Ezekiel 48:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover from the possession {H272} of the Levites {H3881}, and from the possession {H272} of the city {H5892}, being in the midst {H8432} of that which is the prince's {H5387}, between the border {H1366} of Judah {H3063} and the border {H1366} of Benjamin {H1144}, shall be for the prince {H5387}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Thus the land belonging to the L'vi'im and the section for the city will be inside that which belongs to the prince. "'The territory belonging to the prince will be between the territory of Y'hudah and the territory of Binyamin -

Berean Standard Bible

So the Levitical property and the city property will lie in the center of the area belonging to the prince—the area between the borders of Judah and Benjamin.

American Standard Version

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, it shall be for the prince.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:22 details a specific land allocation within the visionary temple and land distribution described in the latter chapters of Ezekiel. This verse precisely delineates the territory designated for "the prince," specifying its central location between the possessions of the Levites and the city, and situated geographically between the tribal borders of Judah and Benjamin. It underscores the meticulous divine order and the significant, yet circumscribed, role of the prince in the restored community envisioned by Ezekiel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:22 is situated within the highly detailed and symbolic vision of the new temple and land division, which spans [Ezekiel chapters 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Vision of the New Temple"). These chapters describe an idealized, future Israel, distinct from the historical nation that faced exile. Chapter 48 specifically outlines the precise allocation of land to each of the twelve tribes, as well as to the holy oblation (a sacred district for the temple, priests, and Levites), the city, and the prince. Verse 22 serves to clarify the exact placement of the prince's portion, emphasizing its central and pivotal role within this divinely ordered landscape, adjacent to both the sacred and civic centers. This meticulous detail contrasts sharply with the chaotic and unfaithful leadership that led to Israel's exile, presenting a vision of perfect order under God's governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The people had lost their temple, their land, and their king, leading to despair and questions about God's covenant faithfulness. In this context, Ezekiel's vision offered a powerful message of hope, restoration, and a future where God's presence would dwell among His people in a perfectly ordered society. The concept of land inheritance was deeply ingrained in Israelite identity, stemming from God's covenant promises to Abraham. The meticulous division of land, even for a visionary temple, would have resonated deeply with a people dispossessed, reaffirming God's commitment to their future. The role of a "prince" (nasi) in this vision is crucial, as it contrasts with the corrupt monarchy of the past, suggesting a purified form of leadership under divine authority, distinct from the absolute monarchies common in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's prophecy. Primarily, it highlights **Divine Order and Restoration**, demonstrating God's meticulous plan for a perfectly structured future for His people, where every element, including land distribution and leadership roles, is precisely defined. It also emphasizes the **Centrality of God's Presence**, as the entire land allocation, including the prince's portion, radiates from the holy district where the temple resides, signifying that God's dwelling is the absolute center of this future kingdom (a theme powerfully articulated in [Ezekiel 43:1-5](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-5 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Temple")). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Role of Righteous Leadership** in the restored community. The prince's designated land and his specific duties, detailed elsewhere (e.g., [Ezekiel 45:7-8](/ezekiel/45-7 "Ezekiel 45:7-8 - The Prince's Portion and Responsibilities") and [Ezekiel 46:1-18](/ezekiel/46-1 "Ezekiel 46:1-18 - The Prince's Offerings and Gates")), portray a figure whose authority is derived from and subservient to the divine order, ensuring justice and proper worship, a stark contrast to the unrighteous kings who led Israel astray before the exile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **possession (Hebrew, _ʼăchuzzâh'_):** This feminine passive participle, derived from a root meaning "to seize," refers to something taken or held, specifically a possession, often of land or property. In Ezekiel 48:22, it denotes the allocated territory of the Levites and the city, from which the prince's portion is carved out, emphasizing a divinely granted and secured inheritance rather than a temporary holding.
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâsîyʼ'_):** This term, from a root meaning "to lift up" or "exalt," properly refers to an exalted one, such as a king, chief, or ruler. In Ezekiel, the _nâsîyʼ_ is a significant figure in the restored community, distinct from the pre-exilic kings. His role is not one of absolute political power but rather of administrative and spiritual leadership, responsible for temple provisions, justice, and leading worship, reflecting a purified and divinely appointed authority.
* **midst (Hebrew, _tâvek'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to sever" or "cut in two," this word signifies a bisection or the center. Its use in this verse highlights the strategic and central placement of the prince's land, indicating its pivotal position relative to other key areas (Levites' land, city land) and its role as a connecting point between the tribal territories of Judah and Benjamin. This centrality underscores the prince's importance in the overall divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city,"**: This clause indicates that the land designated for the prince is not entirely new territory but is carved out from, or situated adjacent to, the existing allocations for the Levites and the city. This implies a careful integration of the prince's domain within the established holy and civic areas, underscoring interconnectedness rather than isolated authority.
* **"[being] in the midst [of that] which is the prince's,"**: This phrase clarifies the precise location of this portion. It is specifically identified as the prince's own possession, centrally located. The KJV's added words "being" and "of that" help to clarify that this central area *is* the prince's designated land, emphasizing its singular ownership and strategic position.
* **"between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin,"**: This specifies the geographical boundaries of the prince's land. By placing it between these two prominent tribes, it highlights its role as a unifying or mediating territory, perhaps symbolizing the prince's function in bridging or overseeing the entire restored community, preventing tribal fragmentation.
* **"shall be for the prince."**: This concluding phrase unequivocally states the purpose and ownership of this specific land. It is exclusively allocated to the prince, reinforcing his unique and divinely ordained role in the future kingdom, distinct from the communal or tribal allocations.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:22, like the entire latter section of the book, heavily employs **Detailed Description** and **Symbolism**. The meticulous enumeration of land boundaries, specific measurements, and precise allocations for various groups (tribes, Levites, city, prince) is a form of **Detailed Description** that serves to convey the absolute order and perfection of God's future restoration. This exhaustive detail is not merely practical but functions as a literary device to impress upon the reader the comprehensiveness and intentionality of the divine plan. Furthermore, the entire vision is steeped in **Symbolism**. The land itself, its precise division, the location of the temple, and the role of the prince are not necessarily meant to be interpreted as a literal blueprint for a future earthly kingdom. Instead, they symbolize God's ultimate sovereignty, His desire for a perfectly ordered community centered on His presence, and the establishment of righteous leadership. The specific placement of the prince's land in the "midst" and "between" tribal borders is symbolic of his central, unifying, and mediating role within this ideal divine administration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:22, in its precise allocation of land to the prince, reinforces the overarching biblical theme of God's meticulous care for His people and His ultimate plan for a perfectly ordered creation. It speaks to a future where justice, worship, and righteous leadership will be fully established under divine authority. The careful distinction of the prince's role from historical monarchies highlights a purified form of governance, one that serves God's purposes and the welfare of the community, rather than self-interest. This vision, while rooted in ancient Israel's context, points to a universal truth: God's desire for His people to live in a state of blessedness, order, and communion, with His presence at the very center, and with leadership that reflects His character.

* [Ezekiel 45:7-8](/ezekiel/45-7 "Ezekiel 45:7-8 - The Prince's Portion and Responsibilities")
* [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Reign")
* [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:22, with its focus on the prince's allocated land, invites us to reflect on the nature of divine order and the importance of leadership in God's economy. While the specific details of land division may be symbolic, the underlying principles are profoundly relevant. God is a God of order, not chaos. He has a plan for His people, and that plan involves not only His dwelling among them but also the establishment of righteous authority that facilitates worship, justice, and communal flourishing. For believers today, this verse challenges us to consider where "the prince's portion"—that is, the place of godly leadership and divine order—resides in our own lives, families, and communities. Are we submitting to God's reign and seeking to establish His principles in our spheres of influence? Do we value and pray for leaders, both spiritual and secular, who seek to serve God's purposes rather than their own? This vision reminds us that true blessedness comes from aligning ourselves and our societies with God's perfect design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Ezekiel's vision, including land allocation, inform your understanding of God's character and His plans for humanity?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and communities, strive to embody the principles of divine order and righteous leadership in our daily lives?**
* **Considering the prince's role as distinct from corrupt kings, what qualities do you believe are essential for godly leadership in any sphere?**

### FAQ

**Is the land division in Ezekiel 40-48, including the prince's portion, meant to be a literal blueprint for a future earthly kingdom?**

Answer: While some interpretations hold to a literal future fulfillment, many biblical scholars understand the detailed land divisions in Ezekiel 40-48, including Ezekiel 48:22, to be highly symbolic. The vision was given to a people in exile, offering hope and a theological blueprint for God's perfect order rather than a precise geographical map. The dimensions and arrangements often defy strict literal application to real-world geography or historical events. Instead, they symbolize God's ultimate restoration, the centrality of His presence, the perfection of His justice, and the ideal relationship between God and His people in a future, perfected state. The emphasis is on the *principles* of divine order, righteous leadership, and God's dwelling among His people, which find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ and His spiritual kingdom.

**Who is "the prince" referred to in Ezekiel's vision, and specifically in Ezekiel 48:22?**

Answer: The "prince" (Hebrew: _nâsîyʼ_) in Ezekiel's vision (chapters 40-48) is a unique and significant figure, distinct from the pre-exilic kings of Israel. Unlike the kings who often abused their power and led the nation into idolatry, this prince is portrayed as a righteous, divinely appointed leader whose responsibilities are primarily administrative and spiritual, focused on ensuring proper worship, providing offerings, and maintaining justice (see [Ezekiel 45:7-8](/ezekiel/45-7 "Ezekiel 45:7-8 - The Prince's Portion and Responsibilities") and [Ezekiel 46:1-18](/ezekiel/46-1 "Ezekiel 46:1-18 - The Prince's Role in Worship")). He is not a priest or the Messiah, but rather a purified human leader who serves under God's ultimate authority. The precise identity of this figure has been debated; some see him as an ideal future ruler, while others view him as a symbolic representation of righteous leadership in God's restored kingdom, foreshadowing the perfect rule of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:22, with its meticulous allocation of land for the prince and its emphasis on divine order, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal earthly territory but in the spiritual reality of God's kingdom established through Jesus Christ. The "prince" of Ezekiel's vision, a figure of righteous leadership and just administration, ultimately points to Jesus, the true and eternal Prince of Peace ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prince of Peace Prophecy")). While Ezekiel's prince has a physical land inheritance, Christ's inheritance is far grander: He inherits all nations and establishes a spiritual kingdom where His people dwell securely in Him. The centrality of the prince's portion in Ezekiel's vision foreshadows Christ's absolute centrality in the new covenant, where He is the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")) and the head of the church ([Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ the Head of the Church")). The promise of God's dwelling among His people, symbolized by the temple and its surrounding order, is perfectly realized in Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Emmanuel Prophecy")). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ has secured for His followers an eternal inheritance, a spiritual "land" where justice reigns, worship is pure, and God's presence is fully manifested, far surpassing any earthly allocation ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision of a perfectly ordered land under a righteous prince serves as a powerful prophetic shadow of the glorious, Christ-centered reality of God's eternal kingdom.

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.