What is the meaning of Ezekiel 45:1?

When you divide the land by lot as an inheritance

- Ezekiel looks ahead to Israel’s future return and restoration, assuming literal borders and tribes (see Joshua 18:10; Numbers 26:55).

- “By lot” underscores God’s sovereignty in apportioning territory; it is not human preference but divine decree (Proverbs 16:33).

- “Inheritance” recalls God’s covenant promise that the land belongs to Him and is granted to His people to steward (Genesis 17:8; Psalm 24:1).

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Set aside a portion for the LORD

- Before any tribal allocations, God commands that His share comes first, demonstrating that He receives the first and best (Exodus 23:19; Proverbs 3:9).

- This dedication anticipates unhindered worship and a functioning priesthood in the millennial temple described in Ezekiel 40–48 (Ezekiel 44:15-16).

- The principle echoes the tithe: the nation gives a representative part of its inheritance back to God (Leviticus 27:30; Malachi 3:10).

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A holy portion: 25,000 cubits by 20,000 cubits

- The dimensions—about 8.3 miles long and 6.6 miles wide—form a sizeable, rectangular precinct reserved for temple, priestly, and Levitical use (Ezekiel 48:10-14).

- God dictates exact measurements, highlighting order and intentionality (1 Corinthians 14:33; Exodus 25:40).

- “Holy” (set apart) signals that ordinary agricultural or commercial pursuits are excluded; the space exists solely for worship and service (Leviticus 10:10; 1 Peter 2:9).

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This entire tract of land will be holy

- Holiness is comprehensive; every cubit belongs to God and must reflect His character (Isaiah 35:8; Zechariah 14:20-21).

- The statement anticipates a time when the land, the people, and their worship align with God’s standards without compromise (Jeremiah 31:33-34; Revelation 21:27).

- It foreshadows ultimate fulfillment when Christ reigns, and righteousness dwells in the land (Isaiah 11:9).

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summary

Ezekiel 45:1 commands Israel, upon reclaiming its inheritance, to reserve a precisely measured, wholly consecrated tract for the Lord before any tribe receives territory. This act reaffirms God’s ownership of the land, calls the nation to put Him first, and sets the stage for pure worship in the restored kingdom.