Ezekiel 48:21

KJV

And the residue [shall be] for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house [shall be] in the midst thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the residue {H3498} shall be for the prince {H5387}, on the one side and on the other of the holy {H6944} oblation {H8641}, and of the possession {H272} of the city {H5892}, over against {H6440} the five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} of the oblation {H8641} toward the east {H6921} border {H1366}, and westward {H3220} over against {H6440} the five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} toward the west {H3220} border {H1366}, over against {H5980} the portions {H2506} for the prince {H5387}: and it shall be the holy {H6944} oblation {H8641}; and the sanctuary {H4720} of the house {H1004} shall be in the midst {H8432} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'What remains will be for the prince - the land on the two sides of the holy offering and section for the city, that is, the portion eastward from the eight [miles] of the offering's eastern border to the land's eastern border and the portion westward from the eight [miles] of the offering's western border to the land's western border - this land adjacent to the [tribal] portions will be for the prince, with the holy offering and the sanctuary of the house inside it.

Berean Standard Bible

The remaining area on both sides of the holy portion and of the property of the city will belong to the prince. He will own the land adjacent to the tribal portions, extending eastward from the 25,000 cubits of the holy district toward the eastern border, and westward from the 25,000 cubits to the western border. And in the center of them will be the holy portion and the sanctuary of the temple.

American Standard Version

And the residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation and of the possession of the city; in front of the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward in front of the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, answerable unto the portions, it shall be for the prince: and the holy oblation and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:21 precisely details the allocation of land for the "prince" in the visionary new Israel, positioning his extensive territory immediately adjacent to the "holy oblation"—the consecrated central district housing the temple and its associated priestly and Levitical areas. This verse specifies the prince's portion extending eastward and westward, mirroring the dimensions of the sacred oblation, thereby emphasizing his integral yet subordinate role in the divinely ordered future kingdom, with the sanctuary of God's house remaining at its absolute center.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:21 is situated within the concluding chapters (Ezekiel 40-48) of the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision, which describes a meticulously ordered temple and the redistribution of the land of Israel in a future, restored state. Following the architectural blueprints of the temple (Ezekiel 40-43) and the regulations for its worship and priesthood (Ezekiel 44-47), chapter 48 meticulously outlines the division of the land among the twelve tribes. This specific verse focuses on the portion designated for the civil leader, the "prince," establishing his boundaries relative to the "holy oblation" (or "holy portion"), which is the central, consecrated land dedicated to God, housing the temple, priests, and Levites. The verse's detailed measurements and directional references underscore the highly systematic and divinely ordained nature of this future arrangement, ensuring that the prince's authority and territory are clearly defined and subservient to the sanctity of God's dwelling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (597-538 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, along with the loss of their land and sovereignty, led to deep despair. Ezekiel's elaborate vision, therefore, served as a powerful message of hope and restoration, promising a future where God's presence would return to a purified temple and a reordered land. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, land ownership and distribution were fundamental to identity, social structure, and economic stability. The meticulous detail in Ezekiel's land division reflects a divine re-establishment of order and justice, contrasting sharply with the chaotic and unjust land practices that contributed to Israel's downfall. The concept of a "prince" (Hebrew: *nasi*) distinct from the problematic kings of the past, with clearly defined boundaries and responsibilities, also addresses historical abuses of power, ensuring that future leadership would operate within divine parameters, prioritizing the sanctity of God's worship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**, demonstrating God's meticulous plan for the future, where every aspect of the land, its inhabitants, and its leadership is arranged with exactitude around the centrality of His presence. This contrasts with the disorder and injustice that characterized pre-exilic Israel. Secondly, it elaborates on the **Role and Boundaries of the Prince**, presenting a civil leader (distinct from the kings of old) whose authority is substantial but strictly circumscribed by the sacred space. His land allocation, being adjacent to the holy oblation, signifies his responsibility to uphold and protect the sanctity of the temple and its worship, preventing the abuses of power seen in previous eras (as noted in [Ezekiel 45:7](/ezekiel/45-7 "Ezekiel 45:7 - The Prince's Just Portion")). Thirdly, and most importantly, the verse reiterates the **Centrality of the Sanctuary**, emphasizing that "the sanctuary of the house [shall be] in the midst thereof." This theme, echoing God's desire to dwell among His people from the wilderness tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Building the Sanctuary")) to the New Jerusalem (e.g., [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")), underscores that God's presence and worship are the foundational and organizing principle of this restored kingdom, with all other elements revolving around it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ_):** (H5387) Properly, an exalted one, a king or sheik; also a rising mist. In Ezekiel, this term denotes a civil leader, distinct from the Davidic kings of old. This distinction is crucial, as the *nasi* in Ezekiel's vision is presented without the dynastic succession or the abuses of power that characterized previous monarchies. His role is to serve and protect the sacred order, not to dominate it.
* **oblation (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh_):** (H8641) A present offered up, especially in sacrifice or as tribute; a gift or heave offering. In this context, it refers specifically to the "holy oblation" (Hebrew: *terumah qodesh*), a consecrated land portion set apart for God's dwelling, the temple, and the support of the priests and Levites. It signifies something lifted up or set apart for sacred use, emphasizing its dedication to God and its separation from common or profane use.
* **sanctuary (Hebrew, _miqdâsh_):** (H4720) A consecrated thing or place, especially a palace, sanctuary (whether of Jehovah or of idols) or asylum. Here, it refers to the sacred precinct of the temple, the very dwelling place of God. Its placement "in the midst thereof" highlights its supreme importance and centrality to the entire land division and the life of the restored community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the residue [shall be] for the prince":** This clause introduces the specific allocation of land for the civil leader, the "prince," after the holy oblation and the city's possession have been accounted for. The "residue" refers to the remaining land surrounding the sacred portion.
* **"on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city":** This specifies the geographical placement of the prince's land. It borders both the sacred portion (the "holy oblation") and the city's territory, indicating his proximity and responsibility to both the divine and civil centers.
* **"over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for the prince":** This provides the precise dimensions and orientation of the prince's land. It stretches eastward and westward, matching the 25,000-cubit (or reed) length of the holy oblation. The repetition of "five and twenty thousand" underscores the meticulous planning. The phrase "over against the portions for the prince" is somewhat redundant but emphasizes the designated area.
* **"and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house [shall be] in the midst thereof":** This concluding statement clarifies that the overall area, including the prince's land and the sacred portion, is part of the larger "holy oblation" in a broader sense, and crucially, it reiterates the absolute centrality of the temple ("the sanctuary of the house") within this entire arrangement. The temple is the heart of the restored land and community.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:21 is rich in **Precision and Detailing**, a hallmark of Ezekiel's later chapters. The repeated measurements ("five and twenty thousand") and specific directional indicators ("east border," "west border") create an impression of meticulous divine planning and absolute order, leaving no room for ambiguity or human caprice. This numerical exactitude serves to underscore the divine authority behind the vision. The phrase "in the midst thereof" is a powerful use of **Symbolism**, representing the absolute **Centrality** of God's presence and worship. The entire structure of the land, including the prince's allocation, is organized around the sanctuary, symbolizing that all aspects of the restored community—its leadership, its land, its people—are to revolve around and be sustained by the divine presence. There is also an element of **Repetition** with the recurring "five and twenty thousand" and the emphasis on the "holy oblation," reinforcing the importance of these elements.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:21 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of God's sovereign ordering of His kingdom, where every element, from the land to its leadership, is meticulously arranged around His sacred presence. The prince's portion, substantial yet clearly defined and adjacent to the holy oblation, signifies a leadership that is both empowered and constrained by divine parameters. This vision speaks to a future where human authority is rightly aligned with divine purpose, serving to protect and facilitate worship rather than exploiting it. The repeated emphasis on the sanctuary's centrality underscores that true flourishing for God's people is found when His dwelling place and His glory are the undisputed heart of their existence, providing the ultimate source of order, justice, and blessing.

* [Ezekiel 45:7](/ezekiel/45-7 "Ezekiel 45:7 - The Prince's Just Portion")
* [Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - God as the Priests' Inheritance")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:21, though part of a highly detailed prophetic vision, offers profound principles for contemporary reflection and application. It calls us to consider the centrality of God's presence in our own lives, communities, and even our leadership structures. Just as the sanctuary was to be "in the midst" of the restored land, so too should God's Spirit and His Word be at the core of our personal decisions, family life, church ministries, and societal engagement. This verse challenges leaders, whether in the church, home, or workplace, to recognize that their authority is a stewardship, to be exercised with integrity and a primary focus on honoring God and facilitating His purposes, rather than pursuing self-aggrandizement. The meticulous order also reminds us that God is a God of justice and equity, desiring that all resources and responsibilities be managed with wisdom and fairness, preventing the abuses that plagued ancient Israel. Ultimately, it invites us to envision a life and a world where God's glory is the organizing principle, leading to true peace and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community is God truly "in the midst"? Where might He be marginalized?**
* **How does the concept of the "prince's" defined boundaries challenge or affirm your understanding of leadership, whether in your personal sphere or in broader society?**
* **What practical steps can you take to prioritize God's presence and worship more intentionally in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What is the "holy oblation" mentioned in Ezekiel 48:21?**

Answer: The "holy oblation" (Hebrew: *terumah qodesh*) refers to a large, consecrated block of land precisely measured and set apart in Ezekiel's visionary temple and land distribution. This sacred portion is dedicated exclusively to God and serves as the dwelling place for the temple, the priests, and the Levites. It is distinct from the tribal allotments and the city's possession, signifying its supreme sanctity and its role as the spiritual heart of the restored land. Its dimensions are consistently described as 25,000 cubits (or reeds) by 25,000 cubits, emphasizing its significant size and its central importance (see [Ezekiel 45:1-6](/ezekiel/45-1 "Ezekiel 45:1-6 - The Holy Oblation")).

**Who is the "prince" in Ezekiel's vision, and what is his role?**

Answer: The "prince" (Hebrew: *nasi*) in Ezekiel's vision is a civil leader, distinct from the kings of pre-exilic Israel. Unlike the Davidic kings, who often abused their power and led the people into idolatry, the *nasi* in Ezekiel's prophecy is presented as a righteous, non-dynastic figure whose primary role is to uphold justice, administer the land fairly, and ensure the proper functioning of the temple worship. His land allocation, as described in [Ezekiel 48:21](/ezekiel/48-21 "Ezekiel 48:21 - The Prince's Land Allocation"), is substantial but clearly defined and borders the holy oblation, signifying his responsibility to protect the sanctity of the temple and its operations, rather than interfering with them. He is a steward of God's order, not an absolute ruler.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:21, with its meticulous focus on the centrality of the sanctuary and the righteous ordering of the land around it, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant. While Ezekiel's vision describes a physical temple and land, it foreshadows the spiritual reality of God dwelling among His people in a new and perfect way through Christ. Jesus is the true and ultimate sanctuary, the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") where "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." Furthermore, the meticulous order and righteous leadership of the "prince" in Ezekiel's vision point to Christ as the perfect King and High Priest, who not only embodies divine justice but also perfectly mediates God's presence to His people. He is the one who truly takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), making us a holy temple in whom God dwells by His Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Growing into a Holy Temple")). In the New Jerusalem, the ultimate fulfillment of Ezekiel's restored city, there is no need for a physical temple, "for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" ([Revelation 21:22](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22 - No Temple in New Jerusalem")). Thus, the vision of the sanctuary in the midst is fully realized in Christ, who is the center of all things, establishing a kingdom where God's presence is not confined to a building but indwells His people, led by the perfect and eternal Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace")).

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 48:22

Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, [being] in the midst [of that] which is the prince's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.

Hosea 1:11

Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.

Ezekiel 45:7

And a [portion shall be] for the prince on the one side and on the other side of the oblation of the holy [portion], and of the possession of the city, before the oblation of the holy [portion], and before the possession of the city, from the west side westward, and from the east side eastward: and the length [shall be] over against one of the portions, from the west border unto the east border.

Ezekiel 45:8

In the land shall be his possession in Israel: and my princes shall no more oppress my people; and [the rest of] the land shall they give to the house of Israel according to their tribes.

Ezekiel 48:10

And for them, [even] for the priests, shall be [this] holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand [in length], and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof.

Ezekiel 34:23

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

Ezekiel 34:24

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].