Ezekiel 48:18

KJV

And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion shall be] ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion]; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the residue {H3498} in length {H753} over against {H5980} the oblation {H8641} of the holy {H6944} portion shall be ten {H6235} thousand {H505} eastward {H6921}, and ten {H6235} thousand {H505} westward {H3220}: and it shall be over against {H5980} the oblation {H8641} of the holy {H6944} portion; and the increase {H8393} thereof shall be for food {H3899} unto them that serve {H5647} the city {H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A strip next to the holy offering extending three [miles] to the east and three to the west is to be left. This area by the holy offering is to be used to grow food for those serving the city.

Berean Standard Bible

The remainder of the length bordering the holy portion and running adjacent to it will be 10,000 cubits on the east side and 10,000 cubits on the west side. Its produce will supply food for the workers of the city.

American Standard Version

And the residue in the length, answerable unto the holy oblation, shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward; and it shall be answerable unto the holy oblation; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that labor in the city.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:18 meticulously describes the allocation of a specific strip of land bordering the sacred "holy portion" within the prophet's visionary blueprint for a restored Israel. This designated territory, extending ten thousand cubits eastward and westward, was not merely a boundary but a productive area. Its agricultural yield was explicitly intended to provide sustenance for those who served the city, thereby underscoring God's precise and abundant provision for those dedicated to the administration and spiritual life of His people in the new, divinely ordered commonwealth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:18 is found within the climactic final section of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail an elaborate vision of a new temple, a reorganized land, and a holy city. This comprehensive vision, beginning with [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"), provides a meticulous blueprint for a future, ideal Israel, emphasizing divine order, holiness, and God's abiding presence. Chapter 48 meticulously outlines the division of the land among the twelve tribes, with a significant central allocation for the sanctuary, priests, and Levites—referred to as the "holy portion" or "oblation." Verse 18 then elaborates on the practical support system for those who would serve in this divinely ordered community, detailing the land immediately bordering the sacred precinct and its specific purpose. It follows the descriptions of the portions for the prince and the various tribes, setting the stage for the practicalities of sustaining the holy city.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel's prophecy was delivered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon, a people dispossessed of their land, temple, and national identity. The vision of a restored temple and a re-divided land offered profound hope and a clear picture of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly in the face of national devastation. In ancient Israelite society, land was foundational to identity, sustenance, and covenant blessings. The concept of a "holy portion" (Hebrew: *terumah*) was deeply rooted in the Levitical laws concerning offerings and dedicated portions for the priests and Levites, ensuring their sustenance as they served God (e.g., [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Provision for the Levites")). The meticulous measurements and allocations in Ezekiel's vision reflect a divine re-establishment of order and justice, contrasting sharply with the chaos and injustice that led to the exile. The provision for those who "serve the city" highlights the ancient understanding of a symbiotic relationship between the spiritual and civic life, where those dedicated to religious and administrative duties were to be sustained by the community.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's vision. Firstly, **Divine Provision** is paramount, demonstrating God's meticulous care for those who serve Him and His people. The land's produce directly supports the servants, echoing the principle of supporting those dedicated to spiritual work, as seen in [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Workers"). Secondly, **Order and Precision** are emphasized through the exact measurements ("ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward"), highlighting God's intentionality and the perfect divine design for His kingdom. This contrasts with the disorder that characterized Israel before the exile. Thirdly, a **Sacred Economy** is established, where even the "secular" land adjacent to the [holy portion](/ezekiel/45-1 "Ezekiel 45:1 - The Holy Portion") is purposed to support the sacred activities centered in the temple and city, creating a self-sustaining and divinely ordered community that prioritizes the well-being of its spiritual and administrative leaders. Finally, the theme of **Holiness** permeates the vision, as the surrounding land is intimately connected to the "holy portion," implying that all aspects of life in the restored community are to be ordered in a way that honors God's sanctity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Residue (Hebrew, _yâthar'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively, to leave, cause to abound, preserve." In this context, "residue" refers to the remaining portion of land, specifically that which is left over or adjacent to the primary "holy portion." It signifies a designated remainder, not an afterthought, but a purposefully allocated segment.
* **Oblation (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** From a root meaning "to lift up" or "to raise." It denotes "a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute." Here, it specifically refers to the large, dedicated portion of land set apart for the sanctuary, priests, and Levites, indicating its sacred, consecrated nature as an offering to God.
* **Serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** A primitive root meaning "to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc." In this context, it refers to those who are engaged in the work or service of the city, encompassing both spiritual (priestly, Levitical) and administrative duties necessary for the functioning of the holy community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion shall be] ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward:"** This clause specifies the dimensions and location of the land. "The residue" refers to the land bordering the sacred "oblation" (the holy portion set apart for the sanctuary, priests, and Levites). This land extends precisely "ten thousand" (cubits, understood from context) in length, both to the east and to the west of the holy portion. This highlights the meticulous planning and symmetrical design of the divinely ordered territory, ensuring a balanced and ample supporting area.
* **"and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion];"** This repetition emphasizes the direct adjacency and intimate relationship of this land to the central sacred precinct. It reinforces that this "residue" is not disconnected but is functionally and spatially linked to the holy oblation, underscoring its supportive role. The proximity signifies its purpose is tied to the sacred.
* **"and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city."** This final clause reveals the explicit purpose of this land. "The increase thereof" refers to its agricultural produce or yield. This produce is designated "for food" to sustain "them that serve the city." This includes those who minister in the temple, administer the city, and perform other essential functions. It demonstrates God's provision for His servants, ensuring their physical needs are met so they can devote themselves fully to their duties without distraction or want.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:18 employs several significant literary devices. **Precision** and **Detailing** are evident in the exact measurements ("ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward"), which underscore the divine architect's meticulous planning and the tangible, ordered nature of the restored kingdom. This numerical specificity lends an air of reality and divine intentionality to the vision. **Repetition** is used effectively with the phrase "over against the oblation of the holy [portion]," which appears twice. This repetition serves to emphasize the critical spatial relationship and functional connection between this productive land and the central sacred area, reinforcing that the land's purpose is intrinsically linked to the sanctity and service of the holy portion. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism**, where the physical provision from the land for the city's servants symbolizes God's faithfulness to sustain those dedicated to His work, a principle that transcends the literal land division to speak of divine care for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:18 provides profound theological insight into God's character as a meticulous provider and an orderly sovereign. It illustrates that divine provision is not haphazard but is carefully planned and integrated into the very structure of His kingdom. The allocation of land for the sustenance of those who serve the city underscores God's commitment to ensuring that His workers are cared for, enabling them to focus on their sacred duties without worldly anxieties. This principle extends beyond the literal vision of the land, affirming that God always makes provision for those He calls into service, whether in ancient Israel or in the contemporary church. It speaks to a divine economy where resources are purposed to support spiritual and communal well-being, reflecting God's holistic concern for His people.

* [Deuteronomy 18:1-2](/deuteronomy/18-1 "Deuteronomy 18:1-2 - Provision for Priests and Levites")
* [Nehemiah 13:10-11](/nehemiah/13-10 "Nehemiah 13:10-11 - Neglect of Levites' Portions")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:18, though set in a visionary context, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order and intentionality, who meticulously plans for the well-being and sustenance of His people, especially those dedicated to His service. For us, this means trusting in God's faithful provision in our own lives as we seek to serve Him. Just as the land's produce sustained those who served the city, God provides for us in various ways—through our work, through the generosity of others, and through unexpected blessings—so that we can fulfill our calling without being consumed by worldly anxieties. It also challenges us to consider how we, as the body of Christ, contribute to the sustenance and support of those who serve in ministry, recognizing that their ability to focus on spiritual work is vital for the health of the church. This verse encourages us to live with a deep sense of security in God's care, knowing that as we prioritize His kingdom, He will ensure our needs are met, enabling us to be faithful stewards of our gifts and resources for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous provision described in this verse deepen your trust in God's care for your own life and service?**
* **In what ways can the church today embody the principle of providing for those who "serve the city" (i.e., those in full-time ministry or Christian service)?**
* **How does the emphasis on order and intentionality in God's plan challenge or encourage your approach to personal stewardship and spiritual discipline?**

### FAQ
**What is the "holy portion" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "holy portion" (Hebrew: *terumah* or *oblation*) refers to a large, specially designated area of land within Ezekiel's visionary temple and land division. As described in [Ezekiel 45:1-8](/ezekiel/45-1 "Ezekiel 45:1-8 - The Holy Portion of Land"), this central sacred precinct was set apart for the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites. It was considered God's dedicated portion, ensuring a holy space for worship and providing sustenance for those who ministered there. The land described in Ezekiel 48:18 is directly adjacent to and supports this holy portion.

**Who are "them that serve the city" and what do they do?**

Answer: "Them that serve the city" refers to the inhabitants and workers of the holy city in Ezekiel's vision. This would primarily include those involved in the administration and maintenance of the city, as distinct from the priests and Levites who served directly in the temple within the holy portion. While the priests and Levites had their own specific land allocation within the holy portion, the "servants of the city" would be those who ensured the civic, economic, and practical functioning of the community. Their service would be essential for the overall well-being and order of the divinely established commonwealth, and this verse ensures their provision from the land's produce.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:18, with its meticulous provision for those who serve the city, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. While Ezekiel's vision describes a physical land and a literal city, it foreshadows the spiritual reality of God's perfect provision for His people in Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "increase" and "food" for His people, declaring, "[I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and "[my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink](/john/6-55 "John 6:55 - Jesus' Flesh and Blood as True Food")". In the New Covenant, the "city" we serve is not an earthly Jerusalem but the "[heavenly Jerusalem](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The Heavenly Jerusalem")" and the "[city of the living God](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - The City of the Living God")" (Hebrews 12:22), the church, which is Christ's body. Believers are called to "[serve the Lord with all humility](/acts/20-19 "Acts 20:19 - Paul's Service to the Lord")" (Acts 20:19) and to "[serve one another humbly in love](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another in Love")" (Galatians 5:13). Just as the land provided for the physical needs of the city's servants, Christ provides for every need of those who serve in His spiritual kingdom, both physically and spiritually. He ensures that those who "[seek first his kingdom and his righteousness](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")" (Matthew 6:33) will have all their needs met. The meticulous order and provision in Ezekiel's vision point to the perfect, unfailing care of Christ for His church, empowering His servants to fulfill their mission without anxiety, sustained by His grace and truth.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 45:6

And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long, over against the oblation of the holy [portion]: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.

Nehemiah 7:46

The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

Nehemiah 7:62

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

Joshua 9:27

And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.

Ezra 2:43

The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

Ezra 2:58

All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, [were] three hundred ninety and two.