Ezekiel 48:21

And the residue [shall be] for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house [shall be] in the midst thereof.

And the residue {H3498} shall be for the prince {H5387}, on the one side and on the other of the holy {H6944} oblation {H8641}, and of the possession {H272} of the city {H5892}, over against {H6440} the five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} of the oblation {H8641} toward the east {H6921} border {H1366}, and westward {H3220} over against {H6440} the five {H2568} and twenty {H6242} thousand {H505} toward the west {H3220} border {H1366}, over against {H5980} the portions {H2506} for the prince {H5387}: and it shall be the holy {H6944} oblation {H8641}; and the sanctuary {H4720} of the house {H1004} shall be in the midst {H8432} thereof.

"'What remains will be for the prince - the land on the two sides of the holy offering and section for the city, that is, the portion eastward from the eight [miles] of the offering's eastern border to the land's eastern border and the portion westward from the eight [miles] of the offering's western border to the land's western border - this land adjacent to the [tribal] portions will be for the prince, with the holy offering and the sanctuary of the house inside it.

The remaining area on both sides of the holy portion and of the property of the city will belong to the prince. He will own the land adjacent to the tribal portions, extending eastward from the 25,000 cubits of the holy district toward the eastern border, and westward from the 25,000 cubits to the western border. And in the center of them will be the holy portion and the sanctuary of the temple.

And the residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation and of the possession of the city; in front of the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward in front of the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, answerable unto the portions, it shall be for the prince: and the holy oblation and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.

Commentary

Ezekiel 48:21 is part of the prophet Ezekiel's extensive vision concerning the new temple and the redistribution of the land of Israel in the latter days (Ezekiel chapters 40-48). This specific verse details the land allocation for the 'prince' or leader, emphasizing his designated territory relative to the sacred central portion.

Context of Ezekiel 48:21

Following the detailed description of the new temple in chapters 40-43, and the regulations for its worship and priesthood in chapters 44-47, Ezekiel 48 concludes this grand prophetic vision by outlining the precise division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This meticulous land allocation for the tribes is highly systematic, designed to ensure justice and order. At the heart of this restored land is a special consecrated area, referred to as the "holy oblation" or "holy portion" (Hebrew: terumah qodesh), which houses the temple, the priests, and the Levites. Verse 21 describes the land set aside for the prince, which borders this sacred district, stretching from its east to west boundaries.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Order and Precision: The intricate details of land division, down to specific measurements, underscore God's meticulous plan for the future. It signifies a divinely established order where every element, including the leadership and the land, is carefully arranged around the centrality of God's presence.
  • The Prince's Role and Boundaries: The "prince" (Hebrew: nasi) in Ezekiel's vision is a civil leader, distinct from the kings of past Israel who often abused their power. His land is strategically positioned adjacent to the holy oblation, signifying his responsibility to uphold and protect the sanctity of the temple and its worship. His portion is substantial but clearly defined, indicating that even the highest human authority operates within divine boundaries, preventing the abuses seen in previous eras (Ezekiel 45:7).
  • Centrality of the Sanctuary: The phrase "and the sanctuary of the house [shall be] in the midst thereof" powerfully reiterates the absolute centrality of God's dwelling place and worship in this ideal future. All aspects of the land, the people, and the leadership revolve around the sacred presence of God. This concept echoes the theme of God dwelling among His people found throughout Scripture (Exodus 25:8, Revelation 21:3).

Linguistic Insights

The term "holy oblation" (terumah qodesh) is crucial here. It literally means "holy offering" or "sacred contribution." In this context, it refers to the consecrated land set apart specifically for the temple, the priests, and the Levites. This designation emphasizes the land's sacred purpose and its separation from common use, highlighting its dedication to God. The measurement "five and twenty thousand" refers to 25,000 cubits or reeds, indicating a significant and precisely measured area.

Practical Application

While Ezekiel's temple vision is interpreted in various ways—some as a literal future temple, others as symbolic of the Church, or Christ's spiritual kingdom—the underlying principles remain highly relevant. This verse reminds us of the importance of prioritizing God's presence and worship in our lives and communities. It calls for righteous leadership that serves to protect and facilitate genuine worship, rather than exploiting it. The detailed order also speaks to God's desire for justice, equity, and careful stewardship of resources within His kingdom. Ultimately, it paints a picture of a future where God's glory and presence are the undisputed center of all things.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 48:22 (3 votes)

    Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, [being] in the midst [of that] which is the prince's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince.

  • Hosea 1:11 (2 votes)

    Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great [shall be] the day of Jezreel.

  • Ezekiel 45:7 (2 votes)

    And a [portion shall be] for the prince on the one side and on the other side of the oblation of the holy [portion], and of the possession of the city, before the oblation of the holy [portion], and before the possession of the city, from the west side westward, and from the east side eastward: and the length [shall be] over against one of the portions, from the west border unto the east border.

  • Ezekiel 45:8 (2 votes)

    In the land shall be his possession in Israel: and my princes shall no more oppress my people; and [the rest of] the land shall they give to the house of Israel according to their tribes.

  • Ezekiel 48:10 (2 votes)

    And for them, [even] for the priests, shall be [this] holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand [in length], and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof.

  • Ezekiel 34:23 (2 votes)

    And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, [even] my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

  • Ezekiel 34:24 (2 votes)

    And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken [it].