Bible Commentaries
Ezekiel 48

Verse 1

Eze 48:1-7. I have grouped these verses into one paragraph because no special explanation for them separately would serve any necessary purpose. The comment that seems most appropriate is that by assigning the land specifically to the separate tribes, the Lord gives us a lesson on the subject of individual rights amidst a community of people all of whom had rights that should be respected.

Verse 8

Eze 48:8. This offering is called an “oblation” in Eze 45:1 which was to consist of certain portions of the land; a sanctuary is a holy place.

Verse 9

Eze 48:9. This verse merely states the specific size of the offering.

Verse 10

Eze 48:10. This special ablation was for the specific uSe of the priests. They were from the tribe of Levi and did not have any general possession of land as others.

Verse 11

Eze 48:11. Not all of the tribe of Levi were permitted to act in the priesthood, only the descendants of Zadok (Eze 40:46), The reason for this special favor to them is given; they had remained faithful to the Lord previous to the captivity.

Verse 12

Eze 48:12. This priestly group was to have this assignment (or offering) of the land, and it was to be near the border of the Other Levites.

Verse 13

Eze 48:13. The Levites as a tribe were to have this assignment, even though most of them would not be eligible for the priesthood.

Verse 14

Eze 48:14. This land must not be disposed of either by sale or trade, and neither should the products be alienated which means transported into another vicinity.

Verse 15

Eze 48:15. Profane is not a word with any special moral meaning, but is the opposite of sacred or is temporal; the space was for the people in general.

Verse 16

Eze 48:16. This area was 4500 cubits or about a mile square.

Verse 17

Eze 48:17, These suburbs consisted of open border that was about 400 feet wide, and it extended all round the other district described in the preceding verse.

Verse 18

Eze 48:18. The strip of land described in this verse was to be cultivated, and the food raised was for the support of those living in the space described above.

Verse 19

Eze 48:19. Out of all the tribes means that the entire nation was to contribute to the support of those who rendered service for the common good-

Verse 20

Eze 48:20. The entire reservation described In the foregoing verses was several miles square if measured by modern standards or terms.

Verse 21

Eze 48:21. Near this reserved territory was a strip that was for the use of the prince, which means some person in a position of leadership or other outstanding relationship to the rest of the nation. This area was to be regarded as an oblation or offering for the sacred service of God.

Verse 22

Eze 48:22. This part that was assigned to the prince is described as having come out of the sacred possession of the Ijevites. That was proper since it was to serve a specific use in the service rendered to the Lord.

Verse 23

Eze 48:23. Special consideration is given to Benjamin in that this particular group of assignments begins with the mention of that tribe. There might have been some remembrance of the fact that Benjamin was one of the tribes of the kingdom of Judah, and hence a part of the people who went into Babylonian captivity.

Verse 24

Verses 24-28. For comments on this manner of grouping verses see those at Eze 48:1-7.

Verse 29

Eze 48:29. Divide by lot. in ancient times the lot was used to decide certain questions, and when resorted to by uninspired men it amounted to a “game of chance” only. Sometimes, however, the Lord authorized its use, and when that was done (as in tire case here) He would see that the proper decision was reached (Pro 16:33).

Verse 30

Eze 48:30. Goings is from TOTSAAH which Strong defines, “Exit, i.e., (geographical boundary.)" The verse means to designate the outer extent of the territory to be named.

Verse 31

Eze 48:31. The second chapter of Numbers gives the order of encampment for the children of Israel when they paused In their journey through the wilderness. There is a similarity between that arrangement and that described in this verse in that three tribes were to be grouped together in the four units.

Verse 32

Eze 48:32, It was not always the same three tribes as are named in Numbers, but the "goings out” in our case were the same in each of the sides. The tribe of Joseph is named in this place but Ephraim and Manasseh will not be given here. That is because they were the sons of Joseph and each was at the head of a whole tribe. Hence if Joseph is counted there would not be any point in mentioning his Bons in this report.

Verse 33

Eze 48:33. Measures is given an indefinite meaning in the lexicon. It would denote that whatever rule or standard was used on any given occasion, the thing being “checked for dimensions” would count up to the number given.

Verse 34

Eze 48:34. This verse brings the measurements round to the place of beginning. There being three gates on each of the four sides of the city reminds us of the description which John gives of the Eternal City in Rev 21:13.

Verse 35

Eze 48:35, Round about means the circumference which was 18,000 measures. The Lord is there. What an appropriate and important phrase by which to close up a great book! The greatest thing that could be said ot any institution or place is that the presence Of (he Lord will bless it which would assure it of everything needed for joy and prosperity. If the Lord is not in the place nothing else wi!l count for good. All through the ages God has provided something by which this presence could be realized and enjoyed by those who loved Him, In the Patriarchal Dispensation it was at the family altar; in the Mosaic era the Lord was present in the temple and tabernacle and it is promised in the present verse that the same Presence would be there to bless the people after returning from the captivity.