And [this] oblation of the land that is offered shall be unto them a thing most holy by the border of the Levites.
And this oblation {H8642} of the land {H776} that is offered {H8641} shall be unto them a thing most {H6944} holy {H6944} by the border {H1366} of the Levites {H3881}.
It is to be an especially holy portion set apart for them and taken from the offering of the land, next to the border of the L'vi'im.
It will be a special portion for them set apart from the land, a most holy portion adjacent to the territory of the Levites.
And it shall be unto them an oblation from the oblation of the land, a thing most holy, by the border of the Levites.
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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. -
Leviticus 27:21
But the field, when it goeth out in the jubile, shall be holy unto the LORD, as a field devoted; the possession thereof shall be the priest's.
Context
Ezekiel 48:12 is part of the final section of the Book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which details a grand, visionary blueprint for a new temple, a reorganized priesthood, and a meticulously divided land for a restored Israel. This vision follows Ezekiel's prophecies of judgment and exile, offering a profound message of hope and God's future restoration of His people and their worship.
Specifically, this verse refers to the "oblation of the land," also known as the "holy portion" or "holy district," which is a sacred strip of land set aside for divine purposes. Ezekiel 48:8-11 describes this portion in detail, noting its dimensions and its dedication to the Lord. It consists of three main parts: an area for the priests (the sons of Zadok), an area for the Levites, and a central portion for the city and its suburbs. Verse 12 specifically highlights the priestly portion, emphasizing its extreme sacredness. This entire section underscores God's meticulous plan for a renewed covenant relationship and proper worship, contrasting sharply with the past failures that led to exile.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "oblation of the land" translates the Hebrew word terumah (תְּרוּמָה), which means "contribution," "offering," or "heave offering." It refers to something lifted up or set apart for sacred use, often as a gift to God or His ministers. This term emphasizes the idea of a dedicated, separated portion.
The phrase "a thing most holy" is a translation of the Hebrew qodesh qodashim (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים), literally "holiness of holinesses" or "holy of holies." This is the highest degree of sacredness, traditionally reserved for the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle and Temple where God's presence was most intensely manifested. Its application to this portion of land signifies its supreme sanctity, indicating it is utterly distinct and set apart for God's exclusive use by the priests.
Practical Application
While Ezekiel's vision of the temple and land division is complex and debated regarding its literal fulfillment, its spiritual principles hold profound significance for believers today: