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.

And at the east ^{H6921} side ^{H6285} four ^{H702} thousand ^{H505} and five ^{H2568} hundred ^{H3967}: and three ^{H7969} gates ^{H8179}; and one ^{H259} gate ^{H8179} of Joseph ^{H3130}, one ^{H259} gate ^{H8179} of Benjamin ^{H1144}, one ^{H259} gate ^{H8179} of Dan ^{H1835}.

On the east side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan.

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

Context of Ezekiel 48:32

Ezekiel 48:32 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's grand vision of a restored Israel, detailed in chapters 40-48. This vision was given during the Babylonian exile, offering a profound message of hope and future restoration to a dispirited people. Specifically, this verse describes the southern side of a divinely ordered city, often understood as a future holy city or the New Jerusalem, that is meticulously laid out around the new temple. The precise measurements and the naming of gates after the tribes of Israel underscore God's detailed plan for His people's return to their land and His presence among them.

Key Themes and Messages

Divine Order and Precision: The extensive details throughout Ezekiel's vision, including the exact measurements of "four thousand and five hundred" (reeds or cubits, depending on interpretation of the full context) for the south side and the specific naming of gates, highlight God's meticulous and perfect design for the future. It demonstrates that His plans are not arbitrary but are executed with divine precision.
Restoration and Inclusion: The naming of the gates after the tribes of Israel—Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun on the south side (and others on different sides)—symbolizes the complete restoration and unity of all twelve tribes. This vision reassures the exiles that no tribe will be forgotten or excluded from God's ultimate plan for His people.
Access and Presence: Gates serve as points of entry, and the presence of three gates on each side signifies accessible pathways into this holy city. This imagery suggests open access for God's people to His dwelling place, emphasizing His desire to be present with and among them in a tangible way, echoing the promise of God dwelling with humanity.
Future Hope: This prophetic vision offers a powerful message of hope, pointing to a glorious future for Israel. While some interpret this literally as a future earthly city during the millennial kingdom, others see it as a symbolic blueprint for the ultimate spiritual reality of God's presence among His people, culminating in the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21, which also features twelve gates named after the tribes of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "gates" is sha'arim (שערים), plural of sha'ar. In ancient cities, gates were not merely entry points but also significant public spaces where justice was administered, business was conducted, and community life unfolded. Their presence and naming in this vision therefore signify not just access but also the establishment of a righteous and well-ordered society under divine rule. The specific tribal names—Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun—are sons of Jacob, representing the lineage and heritage of Israel, reinforcing the theme of national identity within God's future plans.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 48:32, though highly specific, offers timeless principles. It reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak, as they were for the exiles. It encourages us to trust in God's meticulous plans, recognizing that His ultimate design for His people is one of restoration, unity, and intimate presence. For believers today, this vision provides a foundation for hope in God's ultimate victory and the establishment of His perfect kingdom, where all who are part of His spiritual Israel will find their place and access to His presence.

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.

No cross-references found for this verse.