Ezekiel 48 20

Ezekiel 48:20 kjv

All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.

Ezekiel 48:20 nkjv

The entire district shall be twenty-five thousand cubits by twenty-five thousand cubits, foursquare. You shall set apart the holy district with the property of the city.

Ezekiel 48:20 niv

The entire portion will be a square, 25,000 cubits on each side. As a special gift you will set aside the sacred portion, along with the property of the city.

Ezekiel 48:20 esv

The whole portion that you shall set apart shall be 25,000 cubits square, that is, the holy portion together with the property of the city.

Ezekiel 48:20 nlt

This entire area ? including the sacred lands and the city ? is a square that measures 8 1?3 miles on each side.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 20 Meaning

The verse describes a specific portion of the land allocation in the restored Jerusalem. It designates a rectangular area of 25,000 by 10,000 cubits for the priests. This land is positioned adjacent to the Temple Mount area, to the north and south. The dimensions provided indicate a significant and well-defined territory for the priestly tribe of Levi.

Ezekiel 48 20 Context

This verse is situated within the final chapters of Ezekiel, which detail a comprehensive vision of a restored Israel. Following extensive judgment on sin, Ezekiel receives a vision of a new Temple, a renewed land, and the re-establishment of righteous worship. This specific passage, Ezekiel 48, is dedicated to the division of the land among the twelve tribes and the priestly and Levitical families. The emphasis is on the divinely appointed order and holiness of the sacred space and those who serve within it. The context underscores the return from exile, purification, and the anticipation of a future perfected kingdom where God's presence dwells with His people.

Ezekiel 48 20 Word Analysis

• And: Conjunction indicating addition or continuation of thought.

• this: Demonstrative pronoun pointing to the specific portion of land being described.

• shall be: Future tense verb indicating a definitive assignment or allocation.

• the oblation: Hebrew: תְּרוּמָה (terumah). Meaning: an offering, a heave-offering, a gift, a portion set apart. It signifies something consecrated and lifted up to God.

• twenty: Hebrew: עֶשְׂרִים (esrim). Numerical value, forming part of the dimensions.

• thousand: Hebrew: אֲלָפִים (alafim). Unit of measurement, often associated with thousands or thousands of cubits.

• cubits: Hebrew: אַמּוֹת (ammoth). Standard ancient unit of length, derived from the forearm.

• in length: Indicates the measurement along the longer dimension of the rectangular area.

• and: Conjunction.

• ten: Hebrew: עָשָׂר (asar). Numerical value.

• thousand: Hebrew: אֲלָפִים (alafim). Unit of measurement.

• in breadth: Indicates the measurement along the shorter dimension.

• even: Adversative conjunction, often translated as "also" or "as well." Here, it connects the north and south sections of the priestly oblation.

• the oblation of the land: This refers to the consecrated portion of the territory set aside for the sanctuary and its ministers.

• for the priests: Specifically designates the beneficiaries of this consecrated land, the Levitical priests.

• to the north: Indicates the location of one part of the priestly allotment, relative to the central sanctuary.

• shall be: Future tense verb.

• for the north: Repeating the directional indication.

• and: Conjunction.

• to the south: Indicates the location of the other part of the priestly allotment.

• for the south: Repeating the directional indication.

• Priestly Oblation: The term "oblation" (terumah) emphasizes that this land is set apart and dedicated to God for the support and service of the priests.

• Dimensions: The specific measurements of 25,000 by 10,000 cubits for the priestly land highlight the systematic and organized nature of the restored divine order. This is a substantial area, providing ample support for the Levitical families.

• North and South: The placement of portions to the north and south of the central sanctuary area signifies the comprehensive provision and coverage for the priests ministering within God's dwelling place. This echoes the balanced distribution found in other aspects of the Temple structure and encampment in the wilderness.

• Holiness of Place: The land assigned to the priests is intrinsically linked to the holiness of the sanctuary, reinforcing the sacred responsibility associated with their ministry.

Ezekiel 48 20 Bonus Section

The concept of the priests receiving land for their sustenance is rooted in Old Testament practices where they were provided for by the tithes and offerings of the people and had specific cities assigned to them. This future vision in Ezekiel reiterates and magnifies these provisions within the context of a perfected kingdom. The term "oblation" (terumah) is crucial as it signifies that this land is not ordinary property but is holy unto the Lord, set apart for sacred use. The immense size of this priestly allotment can be interpreted both literally as providing economic support and symbolically, representing the vast blessings and responsibilities associated with priestly service, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, the Great High Priest, and in the New Testament concept of all believers being a royal priesthood.

Ezekiel 48 20 Commentary

This verse details the allocation of consecrated land for the priests. It delineates a specific rectangular area, 25,000 cubits by 10,000 cubits, intended for them. This territory is situated north and south of the central sanctuary district. This precise division underscores the divine order and the separation of the priestly tribe for sacred service. The generous dimensions provided signify adequate support and sustenance for those who minister before the Lord. The inclusion of land to both the north and south reflects a balanced provision, ensuring their proximity and readiness to serve in the holy precincts.