Ezekiel 48:20

Translation
King James Version
All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.
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KJV (with Strong's)
All the oblation H8641 shall be five H2568 and twenty H6242 thousand H505 by five H2568 and twenty H6242 thousand H505: ye shall offer H7311 the holy H6944 oblation H8641 foursquare H7243, with the possession H272 of the city H5892.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The entire offering will be eight [miles] square, including the section for the city.
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Berean Standard Bible
The entire portion will be a square, 25,000 cubits by 25,000 cubits. You are to set apart the holy portion, along with the city property.
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American Standard Version
All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.
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World English Bible Messianic
All the offering shall be a square of twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand: you shall offer it as a holy offering, with the possession of the city.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
All the oblation shalbe fiue and twentie thousand with fiue and twentie thousand: you shall offer this oblation foure square for the Sanctuarie, and for the possession of the citie.
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Young's Literal Translation
All the heave-offering is five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand, square do ye lift up the heave-offering of the holy portion with the possession of the city.
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See also
Revelation 21:16Hebrews 12:17
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Ezekiel’s Promised Land
Ezekiel’s Promised Land View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 21,723 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Ezekiel 48:20 meticulously describes the precise dimensions and consecrated nature of the "holy oblation," a vast, square tract of land set apart within Ezekiel's prophetic vision for the future temple, priests, Levites, and the city itself. This verse underscores the divine order, perfection, and holiness characteristic of God's ultimate dwelling place among His people, emphasizing the centrality of worship and righteous governance in His eschatological plan.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: This verse is situated within the concluding chapters of the Book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-48), which present a detailed and elaborate vision of a new temple, a reorganized land division for the tribes of Israel, and a new holy city. Following the detailed architectural plans for the temple in Ezekiel 40-43, and the regulations for its worship in Ezekiel 44-46, chapter 47 describes the life-giving river flowing from the temple. Chapter 48 then outlines the final, meticulous division of the land among the twelve tribes, with a significant, consecrated portion reserved for the sanctuary, the priests, the Levites, and the city itself. Ezekiel 48:20 specifically defines the dimensions and shape of this "oblation" (or "heave offering"), which is the sacred heart of the entire land distribution, distinct from the tribal inheritances described in Ezekiel 48:1-7.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Ezekiel's vision was given to him while in Babylonian exile, a period of profound national humiliation and spiritual desolation for the Israelites. The destruction of the first temple and the loss of their land left the people questioning God's covenant faithfulness and their future. In this context, Ezekiel's detailed vision provided a powerful message of hope, restoration, and God's unwavering commitment to dwell among His people. The precise measurements and the concept of a "heave offering" (terumah) for sacred purposes would have resonated with their understanding of Mosaic law, which prescribed specific portions of offerings and land to be set apart for God and the priesthood (e.g., Numbers 18:8-20). The "foursquare" design was also significant in ancient Near Eastern architecture, often symbolizing stability, perfection, and completeness, as seen in the design of altars and the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle and Solomon's temple (e.g., Exodus 27:1).
  • Key Themes: The meticulous description of the holy oblation in Ezekiel 48:20 contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, it highlights Divine Order and Perfection. The exact dimensions and "foursquare" shape emphasize God's meticulous planning and the absolute perfection of His future kingdom, where everything is precisely ordered according to His divine will. Secondly, it underscores Holiness and Separation. The "holy oblation" is explicitly set apart from the common tribal allotments, underscoring its sacred purpose and the clear distinction God makes between the holy and the profane. This separation is vital for maintaining the purity of God's dwelling place. Thirdly, it reinforces the Centrality of Worship and God's Presence. This foursquare holy portion is the geographical and spiritual epicenter of the renewed land, containing the new temple, the dwelling place for the priests and Levites, and the city itself. This arrangement signifies that worship, divine presence, and righteous governance are the foundational pillars of God's ultimate plan for His people, ensuring that God's glory will return to and remain in the midst of His people, as prophesied in Ezekiel 43:1-5.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • oblation (Hebrew, tᵉrûwmâh', H8641): From the root rûwm (to be high, to raise), this word signifies something "lifted up," "set apart," or "consecrated." While often used for sacrificial offerings or contributions of produce (e.g., "heave offering"), in Ezekiel's vision, it refers to a substantial tract of land that is consecrated and dedicated entirely to the Lord and His service. This specific usage highlights the land's sacred status as a divine "contribution" or "gift" to God, emphasized by its being "offered up."
  • holy (Hebrew, qôdesh', H6944): This term denotes something sacred, consecrated, or set apart for divine use. Its inclusion emphasizes the profound sanctity of this portion of land. It is not merely a designated area but a space imbued with inherent holiness, reflecting God's presence and purity. The "holy oblation" is distinct from common land, reserved exclusively for divine purposes and those who serve God, signifying its dedication and hallowed status.
  • foursquare (Hebrew, rᵉbîyʻîy', H7243): Literally meaning "fourth" or "a fourth," in this context, it describes the shape of the oblation as having four equal sides, forming a perfect square. This geometric precision is highly symbolic, representing completeness, stability, balance, and divine perfection. It suggests an ideal, harmonious order established by God, free from imperfection or asymmetry, reflecting a state of divine completeness.

Verse Breakdown

  • "All the oblation [shall be] five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand:" This clause specifies the immense size of the consecrated territory. The "five and twenty thousand" likely refers to cubits or reeds, denoting a square area of 25,000 units by 25,000 units. This vast dimension underscores the grand scale of God's future plans and the substantial nature of the land dedicated to Him, far exceeding any previous sacred space. It speaks to the abundant provision and the expansive scope of the divine presence and the meticulousness of God's design.
  • "ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare," This segment reiterates the sacred nature of the land ("holy oblation") and explicitly states its perfect geometric shape ("foursquare"). The command "ye shall offer" implies a divine mandate for this specific configuration, highlighting that this arrangement is not arbitrary but divinely ordained. The "foursquare" design is a hallmark of divine architecture, symbolizing perfection, stability, and completeness in God's kingdom, ensuring its ideal form.
  • "with the possession of the city." This final phrase clarifies that the city itself is included within this larger "holy oblation." This integration signifies that the city, often a center of human activity and governance, is also brought under the umbrella of holiness and divine order. It implies that the civic life and administration within this future kingdom will be consecrated and aligned with God's purposes, functioning in harmony with the temple and the priestly service, making the entire sacred area a unified, holy domain.

Literary Devices

Ezekiel 48:20 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its theological message. Precision and Detail are paramount, as evidenced by the exact numerical dimensions ("five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand") and the specific geometric shape ("foursquare"). This meticulousness serves to convey the divine blueprint's absolute perfection and the unwavering order of God's future kingdom, leaving no room for human improvisation or imperfection. The verse also utilizes Symbolism, where the "foursquare" shape is not merely a descriptive detail but a profound symbol of completeness, stability, and divine harmony. It evokes a sense of ultimate order and balance, reflecting the character of God Himself. Furthermore, the concept of the "holy oblation" itself is a Metaphor for a consecrated space, a portion of creation set apart entirely for God's purposes, representing His claim over all things and His desire for a pure dwelling among His people. The passage also carries an element of Anticipation or Foreshadowing, as the description of this perfectly ordered, holy city and its surrounding sacred land prefigures the New Jerusalem described in the New Testament, which is also characterized by its "foursquare" dimensions and profound holiness.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Ezekiel 48:20, with its emphasis on a perfectly measured, foursquare "holy oblation," speaks profoundly to God's nature as a God of order, holiness, and ultimate purpose. It reveals His desire for a consecrated space where His presence can dwell in perfect purity among His people, free from the defilement that plagued the former temple and land. This vision transcends a mere physical blueprint, pointing to the eschatological reality of God's perfect kingdom, where all things are aligned with His divine will. The meticulous details underscore that God's plan for restoration is comprehensive, encompassing not just spiritual renewal but also physical order and the establishment of a righteous society centered on His glory.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Ezekiel's vision, though grand and specific, offers enduring principles for believers today. The "holy oblation" signifies God's desire for a consecrated space, a place of perfect order and purity where His presence resides. For us, this translates into a call to live lives of intentional consecration. Just as a vast portion of land was set apart for God, we are called to dedicate ourselves—our time, talents, resources, and even our bodies—as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1). The "foursquare" perfection reminds us that God desires integrity, balance, and completeness in our spiritual walk, striving for holiness in all dimensions of our being. This vision offers immense hope, assuring us that God's ultimate plan is for perfect order, justice, and the centrality of His presence, promising a future where His kingdom reigns supreme and His people dwell in unhindered communion with Him. It encourages us to live now as citizens of that coming kingdom, reflecting its order and holiness in a disordered world.

Questions for Reflection

  • What areas of my life do I need to intentionally set apart as a "holy oblation" to God?
  • How does the concept of God's meticulous order and perfection in this vision challenge my own approach to spiritual discipline and integrity?
  • In what ways can my life, like the "foursquare" oblation, reflect balance, stability, and completeness for God's glory?

FAQ

What does "five and twenty thousand" refer to in terms of measurement?

Answer: While the text does not explicitly state the unit of measurement, biblical scholars generally agree that "five and twenty thousand" refers to cubits or reeds. A cubit was approximately 18-21 inches, and a reed was about 10.5 feet (6 cubits). Given the immense size implied, the most common interpretation is 25,000 cubits, which would be roughly 8-9 miles on each side, creating a massive square of land dedicated to the sanctuary, priests, Levites, and the city. This scale emphasizes the grandeur and significance of this holy area within Ezekiel's vision of the restored land in Ezekiel 48.

What is the theological significance of the "foursquare" shape?

Answer: The "foursquare" shape is highly symbolic in biblical literature, representing perfection, completeness, stability, and divine order. It is seen in the design of the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle (Exodus 26:2) and Solomon's temple, and most notably, in the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16, which is also described as "foursquare" and of equal length, breadth, and height. This consistent imagery across different biblical contexts suggests that God's ultimate dwelling place and kingdom are characterized by absolute perfection, symmetry, and divine harmony, leaving no room for imperfection or chaos.

Is Ezekiel's vision of the temple and land division meant to be interpreted literally or symbolically?

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the land division in Ezekiel 48, is a subject of ongoing theological debate. Some interpret it literally, believing it describes a future millennial temple and land distribution during Christ's earthly reign. Others view it symbolically, seeing it as a prophetic representation of God's perfect order, holiness, and presence in the church age or the eternal state, where the spiritual realities are more significant than the physical dimensions. A third view suggests a partial literal fulfillment combined with symbolic spiritual truths. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the underlying principles of God's holiness, His desire to dwell among His people, and the ultimate perfection of His kingdom remain profoundly significant for understanding God's redemptive plan.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Ezekiel's vision of a perfectly measured, foursquare "holy oblation" describes a physical space, its ultimate fulfillment points to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the ultimate "holy oblation," the one consecrated and set apart by God to reconcile humanity to Himself. He is the true temple, not made with human hands, in whom the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9). Just as the oblation was the center of God's presence, Christ is the center of God's redemptive plan, the one through whom we have access to the Holy of Holies (Hebrews 10:19-20). The "foursquare" perfection of the oblation foreshadows the perfect order and completeness found in Christ, who brings all things into alignment with God's will. Through His sacrifice, He has established a new spiritual temple, the Church, built upon Him as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22). Believers, as "living stones," are built up into this spiritual house, a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5). Ultimately, the vision culminates in the New Jerusalem, described as "foursquare" in Revelation 21:16, where God Himself, through Christ, dwells eternally with His redeemed people, and there is no longer a need for a physical temple, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Revelation 21:22). Thus, Ezekiel's vision points to Christ as the one who embodies and brings about God's perfect, holy, and eternal dwelling among His people.

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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