concept of believers as a "holy priesthood" (1 Peter 2:5) and a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).

Practical Application

While the precise fulfillment of Ezekiel's temple vision is debated among scholars (some see it as literal, others as symbolic of a spiritual reality or a future millennial kingdom), the principles remain timeless. This verse reminds us of:

  1. The Sanctity of Service: Those who serve God are called to a life of holiness, reflecting the sacredness of their calling and the God they serve.
  2. God's Centrality: Just as the sanctuary was to be in the midst of the priests' portion, God's presence should be central to our lives, our homes, and our communities.
  3. Order and Purpose: God is a God of order, and He has a specific purpose for every individual and for the Church as a whole. Our lives should reflect His design and intention.
  4. Divine Provision: God meticulously provides for those who are dedicated to His service, ensuring they have what they need to fulfill their calling.

Ezekiel 48:10 beautifully illustrates the deep connection between holiness, divine presence, and dedicated service in God's perfect future kingdom.

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

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Ezekiel 44:28

    And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I [am] their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I [am] their possession.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:13

    Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?

  • 1 Corinthians 9:14

    Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

  • Joshua 21:1

    ¶ Then came near the heads of the fathers of the Levites unto Eleazar the priest, and unto Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel;

  • Joshua 21:45

    There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

  • Matthew 10:10

    Nor scrip for [your] journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.
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