Ezekiel 46–48
Common Theme
God establishes a holy order for worship, inheritance, and land distribution, culminating in the vision of a renewed and sacred city where His presence dwells permanently. These chapters emphasize that life in God’s kingdom is marked by holiness, justice, and His abiding presence among His people.
Questions
- What does the careful reordering of worship and land tell us about God’s priorities for His people?
- How does the name of the city, “The Lord is There,” shape your understanding of what matters most in God’s kingdom?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as the one who restores order, justice, and sacred boundaries, not for control but for communion. He is the God who dwells among His people—His final word over the city and His people is not judgment but presence: “The Lord is There.”
Deeper✝
Ezekiel 46
In this passage, the Lord instructs about the rituals and offerings associated with the prince and the people during the Sabbath and new moon celebrations. The eastern gate of the inner court is to remain closed on working days but opened on the Sabbath and new moons. The prince enters through the vestibule, where priests offer his burnt and peace offerings, and the people bow at the gate’s entrance. Specific offerings are detailed, including six lambs and a ram on the Sabbath, and a bull, lambs, and a ram on the new moon, accompanied by grain offerings and oil. During appointed feasts, the prince enters and exits with the people, and offerings are to be made accordingly. The prince is instructed not to take from the people’s inheritance but to provide for his sons from his own property. Additionally, there are designated areas for priests to prepare offerings without transmitting holiness to the outer court. The passage concludes with descriptions of kitchens in the outer court for boiling sacrifices, ensuring proper rituals are maintained within the temple.
Ezekiel 47
The passage describes a vision of water flowing from the temple, starting at the threshold and moving eastward. The water deepens progressively from ankle-deep to a river too deep to cross. This river brings life, as it flows into the sea, transforming the salty water into fresh water, supporting abundant fish and wildlife. Trees line the riverbanks, bearing fruit monthly and providing healing. The text then shifts to the division of land among the twelve tribes of Israel, specifying boundaries for the north, east, south, and west sides. Joseph is granted two portions, and the land is to be divided equally as promised to their ancestors. The passage emphasizes the inclusion of sojourners, granting them an inheritance among the tribes, ensuring they are treated as native-born Israelites. The Lord God declares that the land will be allotted according to the tribes, highlighting the importance of community and shared heritage.
Ezekiel 48
The text outlines the allocation of land among the tribes of Israel, starting from the northern border and moving westward. It specifies the territories for each tribe, beginning with Dan, followed by Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah. A designated portion for the Lord is described, measuring 25,000 cubits in length and 20,000 in breadth, with the sanctuary situated in the center. The priests, specifically the sons of Zadok, receive a special allotment within this holy portion, while the Levites are allocated adjacent land. The remaining area is designated for common use, including a city with specified dimensions and open land for agricultural purposes. The prince’s portion is described as lying between the territories of Judah and Benjamin, with additional land for the remaining tribes: Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad. The text concludes with details about the city’s gates, which are named after the tribes, and states that the city’s circumference will be 18,000 cubits, with the name “The LORD Is There” assigned to it.
✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.