Ezekiel 48:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:32 concludes the description of the east side of the visionary city, specifying its dimensions and the names of the three gates on this side: Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan. This meticulous detail is part of Ezekiel's grand vision of a restored Israel, encompassing a divinely ordered city and temple, offering a profound message of hope, inclusion, and the enduring presence of God among His people after the Babylonian exile. The naming of the gates after specific tribes underscores the comprehensive restoration and unity of all Israel within God's future plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:32 is situated within the climactic section of the book of Ezekiel, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail an elaborate vision of a new temple and a reordered land for Israel. This vision follows extensive prophecies of judgment and restoration, serving as God's ultimate blueprint for His people's future. Chapters 40-42 describe the new temple, chapters 43-46 outline its worship and ordinances, and chapters 47-48 depict the division of the land among the tribes and the layout of the holy city. Verse 32 is part of the description of this city's perimeter and gates (Ezekiel 48:30-35), which meticulously outlines its dimensions and the tribal names assigned to each of its twelve gates. This precise architectural and geographical detail contrasts sharply with the desolation and disarray experienced by the exiles, offering a tangible vision of divine order and restoration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel ministered to the Jewish exiles in Babylon during the 6th century BCE, a time of profound national despair following the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple (586 BCE). For a people who believed God's presence was tied to the temple and the land, exile was a theological crisis. Visions like those in Ezekiel 40-48 served as a powerful counter-narrative to their hopelessness, assuring them of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His intention to restore them to their land and His presence. In ancient Near Eastern cities, gates were not merely entry points but vital centers of public life, commerce, justice, and defense. Their naming after tribes would signify ownership, identity, and the specific access points for each tribal group, reinforcing the idea of a unified, restored Israel with direct access to God's dwelling place.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the broader vision, contributes significantly to several key themes. The **Divine Order and Precision** of God's plans is evident in the exact measurements and detailed layout, emphasizing that God's restoration is not chaotic but meticulously designed. The naming of gates after the tribes, including Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan, highlights **Restoration and Inclusion**, signifying that all twelve tribes, even those historically estranged or seemingly lost, will have a place in God's future kingdom, reinforcing the promise of a unified Israel found in passages like [Ezekiel 37:21-22](/ezekiel/37-21 "Ezekiel 37:21-22 - Restoration and Unity of Israel"). The presence of gates, particularly with their tribal names, speaks to **Access and Presence**, indicating open pathways into God's holy city and His desire to dwell among His people, echoing the ultimate fulfillment seen in [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity"). Finally, the entire vision provides a powerful message of **Future Hope**, pointing to an ultimate, glorious future for God's people, whether interpreted literally as a millennial kingdom city or symbolically as the New Jerusalem described in [Revelation 21:12-27](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12-27 - Description of the New Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shaʻar (Hebrew, _shaʻar'_):** From H8179, meaning "an opening, i.e. door or gate." In ancient urban contexts, gates were far more than simple entryways; they were the nerve centers of the city, where elders sat in judgment, business transactions were sealed, and public announcements were made. The repetition of "gates" and the specific naming of each one in Ezekiel's vision underscore their significance as points of access, identity, and the ordered nature of the restored community.
* **Yôwçêph (Hebrew, _Yôwçêph'_):** From H3130, meaning "let him add." Joseph was Jacob's eleventh son, a figure of great prominence in Genesis who saved his family from famine and became a ruler in Egypt. His inclusion among the gate names, alongside his full brothers Benjamin and Dan, is significant. While Joseph's descendants typically formed two tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh), his single mention here may signify a holistic representation of his lineage or a symbolic unification of his divided inheritance, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the restoration.
* **Binyâmîyn (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From H1144, meaning "son of (the) right hand." Benjamin was Jacob's youngest son, born to Rachel. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors and its pivotal role in Israel's history, including providing Israel's first king, Saul. Its inclusion here reinforces the concept that all tribes, regardless of their past struggles or prominence, are integral to God's future design for His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at the east side four thousand and five hundred:"** This clause specifies the length of the eastern wall of the visionary city. The measurement "four thousand and five hundred" is understood to be in reeds, as established earlier in Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 42:16-20), where one reed equals six cubits. This precise numerical detail emphasizes the divine order and meticulous planning inherent in God's blueprint for the restored city, signifying its exact and perfect dimensions.
* **"and three gates;"** This phrase indicates that the eastern wall, like the other three sides of the city (Ezekiel 48:30-31, 33-34), is pierced by three distinct entry points. The consistent number of gates on each side highlights the symmetrical and divinely ordained structure of the city, ensuring accessibility from all directions and reinforcing the theme of universal access for the twelve tribes.
* **"and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan."** This final clause names the specific tribes to which the three eastern gates are assigned. These names are not arbitrary but represent a selection from the twelve sons of Jacob, symbolizing the full inclusion and restored identity of all Israel. The repetition of "one gate of" underscores the distinct identity and designated access for each tribal lineage within the unified city.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:32 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Precision and Detail** are paramount, as evidenced by the exact measurements ("four thousand and five hundred") and the specific naming of each gate. This meticulousness serves to underscore the divine authorship and the certainty of the vision's fulfillment, contrasting with the chaotic reality of exile. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the gates themselves symbolizing access, identity, and the vital points of community life. The naming of the gates after the tribes of Israel (Joseph, Benjamin, Dan) further symbolizes the full **Restoration and Unity** of God's people, indicating that every part of Israel, regardless of past divisions or dispersion, will have a designated place and access in God's future kingdom. The **Repetition** of "one gate of" emphasizes the distinct yet unified nature of the tribal representation, highlighting individual identity within a collective whole.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:32, as part of the grand vision of the restored city, speaks profoundly to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ultimate plan for His people. It underscores the theological truth that God's promises of restoration are not vague but are meticulously detailed and certain to be fulfilled. The vision of a city with gates named after the tribes of Israel points to a future where God's presence is tangibly manifested among a unified and re-gathered people. This speaks to the divine desire for intimate communion and accessible fellowship, where all who belong to God's covenant community find their place. The city's structure, with its twelve gates, becomes a powerful symbol of divine order, security, and the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom, where His people dwell securely in His presence.

* [Revelation 21:12-13](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12-13 - Gates of the New Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 60:11](/isaiah/60-11 "Isaiah 60:11 - Gates Always Open")
* [Zechariah 14:10](/zechariah/14-10 "Zechariah 14:10 - Jerusalem's Future Restoration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:32, with its precise details of a divinely ordered city, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and meticulous planning, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or hopeless, just as they were for the exiles in Babylon. This vision encourages us to trust in God's ultimate blueprint for our lives and for history, knowing that His plans for restoration, unity, and presence will prevail. It challenges us to consider our place within the broader community of faith, recognizing that God desires to include all His people, providing unique access and identity within His kingdom. Ultimately, it fuels our hope in the future, knowing that God is actively working towards a day when His dwelling will be fully established among humanity, characterized by perfect order, peace, and open access to His presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in Ezekiel's vision of the city, including the gate names, strengthen your trust in God's plans for your life and the world?**
* **In what ways does the concept of "gates" named after tribes speak to the idea of access and inclusion within God's community today?**
* **How can the hope offered by this ancient prophecy encourage you when facing personal or collective despair?**

### FAQ
**Is the city described in Ezekiel 40-48, including its gates, meant to be a literal earthly city or a symbolic representation?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's visionary city, including the gates in [Ezekiel 48:32](/ezekiel/48-32 "Ezekiel 48:32 - Gates of the East Side"), varies among scholars. Some interpret it literally, believing it describes a physical city and temple that will be built during a future millennial kingdom on earth. They point to the precise measurements and detailed descriptions as evidence for a literal fulfillment. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual reality of God's presence among His people in the New Covenant era, culminating in the New Jerusalem described in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem"). This perspective emphasizes the theological truths conveyed—divine order, restoration, and God's dwelling with humanity—rather than a physical structure. A third view suggests a dual fulfillment, with both literal and symbolic aspects, acknowledging the vision's immediate hope for the exiles while also pointing to a greater spiritual reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's vision of a meticulously ordered city with accessible gates, particularly the naming of gates after the tribes of Israel, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His New Covenant kingdom. While Ezekiel's prophecy spoke to a physical restoration for Israel, the New Testament reveals that true access to God's presence is no longer through a geographical gate but through Jesus Himself, who declared, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). The tribal gates of Ezekiel's vision symbolize the inclusion of all God's people, and this is realized in Christ, who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, making one new humanity out of Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The spiritual Israel, the Church, is now built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone, forming a holy temple in the Lord ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The promise of every tribe having a place is fulfilled as believers from every nation, tribe, people, and language are united in Christ ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Great Multitude from Every Nation")). Ultimately, the vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem") echoes Ezekiel's city with its twelve gates named after the twelve tribes of Israel, but critically, its gates are always open ([Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - Gates of New Jerusalem Never Shut")), signifying unending access to God's presence through the Lamb, who is its light. Thus, Ezekiel's detailed blueprint points forward to the comprehensive and accessible salvation offered through Christ, fulfilling the deepest longings for God's dwelling among His people.

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.