Ezekiel 45:1-8 | The Way of Scripture

Ezekiel 45:1-8

Why is land set aside for the sanctuary, the city and the prince?

Berean Standard Bible

1 “When you divide the land by lot as an inheritance, you are to set aside a portion for the LORD, a holy portion of the land 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits wide. This entire tract of land will be holy. 2 Within this area there is to be a section for the sanctuary 500 cubits square, with 50 cubits around it for open land. 3 From this holy portion, you are to measure off a length of 25,000 cubits and a width of 10,000 cubits, and in it will be the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place. 4 It will be a holy portion of the land to be used by the priests who minister in the sanctuary, who draw near to minister before the LORD. It will be a place for their houses, as well as a holy area for the sanctuary. 5 An adjacent area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide shall belong to the Levites who minister in the temple; it will be their possession for towns in which to live.
6 As the property of the city, you are to set aside an area 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, adjacent to the holy district. It will belong to the whole house of Israel. 7 Now the prince will have the area bordering each side of the area formed by the holy district and the property of the city, extending westward from the western side and eastward from the eastern side, running lengthwise from the western boundary to the eastern boundary and parallel to one of the tribal portions. 8 This land will be his possession in Israel. And My princes will no longer oppress My people, but will give the rest of the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes.

What is the context?

As the land is divided, a holy portion is set apart for the Lord. Within it are the sanctuary and open space around it, together with places for the priests’ homes. An adjacent area provides for the Levites.

The city also receives a portion belonging to the whole house of Israel. The prince’s land lies on the east and west sides of the holy district and city property.

The closing purpose is practical as well as holy: the princes must no longer oppress the people. Their own provision goes together with the rest of Israel receiving its tribal inheritance.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains the arrangement as portions for the sanctuary’s ministers, the city and the ruler on either side. Henry emphasizes provision for worship and ministers alongside just rule and peaceful life for the people.

The arrangement places limits on power. The prince’s position does not entitle him to absorb the people’s inheritance.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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