Ezekiel 48:34

And 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.

Study Bible

And on the west side, which will be 4,500 cubits long
The west side of the city is described as being 4,500 cubits long. A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters, making this side approximately 6,750 feet or about 2,057 meters. This measurement reflects the precise and orderly nature of God's design for the New Jerusalem, emphasizing the perfection and completeness of God's kingdom. The west side's inclusion in the vision signifies the comprehensive nature of God's promise, extending to all directions and tribes of Israel.

there will be three gates
The presence of three gates on each side of the city symbolizes accessibility and the welcoming nature of God's kingdom. In ancient cities, gates were crucial for defense, trade, and social interaction. Spiritually, these gates represent the entry points into the divine presence, open to all who are part of God's covenant community. The number three often signifies completeness and divine perfection in biblical numerology, further underscoring the fullness of God's plan.

the gate of Gad
Gad was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after Jacob's seventh son by Zilpah, Leah's maidservant. The inclusion of Gad's gate signifies the tribe's place in the eternal inheritance of God's people. Historically, the tribe of Gad settled east of the Jordan River, known for their warrior spirit. This gate may symbolize strength and protection, reflecting the tribe's characteristics and their role in the community of Israel.

the gate of Asher
Asher, another of the twelve tribes, was named after Jacob's eighth son by Zilpah. The tribe of Asher was known for its abundance and prosperity, as Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:20 suggests: "Asher’s food will be rich; he will provide delicacies fit for a king." The gate of Asher may symbolize blessing and provision, highlighting the richness of God's kingdom and the spiritual nourishment available to His people.

and the gate of Naphtali
Naphtali was named after Jacob's sixth son by Bilhah, Rachel's maidservant. The tribe of Naphtali was known for its swiftness and agility, as reflected in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 49:21: "Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns." The gate of Naphtali may represent freedom and beauty, pointing to the liberation and grace found in God's presence. This gate, like the others, signifies the inclusion of all tribes in the divine promise and the unity of God's people in the eschatological vision.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezekiel
A prophet during the Babylonian exile who received visions from God, including the vision of the new temple and the division of the land among the tribes of Israel.

2. Gad
One of the twelve tribes of Israel, named after one of Jacob's sons. The tribe of Gad was known for its warriors and settled on the east side of the Jordan River.

3. Asher
Another tribe of Israel, named after Jacob's son Asher. This tribe was known for its abundance and prosperity, often associated with olive oil production.

4. Naphtali
A tribe of Israel named after Jacob's son Naphtali. This tribe settled in the northern part of the Promised Land and was known for its swiftness and agility.

5. The New Jerusalem
The vision of the city described in Ezekiel 48 represents the restored and idealized Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel.

Teaching Points

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The inclusion of all twelve tribes in the vision of the New Jerusalem signifies God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. This reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, and we can trust Him to fulfill His word in our lives.

Unity and Diversity in God's Kingdom
The presence of gates named after different tribes highlights the unity and diversity within God's people. Each tribe had unique characteristics and roles, yet all were part of God's plan. In the body of Christ, we are called to celebrate our diversity while maintaining unity in purpose and mission.

The Hope of Restoration
Ezekiel's vision offers hope for restoration and renewal. In times of personal or communal exile, we can hold onto the hope that God will restore and renew us, just as He promised to restore Israel.

The Importance of God's Presence
The New Jerusalem symbolizes God's eternal presence with His people. As believers, we are called to seek and prioritize God's presence in our lives, knowing that it is the source of true peace and fulfillment.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the vision of the New Jerusalem in Ezekiel 48:34 encourage you to trust in God's promises today?

2. In what ways can the diversity of the tribes of Israel inspire us to embrace diversity within the church?

3. How does the hope of restoration in Ezekiel's vision apply to areas of your life where you are seeking renewal?

4. What steps can you take to prioritize God's presence in your daily life, drawing from the symbolism of the New Jerusalem?

5. How do the characteristics of the tribes of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali, as described in Genesis 49, relate to your personal strengths and how you serve in your community or church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Revelation 21
The description of the New Jerusalem in Revelation parallels Ezekiel's vision, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal dwelling place of God with His people.

Genesis 49
Jacob's blessings to his sons, which include prophecies about the tribes of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali, provide background on the characteristics and destinies of these tribes.

Numbers 2
The arrangement of the tribes around the tabernacle in the wilderness reflects the order and organization of God's people, similar to the arrangement of the gates in Ezekiel's vision.