The holy allotment 48:8-22 - Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable)

Resource > Expository Notes on the Bible (Constable) > Ezekiel > Exposition > IV. Future blessings for Israel chs. 33--48 > C. Ezekiel's vision of the return of God's glory chs. 40-48 > 5. Topographical aspects of the Millennium chs. 47-48 > The boundaries and principles of allotment of the land 47:13-48:35 > The holy allotment 48:8-22

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48:8a South of Judah's portion would be a special territory, which would be the same size as the other tribal allotments.

48:8b-12 It would include a section 25,000 cubits wide, and the temple sanctuary would stand in its center. This portion would be 25,000 cubits long, from east to west, and 10,000 cubits wide, from north to south. It would be for the descendants of the Zadokite priests who remained faithful to the Lord. This would be a most holy place next to the territory for the other Levitical priests.⁵⁷⁵

48:13-14 The other Levitical priests would have an allotment the same size next to the allotment of the Zadokite priests. They were not to sell or exchange any of this land for other land because it was holy to the Lord.

48:15-19 The remaining portion of this allotment, a section 25,000 cubits wide by 5,000 cubits north to south, would be for the holy city and the open spaces beside it. The city itself would occupy the central portion of this section. It would be for the common use of the Israelites, as would be its open spaces and home sites. The city itself would be 4,500 cubits square with a 250 cubit open space border on each of its four sides, another green belt like the one around the temple complex (cf. 45:2). The 10,000 cubit-wide areas on the east and west sides of the city would also be for the production of food for those who lived in the city. Those who lived in the city, from all the tribes of Israel, would cultivate those fields.

"Whereas cities have always been known as places of moral corruption and rebellion, this city will be a place of eternal rest, refuge, and personal fellowship with others and God (48:8-20, 30-35)."⁵⁷⁶

48:20 The total holy allotment would be 25,000 cubits square including the city and its adjacent lands as well as the territories for the Levites and Zadokites. This is an area of almost 70 square miles.

48:21-22 The prince would receive the rest of this allotment, on the east and west sides of this square and between the boundaries of the tribes of Judah on the north and Benjamin on the south.