Ezekiel 48:14

And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for [it is] holy unto the LORD.

And they shall not sell {H4376} of it, neither exchange {H4171}, nor alienate {H5674}{H5674} the firstfruits {H7225} of the land {H776}: for it is holy {H6944} unto the LORD {H3068}.

They may not sell, exchange or alienate any of this choice land; because it is holy, for ADONAI.

They must not sell or exchange any of it, and they must not transfer this best part of the land, for it is holy to the LORD.

And they shall sell none of it, nor exchange it, nor shall the first-fruits of the land be alienated; for it is holy unto Jehovah.

Ezekiel 48:14 is a specific instruction regarding the portion of land designated as the "holy oblation" or "holy portion" within Ezekiel's visionary temple and land division. This verse emphasizes the sacred and inalienable nature of this dedicated land.

Context of Ezekiel 48:14

The final chapters of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) present a detailed prophetic vision of a new temple, a reorganized priesthood, and the re-division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel in a future, restored state. Ezekiel 48 specifically outlines the precise boundaries and allocations for each tribe, as well as for the sanctuary, the priests, the Levites, and the prince. Verses 8-14 describe a central, consecrated portion of land known as the "holy oblation" (or "holy portion"), which is set apart for the Lord. This particular verse, Ezekiel 48:14, underscores the inviolability of this sacred space.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Sanctity and Holiness: The primary message is that this land is "holy unto the LORD." This means it is consecrated, set apart exclusively for divine purposes, and not to be treated as common property.
  • Divine Ownership: The prohibition against selling, exchanging, or alienating it reinforces the idea that this portion belongs entirely to God. It reflects a principle seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as Leviticus 25:23, which states the land is God's.
  • Inalienability: Unlike other land, this sacred portion cannot be bought, sold, or traded. This ensures its perpetual dedication and prevents its desecration or misuse. It's a permanent endowment for the divine service.
  • Firstfruits Principle: While "firstfruits" (Hebrew: reshith) typically refers to the initial and best produce, here it likely signifies that this dedicated land itself is the prime, most sacred, or initial portion set aside for God from the entire land. It embodies the principle of giving God the best, as seen in Proverbs 3:9.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "holy" is qodesh, which fundamentally means "set apart" or "consecrated" for a special purpose, usually divine. The term "firstfruits" is reshith, implying the beginning, the chief part, or the best. In this context, the land is not merely a portion but the preeminent part, dedicated to God, emphasizing its supreme importance and unique status.

Practical Application

While the specific context of Ezekiel's temple vision relates to ancient Israel, the underlying principles of holiness and divine ownership remain relevant for believers today. This verse encourages us to consider what aspects of our lives, resources, and time we consider "holy unto the Lord." It challenges us to:

  • Respect the Sacred: To recognize and honor those things that are set apart for God's purposes, whether it's our spiritual practices, places of worship, or dedicated ministries.
  • Practice Stewardship: To manage what God has entrusted to us (our talents, finances, bodies, relationships) with the understanding that they ultimately belong to Him and should be used for His glory, not alienated for selfish gain.
  • Give Our Best: To dedicate our "firstfruits"—our best efforts, time, and resources—to God, rather than what is leftover or convenient, reflecting a heart of true devotion.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Leviticus 27:28

    Notwithstanding no devoted thing, that a man shall devote unto the LORD of all that he hath, [both] of man and beast, and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing [is] most holy unto the LORD.

  • Leviticus 27:9

    And if [it be] a beast, whereof men bring an offering unto the LORD, all that [any man] giveth of such unto the LORD shall be holy.

  • Leviticus 27:10

    He shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if he shall at all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange thereof shall be holy.

  • Leviticus 25:34

    But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it [is] their perpetual possession.

  • Malachi 3:8

    Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

  • Malachi 3:10

    Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it].

  • Leviticus 27:32

    And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, [even] of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back