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Ezekiel 48

35 verses

TL;DR

Ezekiel 48 outlines the post‑divine restoration of Israel, detailing the allotment of land to the tribes, the sacred portions for priests and Levites, and the dimensions and gates of the central city where the Lord dwells.

Summary

The chapter begins with a systematic division of the land from north to south, allocating specific portions to each tribe of Israel, including Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, Judah, and others. It specifies the sacred oblation—a square of five‑and‑twenty thousand by five‑and‑twenty thousand measures—for the priests of the sons of Zadok and the Levites, noting that these areas are holy and cannot be sold or exchanged. The central city is described with precise measurements: four thousand five hundred measures on each side, with three gates on each side named after particular tribes. The city is surrounded by a profane residential area and additional allotments for the prince, all situated within the larger land allotments. The chapter concludes with a declaration of the city’s name, “The LORD is there,” emphasizing its divine presence.

Outline
  1. Division of land among Israel’s tribes and the allocation of sacred oblations for priests and Levites.
  2. Dimensions, gates, and holy boundaries of the central city where the Lord’s presence dwells.
  3. Allocation of residual lands to the prince and the city’s role as a hub of worship and governance.
Themes
Restoration and divine orderSacred geography and worshipUnity and division among Israel’s tribes
Keywords
oblationsanctuarycitytribesmeasuregatesLevitesZadokprinceinheritance
People
Ezekielthe LORDsons of ZadokLevites
Places
HethlonHamathHazarenanDamascusTamarwaters of strife in Kadeshgreat seathe citynorthsoutheastwest
Things
oblationsanctuarycitygatesmeasurespriestsLevitesprinceinheritanceholy portions
Key Verses
  • Ezekiel 48:30: Describes the precise gates and the city's layout, anchoring the vision in tangible detail.
  • Ezekiel 48:8: Establishes the central sanctuary within the oblation, highlighting the covenantal focus.
  • Ezekiel 48:35: Concludes the chapter with the city's name, “The LORD is there,” underscoring the theological climax.
Questions
  • What is the significance of the square dimensions for the oblation in the context of ancient worship practices?
  • How does the allocation of land reflect Israel’s social and religious priorities in this vision?
  • Why are the gates named after specific tribes, and what does that say about tribal identity?
  • What role does the prince play in this restored order, and how does that compare to prophetic expectations?
  • How might the declaration ‘The LORD is there’ influence the community’s perception of the city?
Sentiment

positive
The chapter emphasizes restoration, holiness, and divine presence.