What is the meaning of Ezekiel 48:35? The perimeter of the city • Ezekiel finishes his vision by focusing on the city’s outline: “The perimeter of the city will be 18,000 cubits” (Ezekiel 48:35). • Scripture earlier detailed four equal sides (Ezekiel 48:16), so this closing statement confirms a perfect square—4,500 cubits each side—reflecting order and completeness much like the square plan of the future New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:16. • God often marks holy ground by measured boundaries (Ezekiel 42:15–20; Zechariah 2:1-5). The precision reassures that the vision is literal, not symbolic only. will be 18,000 cubits • A cubit (about 18 in/45 cm) makes the circumference roughly six miles. In Israel’s history that is large enough for habitation yet small enough to keep worship central. • Numbers in prophecy convey real scale and underscore God’s faithfulness (1 Kings 6:2; Revelation 21:17). Every cubit says, “This will surely stand.” • Four identical sides echo the four directions of the tribal allotments (Ezekiel 48:30-34), signaling welcome to all Israel. and from that day on • A decisive moment lies ahead: once the city is established, everything changes permanently. “From that day on” links the vision to the everlasting covenant promises of peace (Ezekiel 37:26-28). • The phrase points forward, not back, anchoring hope in a future millennium when Messiah reigns (Isaiah 60:18-22). • Jeremiah 31:40 foresaw Jerusalem “holy to the LORD, it will never again be uprooted,” matching Ezekiel’s timeline. the name of the city will be • Throughout Scripture, God assigns names to reveal purpose (Genesis 22:14; Jeremiah 23:6). So a new name signals a new reality. • Revelation 3:12 speaks of believers receiving “the name of the city of My God,” showing continuity: the ultimate city bears God’s own identity. • Naming the city underscores ownership; the Lord Himself brands the rebuilt Jerusalem as His dwelling. the Lord is there • The closing declaration, “THE LORD IS THERE,” reverses the tragedy of God’s glory leaving in Ezekiel 10–11. Now His presence returns for good (Ezekiel 43:1-5). • Zechariah 2:10-11 and Revelation 21:3 echo the same promise: “the dwelling place of God is with man.” • Jesus embodies this truth—“the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14)—and pledges it permanently: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). • The city’s greatest feature is not its walls or measurements but the abiding, unhindered presence of the Lord. summary Ezekiel 48:35 caps the prophet’s vision with a literal, measurable city whose six-mile circumference showcases divine order. From the moment it stands, the city carries a new name that proclaims the central reality of the coming kingdom: God Himself lives there, never to depart again. Every cubit, every side, every promise points to a restored relationship between the Lord and His people, fulfilled in the future reign of Christ and echoed in the eternal New Jerusalem. |
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