Ezekiel 48:15-22

How do the city, its workers and the prince fit within the district?

Berean Standard Bible

15 The remaining area, 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, will be for common use by the city, for houses, and for pastureland. The city will be in the center of it 16 and will have these measurements: 4,500 cubits on the north side, 4,500 cubits on the south side, 4,500 cubits on the east side, and 4,500 cubits on the west side. 17 The pastureland of the city will extend 250 cubits to the north, 250 cubits to the south, 250 cubits to the east, and 250 cubits to the west.
18 The remainder of the length bordering the holy portion and running adjacent to it will be 10,000 cubits on the east side and 10,000 cubits on the west side. Its produce will supply food for the workers of the city. 19 The workers of the city who cultivate it will come from all the tribes of Israel. 20 The entire portion will be a square, 25,000 cubits by 25,000 cubits. You are to set apart the holy portion, along with the city property.
21 The remaining area on both sides of the holy portion and of the property of the city will belong to the prince. He will own the land adjacent to the tribal portions, extending eastward from the 25,000 cubits of the holy district toward the eastern border, and westward from the 25,000 cubits to the western border. And in the center of them will be the holy portion and the sanctuary of the temple. 22 So the Levitical property and the city property will lie in the center of the area belonging to the prince—the area between the borders of Judah and Benjamin.

What is the context?

The remaining strip is for the city’s common use, including homes and pastureland. The city is square, with open space around it. Land on its east and west provides food for the workers who cultivate it.

Those workers come from all Israel’s tribes. The city serves a shared life among the people rather than belonging exclusively to one tribe.

The whole district, including the holy portions and city property, is twenty-five thousand cubits square. The prince’s land lies on either side, between Judah and Benjamin. Provision is made for worship, work, homes and leadership within the same ordered land.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley explains common use as land not consecrated to the sanctuary and the produce as maintenance for the city’s workers. Cambridge similarly distinguishes the city’s portion from the priests’ and Levites’ areas.

Common does not mean wicked. The vision includes ordinary work and a shared city alongside the areas set apart for sanctuary service.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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