Ezekiel 48:18

And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion shall be] ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion]; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

And the residue {H3498} in length {H753} over against {H5980} the oblation {H8641} of the holy {H6944} portion shall be ten {H6235} thousand {H505} eastward {H6921}, and ten {H6235} thousand {H505} westward {H3220}: and it shall be over against {H5980} the oblation {H8641} of the holy {H6944} portion; and the increase {H8393} thereof shall be for food {H3899} unto them that serve {H5647} the city {H5892}.

A strip next to the holy offering extending three [miles] to the east and three to the west is to be left. This area by the holy offering is to be used to grow food for those serving the city.

The remainder of the length bordering the holy portion and running adjacent to it will be 10,000 cubits on the east side and 10,000 cubits on the west side. Its produce will supply food for the workers of the city.

And the residue in the length, answerable unto the holy oblation, shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward; and it shall be answerable unto the holy oblation; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that labor in the city.

Commentary

Ezekiel 48:18 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's final vision, which meticulously describes the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel, the dimensions of the new temple, and the layout of the holy city in a future, restored kingdom. This particular verse focuses on the land adjacent to the sacred "holy portion" (or "holy oblation") and its specific purpose.

Context

Chapter 48 concludes Ezekiel's extensive vision of the restored temple and land, which began in Ezekiel 40. The prophet describes a meticulously ordered allocation of territory, including a large, central "holy portion" dedicated to the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites. Verse 18 specifies the dimensions of the land bordering this central sacred area: a strip ten thousand cubits in length to the east and ten thousand cubits to the west of the holy portion. This surrounding land was not merely buffer space; it had a vital function.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision: A primary theme is God's meticulous care for those who serve Him. The "increase thereof" (its produce) was explicitly designated "for food unto them that serve the city." This indicates God's plan to sustain those engaged in the vital work surrounding the sanctuary and the administration of the holy city, ensuring their needs are met so they can focus on their duties without distraction. This echoes principles of provision for those in service found elsewhere in scripture, such as those who preach the gospel living by the gospel.
  • Order and Precision: The precise measurements ("ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward") underscore the divine emphasis on order, structure, and intentionality in God's kingdom. Every part of the land allocation, especially concerning the sacred spaces and those who serve them, is divinely ordained and perfectly measured.
  • Sacred Economy: The land immediately bordering the holy portion serves as an economic support system. It highlights how even the surrounding secular land is purposed to support the sacred activities centered in the temple and city, creating a self-sustaining and divinely ordered community.

Linguistic Insights

The term "oblation" (Hebrew: terumah, ืชึฐึผืจื•ึผืžึธื”) refers to a dedicated offering or contribution, specifically in this context, a portion of land set apart for sacred purposes. The repetition of "over against the oblation of the holy [portion]" emphasizes its direct adjacency and relationship to the central sacred area. The "ten thousand" units are understood to be cubits, a standard measurement of the time, reinforcing the vision's detailed and practical nature.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel's vision describes a future, literal temple and land, the underlying principles of God's character remain timeless. This verse reminds us of God's faithfulness to provide for those committed to His service. It illustrates that God is a God of order who meticulously plans for the well-being of His people and those who carry out His work. Believers today can find assurance that as they dedicate themselves to God's purposes, He will ensure their needs are met, enabling them to continue their service without undue worldly anxieties, trusting in His divine provision and wisdom.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 45:6 (2 votes)

    And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long, over against the oblation of the holy [portion]: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.

  • Nehemiah 7:46 (2 votes)

    The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

  • Nehemiah 7:62 (2 votes)

    The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

  • Joshua 9:27 (2 votes)

    And Joshua made them that day hewers of wood and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of the LORD, even unto this day, in the place which he should choose.

  • Ezra 2:43 (2 votes)

    The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

  • Ezra 2:58 (2 votes)

    All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, [were] three hundred ninety and two.