Ezekiel 48:20

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.

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}.

The entire offering will be eight [miles] square, including the section for the city.

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.

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.

Ezekiel 48:20 describes the precise dimensions of the "holy oblation," a central and sacred portion of land within Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a future temple and a reorganized Israel. This verse emphasizes the perfect geometry and consecrated nature of this significant territory.

Context

This verse is part of the concluding chapters of the Book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which detail a prophetic vision concerning a new, idealized temple, a reorganized land division, and a new city. This vision is often interpreted as a blueprint for the millennial kingdom or a symbolic representation of God's perfect order and future dwelling among His people. Chapter 48 specifically outlines the final 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. The "oblation" here refers to this large, set-apart territory, distinct from the tribal inheritances.

Key Themes

Divine Order and Perfection: The specified dimensions of "five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand" (likely referring to cubits or reeds) creating a "foursquare" area powerfully emphasize God's meticulous planning and the perfection of His future kingdom. This precise geometry reflects the divine order, symmetry, and holiness inherent in this sacred space.
Holiness and Separation: The "holy oblation" is explicitly set apart from the tribal allotments, underscoring its sacred purpose and the distinction between the holy and the common. It is dedicated solely to God and His service, serving as the spiritual and administrative heart of the renewed land.
Centrality of Worship: This foursquare holy portion contains the new temple, the dwelling place for the priests and Levites, and the city. This arrangement indicates that worship, divine presence, and righteous governance are central to God's ultimate plan for His people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "oblation" is terumah (תְּרוּמָה), which is often translated as "heave offering" or "contribution." It signifies something lifted up, set apart, or consecrated to God. While often used for sacrificial offerings or contributions of produce, in Ezekiel's vision, it refers to a substantial tract of land that is consecrated and dedicated entirely to the Lord and His service.

Related Scriptures

The concept of a perfectly square, holy city or sacred space is echoed in other biblical prophecies. Most notably, the description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16 is also described as "foursquare" and of equal length, breadth, and height. This parallel suggests a thematic continuity in God's ultimate plans for a holy dwelling place and a perfectly ordered divine city.

For the initial vision of the temple and its measurements, refer to Ezekiel 40:1. Details about the division of the holy portion for priests and Levites can be found in Ezekiel 48:8-14.

Practical Application

While the literal fulfillment of Ezekiel's elaborate vision is a subject of theological discussion, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant. The emphasis on precise dimensions and a "foursquare" design points to God's desire for order, purity, and holiness in all things pertaining to Him. For believers today, this verse underscores the importance of setting apart areas of our lives—our time, talents, and resources—as a "holy oblation" to God. Just as the land was consecrated for divine purposes, we are called to be a holy people, set apart for His purposes and dedicated to His service. It also offers a hopeful reminder that God's ultimate plan involves perfect order, justice, and the centrality of His presence, promising a future where His kingdom reigns supreme.

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.
Hebrews 12:17

For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.