The Portions for the Tribes 1“Now these are the names of the tribes: At the northern frontier, Dan will have one portion bordering the road of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath and running on to Hazar-enan on the border of Damascus with Hamath to the north, and extending from the east side to the west side. 2Asher will have one portion bordering the territory of Dan from east to west. 3Naphtali will have one portion bordering the territory of Asher from east to west. 4Manasseh will have one portion bordering the territory of Naphtali from east to west. 5Ephraim will have one portion bordering the territory of Manasseh from east to west. 6Reuben will have one portion bordering the territory of Ephraim from east to west. 7Judah will have one portion bordering the territory of Reuben from east to west. The Portions for the Priests and Levites 8Bordering the territory of Judah, from east to west, will be the portion you are to set apart. It will be 25,000 cubits wide,a and the length of a tribal portion from east to west. In the center will be the sanctuary. 9The special portion you set apart to the LORD shall be 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide.b 10This will be the holy portion for the priests. It will be 25,000 cubits long on the north side, 10,000 cubits wide on the west side, 10,000 cubits wide on the east side, and 25,000 cubits long on the south side. In the center will be the sanctuary of the LORD. 11It will be for the consecrated priests, the descendants of Zadok, who kept My charge and did not go astray as the Levites did when the Israelites went astray. 12It will be a special portion for them set apart from the land, a most holy portionc adjacent to the territory of the Levites. 13Bordering the territory of the priests, the Levites shall have an area 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits wide. The whole length will be 25,000 cubits, and the width 10,000 cubits. 14They must not sell or exchange any of it, and they must not transfer this best part of the land, for it is holy to the LORD. The Common Portion 15The remaining area, 5,000 cubitsd wide and 25,000 cubits long, will be for common use by the city, for houses, and for pastureland. The city will be in the center of it 16and will have these measurements: 4,500 cubitse on the north side, 4,500 cubits on the south side, 4,500 cubits on the east side, and 4,500 cubits on the west side. 17The pastureland of the city will extend 250 cubitsf to the north, 250 cubits to the south, 250 cubits to the east, and 250 cubits to the west. 18The remainder of the length bordering the holy portion and running adjacent to it will be 10,000 cubits on the east side and 10,000 cubits on the west side. Its produce will supply food for the workers of the city. 19The workers of the city who cultivate it will come from all the tribes of Israel. 20The entire portion will be a square, 25,000 cubits by 25,000 cubits. You are to set apart the holy portion, along with the city property. The Portion for the Prince 21The remaining area on both sides of the holy portion and of the property of the city will belong to the prince. He will own the land adjacent to the tribal portions, extending eastward from the 25,000 cubits of the holy district toward the eastern border, and westward from the 25,000 cubits to the western border. And in the center of them will be the holy portion and the sanctuary of the temple. 22So the Levitical property and the city property will lie in the center of the area belonging to the prince—the area between the borders of Judah and Benjamin. The Portions for the Remaining Tribes 23As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin will have one portion extending from the east side to the west side. 24Simeon will have one portion bordering the territory of Benjamin from east to west. 25Issachar will have one portion bordering the territory of Simeon from east to west. 26Zebulun will have one portion bordering the territory of Issachar from east to west. 27And Gad will have one portion bordering the territory of Zebulun from east to west. 28The southern border of Gad will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, then along the Brook of Egyptg and out to the Great Sea.h 29This is the land you are to allot as an inheritance to the tribes of Israel, and these will be their portions,” declares the Lord GOD. The City Gates and Dimensions 30“These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, 31the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. On the north side there will be three gates: the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi. 32On the east side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan. 33On the south side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar, and the gate of Zebulun. 34And on the west side, which will be 4,500 cubits long, there will be three gates: the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher, and the gate of Naphtali. 35The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits,i and from that day on the name of the city will be: THE LORD IS THERE.j” Footnotes: 8 a 25,000 (long) cubits is approximately 8.3 miles or 13.3 kilometers; also in verses 9, 10, 13, 15, 20, and 21. 9 b 10,000 (long) cubits is approximately 3.3 miles or 5.3 kilometers; also in verses 10, 13, and 18. 12 c Or a Most Holy Place 15 d 5,000 (long) cubits is approximately 1.7 miles or 2.7 kilometers. 16 e 4,500 (long) cubits is approximately 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometers; also in verses 30, 32, 33, and 34. 17 f 250 (long) cubits is approximately 437.5 feet or 133.4 meters. 28 g Hebrew does not include of Egypt. 28 h That is, the Mediterranean Sea 35 i 18,000 (long) cubits is approximately 6 miles or 9.6 kilometers. 35 j Hebrew YHWH Shammah Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Ezekiel 48 Summary The Portions for the TribesVerses 1–7 – Northern Tribal Allotments Verses 8–12 – Holy Portion for Priests and Sanctuary Verses 13–14 – Portion for the Levites Verses 15–20 – Common Land for the City and Workers Verses 21–22 – The Prince’s Possession Verses 23–29 – Southern Tribal Allotments Verses 30–34 – Twelve-Gated City Verse 35 – A New Name: “The LORD Is There” Ezekiel 48, the concluding chapter of the book of Ezekiel, presents an intricate divine plan for the allocation of the Promised Land among the Twelve Tribes of Israel. It also describes the holy portion designated for the Lord, where the sanctuary, the priestly land, the city, and the prince's land reside. The prophetic vision reinforces God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, depicting a future of restoration, order, and divine presence among His people. Historical Setting Ezekiel wrote from exile in Babylon around 571 BC. Chapter 48 caps a larger vision (chs. 40-48) given in the 25th year of captivity. Israel’s monarchy was gone, the temple lay in ruins, and the land was desolate. God answers this despair with a precise blueprint of a renewed homeland, assuring the people that exile is not the end of the covenant account (Jeremiah 30:3). Land Measurements and Geography • A “long cubit” in Ezekiel is roughly 20.4 inches (0.52 m). • Each tribal band Isaiah 25,000 cubits (about 47 km / 29 mi) north-to-south. • The entire map forms a tidy rectangle approximating 280 km (175 mi) long—smaller than modern Israel but larger than the post-exilic province under Persia. • The north-to-south orientation contrasts with Joshua’s pie-shaped allotments, signifying a fresh, divinely controlled order. Tribal Allotments—Continuity and Change 1. Dan reappears despite earlier idolatry (Judges 18), showing grace. 2. Levi receives no outer band because the tribe’s calling is worship (Numbers 18:20-24). 3. Joseph is honored through Ephraim in the north and Manasseh just below. 4. The birth-order lists are reshuffled, illustrating that God, not human rank, decides inheritance (Matthew 20:16). The Holy Portion and Sanctuary The 25,000 × 25,000 cubit square encloses: • Priestly land (10,000 cubits) with the temple (Ezekiel 40-47 dimensions). • Levite land (10,000 cubits) for administrative support. • The prince’s allotment on east and west sides. This design ensures worship stays central geographically and spiritually, echoing Deuteronomy 12:5—“the place where the LORD your God will choose.” The City and Its Suburbs • City footprint: 4,500 × 4,500 cubits (about 1.6 × 1.6 mi). • Twelve gates mirror the heavenly city of Revelation 21:12-14, tying Ezekiel’s earthly vision to John’s ultimate one. • Greenbelt: 250 cubits wide—a public buffer zone promoting holiness and public access. The Prince’s Role Unlike the corrupt kings of Judah, this future prince receives balanced, fixed territory (vv. 21-22). He provides sacrifices for festivals (Ezekiel 45:17) and guards justice among the people (Isaiah 32:1). His placement around the holy portion suggests servant leadership rather than domination. God’s Presence—Central Theme The exile’s agony was losing God’s presence (Ezekiel 10). Chapter 48 reverses that: Yahweh Shammah, “The LORD Is There.” It anticipates: • Haggai 2:9—“The glory of this latter house shall be greater.” • Zechariah 2:10—“I will live among you.” • Revelation 21:3—“Behold, God’s dwelling place is now among men.” The promise runs like a thread from Eden (Genesis 3:8) to the New Jerusalem. Connections to Other Scriptures • Equal tribal strips echo the straight-line camp arrangement in Numbers 2. • The priestly square parallels the camp of Levi around the tabernacle (Numbers 3:21-39). • The river flowing from the temple earlier (Ezekiel 47:1-12) matches Revelation 22:1-2. • The 12 gates, one per tribe, reaffirm the unity Jesus foretold when He spoke of the apostles judging “the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28). Archaeological and Geographical Insights • No known period in Israel’s past matches Ezekiel’s symmetrical layout, pointing to a yet-future fulfillment. • The “brook of Egypt” (v. 28) is often identified with Wadi el-Arish, not the Nile, aligning with other border texts (Numbers 34:5). • Ancient boundary stones recovered in Galilee and the Negev confirm tribal territories were marked, lending plausibility to Ezekiel’s precision. Practical Takeaways • God’s plans are meticulous; nothing is random in His redemption account (Jeremiah 29:11). • Worship stands at the center of national and personal life. • Unity among God’s people matters—every tribe gains a place, none is erased. • Future hope fuels present faithfulness; Ezekiel’s exiles could serve with anticipation, just as believers press on today (1 Peter 1:3-4). Future Fulfillment The prophecy most naturally points to a coming kingdom age when Messiah reigns on earth (Isaiah 11:6-10). Even if details differ among interpreters, the chapter guarantees: 1. Israel’s restoration to its land (Amos 9:15). 2. A functioning temple affirming atonement already completed in Christ (Hebrews 10:10). 3. God’s visible presence forever among His people (Revelation 21:22-23). Connections to Additional Scriptures God's Sovereignty Proverbs 16:9 - A man's heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Leadership Romans 13:1 - Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Unity in the Body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. God's Presence Matthew 28:20 - And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Teaching Points Divine Order and AllocationEzekiel 48:1-7 describes the orderly distribution of land among the tribes of Israel. This reflects God's sovereignty and His meticulous plan for His people. The Portion for the Prince Verses 21-22 highlight the special portion allocated to the prince, emphasizing the role of leadership under God's authority. The Holy City Verses 30-35 describe the dimensions and gates of the city, with each gate named after a tribe of Israel, symbolizing unity and inclusion in God's plan. The Name of the City The chapter concludes with the city being named The LORD is There (Ezekiel 48:35), signifying God's eternal presence among His people. Practical Applications Embrace God's OrderJust as God had a specific plan for the tribes of Israel, He has a plan for our lives. Trust in His divine order and seek His guidance in your daily decisions. Leadership Under God Recognize the importance of godly leadership in your community and church. Support and pray for leaders who seek to follow God's will. Unity in Diversity The gates of the Holy City remind us of the importance of unity among believers. Celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ and work towards unity. Seek God's Presence Make God's presence a priority in your life. Cultivate a personal relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. People 1. DanDan is the first tribe mentioned in the division of the land. The tribe of Dan is allotted a portion on the northern border of the land (Ezekiel 48:1). 2. Asher Asher receives the second portion, located south of Dan's territory (Ezekiel 48:2). 3. Naphtali The tribe of Naphtali is given the third portion, situated south of Asher's land (Ezekiel 48:3). 4. Manasseh Manasseh, one of Joseph's sons, is allotted the fourth portion, south of Naphtali (Ezekiel 48:4). 5. Ephraim Ephraim, the other son of Joseph, receives the fifth portion, located south of Manasseh (Ezekiel 48:5). 6. Reuben Reuben is given the sixth portion, situated south of Ephraim's territory (Ezekiel 48:6). 7. Judah The tribe of Judah receives the seventh portion, located south of Reuben (Ezekiel 48:7). 8. Levi The Levites are given a special portion, which includes the sanctuary and is located in the center of the land (Ezekiel 48:8-14). The Levites do not receive a tribal portion like the others, as their inheritance is the Lord (Numbers 18:20). 9. Benjamin Benjamin is allotted the eighth portion, situated south of the sacred district (Ezekiel 48:23). 10. Simeon The tribe of Simeon receives the ninth portion, located south of Benjamin (Ezekiel 48:24). 11. Issachar Issachar is given the tenth portion, situated south of Simeon (Ezekiel 48:25). 12. Zebulun The tribe of Zebulun receives the eleventh portion, located south of Issachar (Ezekiel 48:26). 13. Gad Gad is allotted the twelfth and final portion, situated on the southern border of the land (Ezekiel 48:27). Places 1. The Northern BorderThis is the northernmost boundary of the land, stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to Hethlon, Lebo-hamath, and Zedad (Ezekiel 48:1). The Hebrew root for "Hethlon" (חֶתְלֹן) suggests a place of enclosure or boundary. 2. The Eastern Border Extending from Hauran to Damascus and Gilead, along the Jordan River to the eastern sea (Ezekiel 48:1). The Hebrew term "Hauran" (חוּרָן) refers to a region known for its fertile land. 3. The Southern Border This boundary runs from Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh, then to the Brook of Egypt and the Great Sea (Ezekiel 48:28). "Meribah Kadesh" (מְרִיבָה קָדֵשׁ) is a significant biblical site associated with the Israelites' wilderness journey. 4. The Western Border Defined by the Great Sea, which is the Mediterranean Sea (Ezekiel 48:28). 5. The Holy Portion A central section of land set apart for the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites (Ezekiel 48:8-12). The Hebrew word for "holy" (קֹדֶשׁ) signifies something set apart for sacred use. 6. The City Located within the holy portion, the city is described with specific dimensions and gates named after the tribes of Israel (Ezekiel 48:15-35). The Hebrew term for "city" (עִיר) is used here to denote a significant urban center. 7. The Temple Situated within the holy portion, the temple is the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence (Ezekiel 48:10). The Hebrew word for "temple" (הֵיכָל) indicates a palace or sanctuary. 8. The Prince's Portion Land allocated to the prince on either side of the holy portion and the city (Ezekiel 48:21-22). The Hebrew term for "prince" (נָשִׂיא) refers to a leader or ruler. 9. The Gates of the City Twelve gates named after the tribes of Israel, three on each side of the city (Ezekiel 48:31-34). The Hebrew word for "gate" (שַׁעַר) signifies an entrance or opening. Events 1. Division of the Land Among the Tribes (Ezekiel 48:1-7)The chapter begins with a detailed description of the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel, starting from the northern border. Each tribe receives a specific portion, with boundaries clearly defined. The tribes listed from north to south are Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah. 2. The Allotment for the Sanctuary (Ezekiel 48:8-12) A special portion of land is set apart for the sanctuary. This sacred district is described as being in the center of the land, with specific dimensions and boundaries. The sanctuary is to be located within this holy portion, emphasizing its centrality and importance. 3. The Portion for the Priests (Ezekiel 48:13-14) Adjacent to the sanctuary, a portion of land is designated for the priests, the descendants of Zadok, who remained faithful to God. This area is considered most holy and is reserved exclusively for the priests. 4. The Portion for the Levites (Ezekiel 48:15-20) Another section of land is allocated to the Levites, who assist the priests in their duties. This portion is separate from the priests' land and is described with specific measurements. 5. The Portion for the City (Ezekiel 48:21-22) A portion of land is designated for the city, with specific dimensions and boundaries. This area includes land for common use and is situated between the portions for the priests and the Levites. 6. The Portion for the Prince (Ezekiel 48:21-22) The prince receives a portion of land on either side of the holy district and the city. This allocation ensures that the prince has a significant role and responsibility in the governance and spiritual leadership of the people. 7. Division of the Land Among the Remaining Tribes (Ezekiel 48:23-29) The chapter continues with the allocation of land to the remaining tribes, listed from south to north: Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. Each tribe receives a specific portion, completing the division of the land. 8. The Gates of the City (Ezekiel 48:30-35) The chapter concludes with a description of the city gates, named after the tribes of Israel. There are twelve gates in total, three on each side of the city, symbolizing the unity and inclusion of all tribes. The city's name is declared to be "The LORD Is There" (YHWH Shammah), emphasizing God's presence among His people. Topics 1. Division of the Land Among the Tribes (Ezekiel 48:1-7)This section describes the allotment of land to the tribes of Israel, starting from the northern border. Each tribe receives a specific portion, with boundaries clearly defined. The order of the tribes is significant, reflecting a restoration and reordering of Israel. The Hebrew term "חֵלֶק" (chelek) is used for "portion," emphasizing the divinely ordained distribution. 2. The Allotment for the Priests and Levites (Ezekiel 48:8-14) The chapter details a special portion of land set aside for the priests and Levites, including the sanctuary. This sacred portion underscores the centrality of worship and the priestly role in the restored community. The Hebrew word "קֹדֶשׁ" (qodesh) meaning "holy" is used to describe this area, highlighting its sanctity. 3. The Allotment for the City (Ezekiel 48:15-20) A section of land is designated for the city, with specific dimensions and purposes. This area is meant for common use, reflecting the communal aspect of the restored Israel. The city serves as a hub for the people, with the Hebrew term "עִיר" (ir) meaning "city" indicating its importance as a center of life and governance. 4. The Allotment for the Prince (Ezekiel 48:21-22) The prince receives a portion of land adjacent to the sacred and city areas. This allocation ensures the prince's support and role in maintaining justice and order. The Hebrew word "נָשִׂיא" (nasi) meaning "prince" signifies leadership and responsibility within the community. 5. Division of the Land for the Remaining Tribes (Ezekiel 48:23-29) The remaining tribes receive their portions of land, continuing the orderly distribution. This section completes the vision of a restored and unified Israel, with each tribe having a place in the land. The emphasis on "חֵלֶק" (chelek) reiterates the theme of divine allocation. 6. The Gates of the City (Ezekiel 48:30-35) The chapter concludes with a description of the city gates, each named after one of the tribes of Israel. This symbolizes the inclusivity and unity of the nation. The Hebrew term "שַׁעַר" (sha'ar) meaning "gate" reflects access and entry, signifying the openness of the city to all tribes. Themes 1. Division of the LandEzekiel 48 outlines the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. This theme emphasizes God's promise and faithfulness to His people, ensuring each tribe receives its inheritance. The Hebrew word for "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, ^nachalah^) signifies a permanent possession, reflecting the enduring covenant between God and Israel. 2. The Portion for the Prince The chapter describes a specific portion of land set aside for the prince. This allocation underscores the role of leadership and governance in the restored Israel. The prince's portion is distinct from the tribal inheritances, highlighting the separation of royal duties from tribal affiliations. 3. The Holy District A central theme is the designation of a holy district, which includes the sanctuary, the priests' portion, and the Levites' portion. This area is set apart for worship and service to God, emphasizing holiness and the centrality of worship in the life of the nation. The Hebrew term for "holy" (קָדוֹשׁ, ^qadosh^) indicates something set apart for divine purposes. 4. The City and Its Gates The chapter details the layout of a city with twelve gates, each named after one of the tribes of Israel. This symbolizes unity and access to God's presence for all tribes. The city's design reflects the order and structure ordained by God, with the number twelve representing completeness and divine governance. 5. The Name of the City The final verse reveals the name of the city: "The LORD Is There" (YHWH Shammah). This theme highlights God's abiding presence with His people, fulfilling the promise of restoration and communion. The Hebrew name signifies that God's presence is the defining characteristic of the city, offering hope and assurance to the faithful. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can the described tribal boundaries in Ezekiel 48 align with modern geographical realities, given the drastic changes over millennia? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does the systematic allocation of the land reflect God's nature of order and structure? 2. What is the significance of the central positioning of the holy district? 3. How do the divisions of land in Ezekiel 48 contrast with the divisions in the time of Joshua? 4. Why is the city given the name "The Lord is There"? How does this resonate with the narrative of the entire Bible? 5. What does the final chapter of Ezekiel teach us about God's faithfulness to His promises? 6. What lessons can we learn from God’s dedication to keep His covenant, despite the disobedience of His people? 7. How does Ezekiel's vision of restoration offer hope to those in times of despair and uncertainty? 8. In our daily lives, how can we apply the concept of the "sanctuary" and "holy district" depicted in this chapter? 9. How can we understand the modern significance of the tribal allocations as described in Ezekiel 48? 10. How does this vision of future restoration reflect God's ultimate plan of salvation? 11. What do you think the purpose was for Ezekiel to mention each tribe specifically? How does this reflect on the concept of individuality within a community? 12. The Prince of Israel plays a significant role in this allocation. What does this role represent, and how can we relate it to our spiritual leadership today? 13. In what ways does the vision of Ezekiel 48 provide a blueprint for spiritual blessings in your life? 14. How does the concept of land distribution reflect our understanding of fairness and justice today? 15. In our modern society, how can we build "gates" in our lives that honor the tribes of Israel, representing diverse aspects of faith and character? 16. If you were to rename your city based on its spiritual identity, what would it be and why? 17. How does the notion of God dwelling among His people resonate with your personal relationship with Him? 18. How can we, as Christians, contribute to the creation of a spiritual "holy district" in our communities? 19. How does the detailed vision of Ezekiel 48 inspire your understanding of God’s Kingdom? 20. In light of Ezekiel 48, how should we view our personal inheritances and roles within God's divine plan? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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