And over against the border of the priests the Levites [shall have] five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length [shall be] five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
And over against {H5980} the border {H1366} of the priests {H3548} the Levites {H3881} shall have five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} in length {H753}, and ten {H6235} thousand {H505} in breadth {H7341}: all the length {H753} shall be five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505}, and the breadth {H7341} ten {H6235} thousand {H505}.
" 'Alongside the territory for the cohanim, the L'vi'im are to have a portion eight [miles] long and three wide - its total length will be eight and its width three.
Bordering the territory of the priests, the Levites shall have an area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide. The whole length will be 25,000 cubits, and the width 10,000 cubits.
And answerable unto the border of the priests, the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
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Deuteronomy 12:19
Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest upon the earth. -
Ezekiel 45:5
And the five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of the house, have for themselves, for a possession for twenty chambers. -
Luke 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. -
Ezekiel 45:3
And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary [and] the most holy [place].
Ezekiel 48:13 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the future division of the land of Israel and the meticulous layout of the new temple and its surrounding areas. This particular verse specifies the land allocation for the Levites, who were consecrated to serve in the temple.
Context
Chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel describe a future, idealized temple and the distribution of land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This vision follows the devastating Babylonian exile and offers a profound message of hope and restoration. The land is divided into specific portions, with a central "holy oblation" (terumah) reserved for sacred purposes. Within this holy portion, specific allocations are made for the sanctuary, the priests, and, as described in this verse, the Levites. The Levites’ portion is situated "over against the border of the priests," indicating its proximity and complementary relationship to the priestly area, which was detailed in Ezekiel 48:10-12.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The measurements "five and twenty thousand" (25,000) and "ten thousand" (10,000) are understood to be in "reeds," a unit of measure mentioned earlier in Ezekiel's vision. A single reed is equivalent to six cubits, as specified in Ezekiel 40:5. This makes the Levites' portion a substantial area of 25,000 reeds by 10,000 reeds, or roughly 75 miles by 30 miles (if interpreting a cubit as 18 inches), signifying a vast and ample provision.
Practical Application
Ezekiel's vision, including this specific allocation for the Levites, offers profound insights into God's character. It reveals His commitment to order, His meticulous attention to detail, and His unwavering faithfulness to His people and those who serve Him. For believers today, this can be a reminder that God provides for those He calls, and His plans, though sometimes beyond our full comprehension, are always perfect and purposeful. It encourages us to trust in God's ultimate restoration and provision, knowing that His kingdom is one of perfect order and justice.