The final chapter of Ezekiel contains a detailed description of the boundaries and divisions of the land promised to Israel. It focuses on the allotment of land to the different tribes and the establishment of the new city called “The Lord is there.” This chapter concludes Ezekiel’s prophecy with a glorious vision of Israel’s future restoration, the temple worship, and the prominence of the Lord’s presence among his people.
Introduction
Ezekiel 48 marks the culmination of Ezekiel’s far-reaching prophecy concerning God’s plans for Israel’s future. The preceding chapters focused on Israel’s restoration, the defeat of her enemies, the spiritual renewal of God’s people, and the reconstruction of the temple. Chapter 48 now turns to describe the allotment of land for the 12 tribes and the establishment of a new city called “Yahweh Shammah” (“The Lord is there”).
This chapter can be divided into three main sections:
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- The Division of the Land (vv. 1-29)
- The City Gates and Dimensions (vv. 30-35)
- The Name of the City (v. 35)
By taking a close look at each section, we can gain deeper insight into God’s magnificent plans for Israel as conveyed through Ezekiel’s vision. This chapter underscores key theological truths regarding God’s faithfulness, the centrality of his presence, the importance of holiness, and the permanence of his promises. Let us now explore this climactic chapter verse-by-verse.
Key Takeaways
- God has an intricate plan for restoring Israel that includes precise allotments of land to each tribe. This reflects his faithfulness and meticulous sovereignty.
- The new city called “The Lord is there” will be the dwelling place of God’s presence among his people forevermore. This emphasizes the primacy of God’s presence.
- The city will be highly organized with gates named after the 12 tribes, underscoring completeness and unity.
- Holiness is a key theme as the temple area is centrally located and the city workers are chosen from all tribes.
- The eternal nature of God’s promises is evident in the permanence and precision of the city details.
The Division of the Land (Ezekiel 48:1-29)
Allotments for Seven Tribes (vv. 1-7)
“Now these are the names of the tribes: From the northern border along the road to Hethlon at the entrance of Hamath, to Hazar Enan, the border of Damascus northward, in the direction of Hamath, there shall be one section for Dan from its east to its west side; by the border of Dan, from the east side to the west, one section for Asher; by the border of Asher, from the east side to the west, one section for Naphtali; by the border of Naphtali, from the east side to the west, one section for Manasseh; by the border of Manasseh, from the east side to the west, one section for Ephraim; by the border of Ephraim, from the east side to the west, one section for Reuben; by the border of Reuben, from the east side to the west, one section for Judah.” (Ezekiel 48:1-7, NKJV)
The allotment of land begins from the northern border of Israel and moves southward. The tribes of Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah each receive one section of land running longitudinally from the eastern border to the western (Mediterranean) border. This reflects the fulfillment of God’s land promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18-21).
The Lord’s Portion (vv. 8-22)
“by the border of Judah, from the east side to the west, shall be the district which you shall set apart, twenty-five thousand cubits in width, and in length the same as one of the other portions, from the east side to the west, with the sanctuary in the center. The district that is set apart shall be for the priests of the sons of Zadok, who kept My charge, who did not go astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray. And this district of land that is set apart shall be to them a thing most holy by the border of the Levites.Opposite the border of the priests, the Levites shall have an area twenty-five thousand cubits in length and ten thousand in width; its entire length shall be twenty-five thousand and its width ten thousand. And they shall not sell or exchange any of it; they may not alienate this best part of the land, for it is holy to the LORD. The remainder, five thousand cubits in width and twenty-five thousand in length, shall be for common use by the city, for dwellings and open land; and the city shall be in the midst. These shall be its measurements: the north side four thousand five hundred cubits, the south side four thousand five hundred, the east side four thousand five hundred, and the west side four thousand five hundred. And the open land of the city shall be for the priests as well, on the north two hundred and fifty cubits, on the south two hundred and fifty, on the east two hundred and fifty, and on the west two hundred and fifty. The remainder of the length, alongside the district of the holy section, shall be ten thousand cubits on the east and ten thousand on the west. It shall be adjacent to the district of the holy section, and its produce shall be food for the workers of the city. The workers of the city, from all the tribes of Israel, shall cultivate it. 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 48:8-20, NKJV)
In the center of Israel’s land, the Lord reserves a “portion” for himself – a holy area 25,000 cubits wide (about 8 miles) that contains the temple. This special allotment is for the priests descended from Zadok who remained faithful (vv. 8-12). The Levites also receive an allotment near the priests which they are prohibited from selling as it belongs to the Lord (vv. 13-14). Around the central sanctuary area is the city portion measuring 25,000 by 5,000 cubits (vv. 15-18). Open lands around the city are designated for food production by workers from all the tribes, emphasizing unity (vv. 18-19). The entire central district is 25,000 cubits square (v. 20). God reserves this “best part of the land” for himself, underscoring its holiness (v. 14).
Allotments for Five Tribes (vv. 23-29)
“As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side to the west, Benjamin shall have one section; by the border of Benjamin, from the east side to the west, Simeon shall have one section; by the border of Simeon, from the east side to the west, Issachar shall have one section; by the border of Issachar, from the east side to the west, Zebulun shall have one section; by the border of Zebulun, from the east side to the west, Gad shall have one section; by the border of Gad, on the south side, toward the South, the border shall be from Tamar to the waters of Meribah by Kadesh, along the brook to the Great Sea. This is the land which you shall divide by lot as an inheritance among the tribes of Israel, and these are their portions,” says the Lord GOD. (Ezekiel 48:23-29, NKJV)
The remaining five tribes – Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun and Gad – receive allotments south of the central portion, each running longitudinally from east to west. The southern border is delineated from the waters of Meribah in the desert (site of Moses’ sin, Numbers 20:13) to the Mediterranean. This completes the division of the land promised long ago. God is meticulous and faithful concerning every detail.
The City Gates and Dimensions (Ezekiel 48:30-35)
“These are the exits of the city. On the north side, measuring four thousand five hundred cubits The gates of the city shall be named after the tribes of Israel. The three gates northward: one gate for Reuben, one gate for Judah, and one gate for Levi; on the east side, four thousand five hundred cubits, three gates: one gate for Joseph, one gate for Benjamin, and one gate for Dan; on the south side, measuring four thousand five hundred cubits, three gates: one gate for Simeon, one gate for Issachar, and one gate for Zebulun; on the west side, four thousand five hundred cubits with their three gates: one gate for Gad, one gate for Asher, and one gate for Naphtali. All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.” (Ezekiel 48:30-35, NKJV)
The city dimensions are 4,500 cubits on each side, with 3 gates per side named after the 12 tribes, underscoring completeness and unity. The total perimeter is 18,000 cubits (about 6 miles). The city gates memorialize God’s people while the city itself is the locus of God’s presence, aptly reflected in its name, “The Lord is There.” This emphasizes the centrality of his presence among his people forevermore.
The Name of the City (Ezekiel 48:35)
“All the way around shall be eighteen thousand cubits; and the name of the city from that day shall be: THE LORD IS THERE.” (Ezekiel 48:35, NKJV)
The chapter concludes by highlighting the significance of the city’s name, Yahweh Shammah (“The Lord is There”). This remains as the final refrain of Ezekiel’s prophecy, encapsulating the central theme of God renewing his presence among his people. After judgment came restoration. The Lord now lives eternally with Israel in the new city, prompting awe, worship and the proclamation of his great name.
Conclusion
Ezekiel 48 paints a magnificent picture of Israel’s future restoration. God orchestrates precise allotments for each tribe, underscoring his meticulous sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. At the center shines the new city, Yahweh Shammah, where God’s presence dwells eternally. Holiness, unity and divine accessibility characterize this city. Ezekiel’s sweeping prophecy, which began with judgment and exile, now ends with resplendent visions of renewal, permanence and God’s presence in Israel’s midst. What astonishing comfort these promises of future glory provide! May the Lord hasten the day when “The Lord is There” in the midst of his people once again.
