Ezekiel 48:19

And they that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of Israel.

And they that serve {H5647} the city {H5892} shall serve {H5647} it out of all the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}.

The people from all the tribes of Isra'el who serve in the city will farm it.

The workers of the city who cultivate it will come from all the tribes of Israel.

And they that labor in the city, out of all the tribes of Israel, shall till it.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezekiel 48:19 (KJV)

Ezekiel 48:19 is a concise verse found within Ezekiel's elaborate vision of a restored Israel, a new temple, and a re-divided land. It highlights a key aspect of the future holy city's administration and population, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility among God's people.

Context

This verse is part of the concluding chapters of the Book of Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-48), which describe a detailed prophetic vision of a restored temple, a renewed priesthood, and a precise division of the land of Israel among its twelve tribes. The vision culminates in the description of a holy district, a sanctuary, and a magnificent city located centrally within this sacred portion. This city, later named "The LORD is There" (Jehovah-Shammah) in Ezekiel 48:35, is portrayed as the spiritual and administrative heart of the restored nation. Verse 19 specifically addresses who will populate and maintain this significant urban center.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unity and Inclusivity: The most prominent theme is that service to the city will be drawn "out of all the tribes of Israel." This is a powerful statement of unity, contrasting sharply with the historical divisions, rivalries, and eventual separation of the northern and southern kingdoms (e.g., 1 Kings 12:16-19). In this future vision, tribal distinctions remain, but they contribute to a cohesive whole, serving a common purpose.
  • Divine Order and Administration: The verse implies a meticulously organized society under God's perfect design. The city's inhabitants and those who "serve it" are not randomly assigned but are part of a divine plan for its proper functioning and spiritual integrity.
  • Shared Responsibility: The burden and privilege of serving this holy city are not limited to a single tribe or a select few. Instead, it's a collective effort, signifying that every part of God's restored people has a role and responsibility in His kingdom.
  • Restoration and Fulfillment: This vision speaks to the ultimate restoration of Israel, not just geographically, but spiritually and structurally, where all tribes are reunited and dedicated to God's purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "serve" here is 'avad (Χ’ΦΈΧ‘Φ·Χ“), which carries a broad meaning encompassing work, labor, ministering, and even worship. It suggests a diligent and devoted service, not merely a casual occupation. In the context of a holy city, this service would undoubtedly include both practical civic duties and spiritual devotion, contributing to the well-being and holiness of the community.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel's vision pertains to a literal future Israel, its principles offer profound insights for believers today. The call for service "out of all the tribes" foreshadows the diverse body of Christ, the church, where believers from every nation, background, and gifting are called to serve the Lord and His spiritual "city" (the church itself, or the New Jerusalem to come). It reminds us that:

  • Unity is Paramount: Just as the tribes were to serve together, Christians are called to overcome divisions and work in unity for the advancement of God's kingdom (Ephesians 4:3).
  • Every Member Has a Role: No one is excluded from the privilege of serving God. Every believer, regardless of their background or position, is equipped by the Holy Spirit to contribute to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
  • Service is Devotion: Our service should be diligent and from the heart, reflecting our devotion to God and His purposes, just as the future inhabitants of Jehovah-Shammah would serve their city.

Ezekiel 48:19 thus paints a picture of a harmonious, divinely ordered community where all are engaged in purposeful service, a powerful hope for God's people.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 4:7 (2 votes)

    And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victuals for the king and his household: each man his month in a year made provision.

  • 1 Kings 4:23 (2 votes)

    Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside harts, and roebucks, and fallowdeer, and fatted fowl.

  • Nehemiah 11:1 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts [to dwell] in [other] cities.

  • Nehemiah 11:36 (2 votes)

    And of the Levites [were] divisions [in] Judah, [and] in Benjamin.

  • 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.