Ezekiel Chapter 48 — The Land's Division and the New City
Ezekiel 48 details the final distribution of land among the twelve tribes of Israel and concludes with the measurements and names of the city's gates.
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Notable Verses
Ezekiel 48:11
“It shall be for the priests who are sanctified of the sons of Zadok, who have kept my instruction, who didn’t go astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.”
This verse highlights the specific land portion reserved for the Zadokite priests as a reward for their faithfulness during Israel's previous rebellion.
Ezekiel 48:35
“It shall be eighteen thousand reeds in circumference; and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘The LORD is there.’”
The final verse of the book emphasizes the ultimate promise of God's abiding presence in the restored city.
Chapter Summary
Ezekiel 48 concludes the prophet's vision by outlining the specific geographical boundaries for the twelve tribes of Israel in the restored land. The chapter begins with the northern tribes, including Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, and moves southward. A central 'holy offering' of land is set apart for the priests (the sons of Zadok), the Levites, the sanctuary, and the prince. This central district also contains the city itself, with land dedicated to the city's laborers and common use. The southern portions are then assigned to the remaining tribes, ending with Gad. The vision finishes with a description of the city, which is square in shape and features twelve gates, each named after one of the tribes. The most significant detail is the city's new name: 'The LORD is there,' signifying God's permanent presence among His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
The land is divided into horizontal strips extending from the east to the west. Seven tribes receive portions north of the central holy district, while five tribes receive portions to the south.
The holy offering is a specific area of land set apart for the sanctuary, the priests, the Levites, and the city. It is located in the center of the tribal allotments, between the portions of Judah and Benjamin.
There are twelve gates in total, three on each side of the square city. They are named after the twelve tribes: Reuben, Judah, and Levi to the north; Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan to the east; Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun to the south; and Gad, Asher, and Naphtali to the west.
The name, which is 'Jehovah-Shammah' in Hebrew, signifies that the defining characteristic of the new city is the permanent and dwelling presence of God among His people.
Study Note
The total circumference of the city is 18,000 reeds, which emphasizes a vast and perfectly ordered urban space symbolizing divine perfection.
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