Ezekiel 48:16

And these [shall be] the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

And these shall be the measures {H4060} thereof; the north {H6828} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}, and the south {H5045} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}, and on the east {H6921} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967}, and the west {H3220} side {H6285} four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568}{H2568} hundred {H3967}.

and will measure 4,500 cubits [just under one-and-a-half miles] along each of its sides - north, south, east and west.

and will have these measurements: 4,500 cubits on the north side, 4,500 cubits on the south side, 4,500 cubits on the east side, and 4,500 cubits on the west side.

And these shall be the measures thereof: the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

Context

Ezekiel 48:16 is a precise detail within the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a restored temple and a re-divided land for Israel, as described in chapters 40-48. This vision, given during the Babylonian exile, offers a profound picture of God's future dwelling place and the meticulous organization of His kingdom. Specifically, this verse describes the exact dimensions of the 'holy oblation' or 'contribution,' a square portion of land set apart for the sanctuary, priests, and Levites. The repetition of "four thousand and five hundred" cubits for each of its four sides emphasizes the perfect symmetry and divine order of this sacred area, which is central to the entire prophetic blueprint for the future.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The explicit and identical measurements for all four sides underscore God's meticulous planning and the absolute perfection of His future dwelling place and kingdom. This precision signifies divine completeness and the absence of human error or imperfection in God's design.
  • Holiness and Separation: The designation of this specific square area as the holy portion highlights the profound sanctity of God's presence. It is set apart entirely for sacred use, emphasizing the absolute holiness required for God to dwell among His people. This theme of separation for divine purposes is central to the entire temple vision.
  • Future Restoration and Idealism: Ezekiel's vision, including these detailed measurements, presents an ideal, restored Israel under God's direct rule. It speaks to a future time of profound peace, structured worship, and divine order, contrasting sharply with the chaos and disobedience that led to Israel's exile. This vision offers a powerful hope for God's ultimate plan for His people and creation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "measures" is middōt (מִדּוֹת), which accurately conveys the sense of exact "measurements" or "dimensions." The reiteration of the numerical value—"four thousand and five hundred"—for each side strongly emphasizes the precise, unchangeable, and divinely ordained boundaries of this sacred space. This measurement, likely in cubits (approximately 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometers per side), indicates a substantial and significant area, reinforcing the grandeur and importance of God's future habitation.

Practical Application

While the detailed measurements of Ezekiel's temple vision are subject to various interpretations, Ezekiel 48:16 offers profound spiritual insights for believers today:

  • God's Attention to Detail: This verse reminds us that God is a God of order and precision. Even in vast prophetic plans, His care extends to every detail. This can encourage us to trust in God's meticulous oversight in our own lives and in His overarching plan for history.
  • The Importance of Holiness: The setting apart of a perfectly measured holy area underscores the sanctity of God's presence and the call for His people to live lives consecrated to Him. This resonates with the New Testament call for believers to be holy as He is holy, reflecting His character in our daily walk.
  • Hope in Divine Order: In a world often marked by disorder and chaos, this vision provides a profound sense of hope in a future where God's perfect order and presence will reign supreme. It points to a time when all things will be perfectly aligned with His will, bringing ultimate peace and harmony, a promise echoed in visions of the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1).
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.

  • Revelation 21:16

    And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

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