Ezekiel 48:30

And these [are] the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures.

And these are the goings out {H8444} of the city {H5892} on the north {H6828} side {H6285}, four {H702} thousand {H505} and five {H2568} hundred {H3967} measures {H4060}.

"'These are the city exits; they are to be named after the tribes of Isra'el, three gates on each of the four sides; the four sides each measure just under one-and-a-half [miles]: on the north, gates named after Re'uven, Y'hudah and Levi; on the east, gates named after Yosef, Binyamin and Dan; on the south, gates named after Shim'on, Yissakhar and Z'vulun; and on the west, gates named after Gad, Asher and Naftali.

“These will be the exits of the city:

And these are the egresses of the city: On the north side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure;

Context

Ezekiel 48:30 is part of the concluding chapter of the Book of Ezekiel, which culminates in a detailed prophetic vision of a restored Israel, a new temple, and a holy city. Chapters 40 through 47 describe the intricate design of a new temple and its surrounding area, along with the miraculous river flowing from it. Chapter 48 then outlines the division of the land among the twelve tribes and, finally, the layout and dimensions of the holy city. This verse specifically details the measurement of the north side of this future city's perimeter, emphasizing the precise and orderly nature of God's restoration plan.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The meticulous measurements provided throughout Ezekiel's vision, including this verse, highlight God's perfect planning and attention to detail. Every aspect of the restored kingdom and city is precisely defined, underscoring divine intentionality.
  • Restoration and Reestablishment: This vision, coming after prophecies of judgment and destruction, offers a powerful message of hope and future restoration for Israel. The detailed description of the city signifies a permanent and holy dwelling place for God among His people.
  • The Future Holy City: The city described here is presented as a place of immense significance, often seen as a prefigurement or spiritual parallel to the New Jerusalem in Revelation. Its symmetrical dimensions (4,500 measures on each of its four sides, as seen in verses 30-33) emphasize its perfection and holiness.

Linguistic Insight

The term "measures" (Hebrew: middoth, מִדּוֹת) in this context refers to a specific unit of length used in the vision, likely the measuring reed mentioned earlier in Ezekiel's prophecy (Ezekiel 40:5), which was six cubits long. The "four thousand and five hundred measures" for each side indicates a massive and perfectly square city, signifying its completeness and the divine order governing it.

Significance and Application

Ezekiel 48:30, while seemingly a technical detail, contributes to the grand tapestry of God's prophetic blueprint. It assures us of God's faithfulness to His covenants and His ability to bring about ultimate restoration and perfection. For believers, this vision underscores:

  • God's Meticulous Care: Just as God plans every detail of a future city, He orchestrates the lives of His people with precision and purpose.
  • Hope in Future Fulfillment: The specificity of these prophecies points to a tangible, future reality where God's presence will be fully established. The ultimate name of the city, as revealed in Ezekiel 48:35, "The Lord is There" (Yahweh Shammah), is the crowning truth of the entire vision, signifying God's permanent and complete dwelling among His people.
  • Divine Order Amidst Chaos: In a world often marked by disorder, this vision presents a comforting picture of God's ultimate reign, characterized by perfect order, peace, and holiness.
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.

  • Ezekiel 48:16

    And these [shall be] the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

  • Ezekiel 48:32

    And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.

  • Ezekiel 48:35

    [It was] round about eighteen thousand [measures]: and the name of the city from [that] day [shall be], The LORD [is] there.

  • 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.

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