Ezekiel · Chapter 48

Verse 1. Now these are the names of the tribes.] See the division mentioned Numbers 34:7-12, which casts much light upon this.

Verses 1, 2. These are the names of the tribes: from the north end, &c. — As the description of the boundaries of the land began on the north, so the portion of that tribe to which the most northern lot fell is first named, which is Dan. For these are his sides east and west — These are the boundaries belonging to that tribe, from the east point, near mount Libanus and Gilead, to the west point, bounded by the Mediterranean sea. And by the border of Dan a portion for Asher — All along from thee south side of Dan, measuring from east to west, shall the share of Asher be.

1. The text is difficult. Toy probably gives the true meaning: “These are the names of the tribes. Onto the frontier of Hamath and to Hazar-enan, the territory of Damascus being on the north border from the sea by Hethlon, the north, from the east border to west border, Dan one portion.” The northern border, here assigned to Dan, has previously been described (Ezekiel 47:16, 17).

Verses 1, 2. These are the names of the tribes: from the north end, &c. — As the description of the boundaries of the land began on the north, so the portion of that tribe to which the most northern lot fell is first named, which is Dan. For these are his sides east and west — These are the boundaries belonging to that tribe, from the east point, near mount Libanus and Gilead, to the west point, bounded by the Mediterranean sea. And by the border of Dan a portion for Asher — All along from thee south side of Dan, measuring from east to west, shall the share of Asher be.

Verse 7. And by the border of Reuben, &c., a portion for Judah — From the 1st verse to the 7th, the situation of seven of the twelve tribes is described, which were placed on the north side of the holy portion, the length of Judea, from north to south, being divided into twelve equal parts, (see Ezekiel 47:14,) besides the allotment for the holy portion and for the prince, and the city and temple being placed where they formerly stood. Hence it was necessary that there should be seven shares on the north side of that allotment, and but five on the south side; Jerusalem not standing in the middle of the Holy Land, but more toward the south, as will appear to any one that consults an accurate map of Judea. Many learned men are of opinion, that this particular description of the several portions allotted to the tribes, relates to the settlement of the Jews in their own country, after their conversion to Christianity. Certainly several passages in the prophets bear this aspect: see particularly chap. 36. and 37. of this prophecy. “But without laying too great a stress upon this opinion, we may reasonably suppose that some mystical sense is contained under this description. By the twelve tribes the pure Christian Church is sometimes signified in the New Testament: see Luke 22:3; Revelation 7:4, in which latter book twelve is a hieroglyphical number, denoting the true church, built upon the doctrine of the twelve apostles: see Revelation 12:1, and 21:14. By the same analogy, the number of a hundred and forty and four thousand, (Revelation 7:4, and 14:1,) signifies the church of true Christians, who continue steadfast in the apostolical doctrine, twelve being the square root out of which that number arises; so this division of the land among the twelve tribes may imply, that all true Christians shall be equally sharers in the privileges of the gospel.”

Verse 8. By the border of Judah, &c., shall be the offering, &c. — Next to the border of Judah, which runs in length from east to west, shall be the offering ye shall set apart for the service of God, Ezekiel 45:1. The word reeds, it must be observed, is not in the original text, either here or in that place, and, as we have there noticed, many learned men think it more probable, that the measure of cubits is intended in both passages: see the note there. And in the length as in one of the other parts — Given to the adjoining tribes. From the east side unto the west side — Which was likewise twenty-five thousand reeds, or cubits, according to the dimensions of the holy portion, set down Ezekiel 45:1-6, for the oblation was to be four-square, consisting of twenty-five thousand, multiplied by twenty-five thousand.

8, 9. Toy reads: “On the border of Judah, from the east end to the west end, shall be the reservation which ye shall set aside: twenty-five thousand cubits wide, and in length equal to one tribal portion from east to west; and the sanctuary shall be therein. The reservation which ye shall set aside for Jehovah shall be twenty-five thousand cubits long and twenty thousand cubits wide.” Plumptre, with many old expositors, believes not cubit but reed is “undoubtedly the word to be supplied” in the above specifications; if so it would mark distinctively the ideal character of the land distribution, since if the attempt were made to lay off this reservation (A.V., “offering;” R.V., “oblation”) of twenty thousand reeds (one hundred and forty thousand cubits) in length, it would extend far beyond the Jordan, which is given as the east border of the land. We think probably “cubit,” not “reed,” should be supplied (see Ezekiel 45:1-5) and read with the Septuagint twenty thousand instead of ten thousand (verse 9), believing that this verse and the close of verse 13 refer to the entire territory occupied by both priests and Levites.

Verse 9. The oblation] This was a portion of land twenty-five thousand cubits in length, by ten thousand broad; in the centre of which was the temple, which must be destined for the use of the priests, the Levites, and the prince.

Verses 9, 10. The oblation ye shall offer unto the Lord — For his sanctuary and priests: see Ezekiel 45:1: shall be five and twenty thousand in length — See note on Ezekiel 45:3, 4. Toward the north five and twenty thousand in length — The dimensions from east to west are called by the name of breadth here, but of length, verse 8, and so they truly are, as may appear from the description given of the whole in the notes on the xlvth chapter. But Houbigant reads this verse more intelligibly, as follows: “Toward the north the length shall be twenty-five thousand cubits; likewise toward the south the length shall be twenty-five thousand cubits; and the breadth toward the east shall be ten thousand cubits; and toward the west ten thousand cubits,” &c.

8, 9. Toy reads: “On the border of Judah, from the east end to the west end, shall be the reservation which ye shall set aside: twenty-five thousand cubits wide, and in length equal to one tribal portion from east to west; and the sanctuary shall be therein. The reservation which ye shall set aside for Jehovah shall be twenty-five thousand cubits long and twenty thousand cubits wide.” Plumptre, with many old expositors, believes not cubit but reed is “undoubtedly the word to be supplied” in the above specifications; if so it would mark distinctively the ideal character of the land distribution, since if the attempt were made to lay off this reservation (A.V., “offering;” R.V., “oblation”) of twenty thousand reeds (one hundred and forty thousand cubits) in length, it would extend far beyond the Jordan, which is given as the east border of the land. We think probably “cubit,” not “reed,” should be supplied (see Ezekiel 45:1-5) and read with the Septuagint twenty thousand instead of ten thousand (verse 9), believing that this verse and the close of verse 13 refer to the entire territory occupied by both priests and Levites.

Verses 9, 10. The oblation ye shall offer unto the Lord — For his sanctuary and priests: see Ezekiel 45:1: shall be five and twenty thousand in length — See note on Ezekiel 45:3, 4. Toward the north five and twenty thousand in length — The dimensions from east to west are called by the name of breadth here, but of length, verse 8, and so they truly are, as may appear from the description given of the whole in the notes on the xlvth chapter. But Houbigant reads this verse more intelligibly, as follows: “Toward the north the length shall be twenty-five thousand cubits; likewise toward the south the length shall be twenty-five thousand cubits; and the breadth toward the east shall be ten thousand cubits; and toward the west ten thousand cubits,” &c.

Verses 11, 12. It shall be for the priests of the sons of Zadok — See note on Ezekiel 44:10, 15. Which went not astray as the Levites — Or, as the other Levites went astray. “The word Levites is here used in its greatest latitude, and comprehends the priests, as well as those who were properly called Levites. Many of these had defiled themselves with idolatry, for which crime they were to be degraded from the honours due to those priests who had continued faithful in their office.” — Lowth. This oblation shall be unto them a thing most holy — As all things dedicated to God were. By the border of the Levites — It shall lie next to the portion of the Levites which lay southward between the priests’ and the city’s portion.

11. “It shall be for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok, which have kept my charge; which went not astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray” (R.V.; see note Ezekiel 44:9-16).

Verses 11, 12. It shall be for the priests of the sons of Zadok — See note on Ezekiel 44:10, 15. Which went not astray as the Levites — Or, as the other Levites went astray. “The word Levites is here used in its greatest latitude, and comprehends the priests, as well as those who were properly called Levites. Many of these had defiled themselves with idolatry, for which crime they were to be degraded from the honours due to those priests who had continued faithful in their office.” — Lowth. This oblation shall be unto them a thing most holy — As all things dedicated to God were. By the border of the Levites — It shall lie next to the portion of the Levites which lay southward between the priests’ and the city’s portion.

Verses 13, 14. Over against the border of the priests — It might be better translated, just by, or beside the border of the priests. The words import, that the border of the Levites should run parallel to that of the priests. And in the same sense the words should be translated in the 15th, 18th, and 21st verses of this chapter. And they shall not sell it, neither exchange — Or, transfer, &c. As it was God’s portion, they were not to sell, or part with it, upon any pretence of advantage, or of greater convenience. This portion of land is called the first-fruits, as it is styled an oblation, verses 8, 12, to denote that the whole land was God’s property.

13, 14. The Levites’ portion adjoins that of the priests to the north and is exactly equal to it. This territory and its first fruits were sacred to Jehovah and could not be disposed of at the will of its occupants (xlv, 1; compare Leviticus 25:24, 32).

Verses 13, 14. Over against the border of the priests — It might be better translated, just by, or beside the border of the priests. The words import, that the border of the Levites should run parallel to that of the priests. And in the same sense the words should be translated in the 15th, 18th, and 21st verses of this chapter. And they shall not sell it, neither exchange — Or, transfer, &c. As it was God’s portion, they were not to sell, or part with it, upon any pretence of advantage, or of greater convenience. This portion of land is called the first-fruits, as it is styled an oblation, verses 8, 12, to denote that the whole land was God’s property.

13, 14. The Levites’ portion adjoins that of the priests to the north and is exactly equal to it. This territory and its first fruits were sacred to Jehovah and could not be disposed of at the will of its occupants (xlv, 1; compare Leviticus 25:24, 32).

V. 15. A profane place-A common, not consecrated place.

Verse 15. And the five thousand that are left] The territory of the Levites was twenty-five thousand square cubits, Ezekiel 48:20, But their city was only four thousand five hundred square cubits, see Ezekiel 48:13, 16; there remained, therefore, ten thousand cubits square to be divided, of which five thousand cubits in breadth, by twenty-five thousand in length, on the east and west sides, were reserved for a sort of second city; or for suburbs where laymen might dwell who were employed by those priests and Levites who lodged in the temple and in the city, Ezekiel 48:18. And another space of one thousand cubits in breadth, by twenty-five thousand in length, which extended only from north to south, was for fields and gardens appointed for the support of those lay servants. On which we may remark, there was no cultivated land between the portion of the Levites and that of the prince, but only on the east and west sides. See Ezekiel 45:6, and the map FF. See Clarke “Ezekiel 48:35”.

Verses 15-17. And the five thousand that are left in the breadth over against [or beside, see verse 13] the five and twenty thousand — This five thousand, added to the twenty-five thousand in length, and two ten thousands in breadth, mentioned verse 10, makes up a square of twenty-five thousand every way: see verse 20. Shall be a profane place for the city, &c. — It is called a profane place comparatively, because it was not so holy as the temple and the sanctuary. And the city, shall be in the midst thereof — A square piece of ground, of four thousand five hundred cubits on every side, shall be taken out of the middle of the twenty-five thousand cubits in length, for the area of the city. The north side four thousand five hundred, &c. — It shall be an equilateral square, every side being exactly of the same measure, consisting in all of eighteen thousand measures, as is expressed verse 35. According to Josephus, Bell. Jud., 5:43, Jerusalem was thirty-three stadia in circuit, which the square here described does not greatly exceed. And the suburbs shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty — The city and suburbs together making a square of five thousand.

15-19. “The five thousand [cubits] that are left in the breadth, in front of the five and twenty thousand, shall be for common use.” In the midst of this reserve (see chart, page 235) is the city, which occupies a square of four thousand five hundred sacred cubits of seven handbreadths each (note Ezekiel 40:5), which, counting eighteen inches to the ordinary cubit, would make the circuit of the city about six miles, which is something more than double that of the city of Jerusalem to-day. The suburbs of the city reach out two hundred and fifty cubits further on each side (about one hundred and forty-five yards). “The rest of the length, alongside of the sacred reservation, ten thousand cubits on the east and ten thousand cubits on the west shall belong to the city, and its produce shall be the food of the inhabitants of the city; the inhabitants of the city shall come from all the tribes of Israel” (verses 18, 19, Toy). According to the R.V., the produce from these outside strips of land is for them that “labor in the city,” and verse 19 reads, “And they that labor in the city out of all the tribes of Israel shall till it.” In either case the verse does not refer to a lower caste or class of workmen, but merely to those engaged in ordinary employments as distinguished from the priests and Levites previously mentioned.

V. 16. The measures thereof-The extent and proportions of the city, a square of four thousand five hundred shall be taken out of the middle of the twenty five thousand or the ground-plat of the city. So it shall be an equilateral square, every side exactly the same, north, south, east, and west, four thousand five hundred apiece, by which measures the whole content is visible eighteen thousand cubits not reeds.

Verses 15-17. And the five thousand that are left in the breadth over against [or beside, see verse 13] the five and twenty thousand — This five thousand, added to the twenty-five thousand in length, and two ten thousands in breadth, mentioned verse 10, makes up a square of twenty-five thousand every way: see verse 20. Shall be a profane place for the city, &c. — It is called a profane place comparatively, because it was not so holy as the temple and the sanctuary. And the city, shall be in the midst thereof — A square piece of ground, of four thousand five hundred cubits on every side, shall be taken out of the middle of the twenty-five thousand cubits in length, for the area of the city. The north side four thousand five hundred, &c. — It shall be an equilateral square, every side being exactly of the same measure, consisting in all of eighteen thousand measures, as is expressed verse 35. According to Josephus, Bell. Jud., 5:43, Jerusalem was thirty-three stadia in circuit, which the square here described does not greatly exceed. And the suburbs shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty — The city and suburbs together making a square of five thousand.

15-19. “The five thousand [cubits] that are left in the breadth, in front of the five and twenty thousand, shall be for common use.” In the midst of this reserve (see chart, page 235) is the city, which occupies a square of four thousand five hundred sacred cubits of seven handbreadths each (note Ezekiel 40:5), which, counting eighteen inches to the ordinary cubit, would make the circuit of the city about six miles, which is something more than double that of the city of Jerusalem to-day. The suburbs of the city reach out two hundred and fifty cubits further on each side (about one hundred and forty-five yards). “The rest of the length, alongside of the sacred reservation, ten thousand cubits on the east and ten thousand cubits on the west shall belong to the city, and its produce shall be the food of the inhabitants of the city; the inhabitants of the city shall come from all the tribes of Israel” (verses 18, 19, Toy). According to the R.V., the produce from these outside strips of land is for them that “labor in the city,” and verse 19 reads, “And they that labor in the city out of all the tribes of Israel shall till it.” In either case the verse does not refer to a lower caste or class of workmen, but merely to those engaged in ordinary employments as distinguished from the priests and Levites previously mentioned.

Verses 15-17. And the five thousand that are left in the breadth over against [or beside, see verse 13] the five and twenty thousand — This five thousand, added to the twenty-five thousand in length, and two ten thousands in breadth, mentioned verse 10, makes up a square of twenty-five thousand every way: see verse 20. Shall be a profane place for the city, &c. — It is called a profane place comparatively, because it was not so holy as the temple and the sanctuary. And the city, shall be in the midst thereof — A square piece of ground, of four thousand five hundred cubits on every side, shall be taken out of the middle of the twenty-five thousand cubits in length, for the area of the city. The north side four thousand five hundred, &c. — It shall be an equilateral square, every side being exactly of the same measure, consisting in all of eighteen thousand measures, as is expressed verse 35. According to Josephus, Bell. Jud., 5:43, Jerusalem was thirty-three stadia in circuit, which the square here described does not greatly exceed. And the suburbs shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty — The city and suburbs together making a square of five thousand.

15-19. “The five thousand [cubits] that are left in the breadth, in front of the five and twenty thousand, shall be for common use.” In the midst of this reserve (see chart, page 235) is the city, which occupies a square of four thousand five hundred sacred cubits of seven handbreadths each (note Ezekiel 40:5), which, counting eighteen inches to the ordinary cubit, would make the circuit of the city about six miles, which is something more than double that of the city of Jerusalem to-day. The suburbs of the city reach out two hundred and fifty cubits further on each side (about one hundred and forty-five yards). “The rest of the length, alongside of the sacred reservation, ten thousand cubits on the east and ten thousand cubits on the west shall belong to the city, and its produce shall be the food of the inhabitants of the city; the inhabitants of the city shall come from all the tribes of Israel” (verses 18, 19, Toy). According to the R.V., the produce from these outside strips of land is for them that “labor in the city,” and verse 19 reads, “And they that labor in the city out of all the tribes of Israel shall till it.” In either case the verse does not refer to a lower caste or class of workmen, but merely to those engaged in ordinary employments as distinguished from the priests and Levites previously mentioned.

V. 18. For food-For the maintenance of the city-officers.

Verses 18-20. And the residue in length over against [or beside] the oblation of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward and ten thousand westward — These two dimensions, of ten thousand in length both eastward and westward, remain on each side of the area, which is five thousand cubits square, and set apart for the site of the city. It shall be over against [or beside] the oblation of the holy portion — It shall join to the Levites’ portion, both on the east and west side; and it shall lie parallel with the two portions belonging to the priests and Levites. And the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city — Perform burdensome offices of public utility, whether of a higher or lower kind. They that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes — This service being a burden, it was fit that all the tribes should bear their part in it. All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand, &c. — That is, twenty-five thousand in length, multiplied by twenty-five thousand in breadth. Ye shall offer the oblation four-square — So the heavenly Jerusalem is described, Revelation 21:16, as lying four-square, a square figure being the emblem of perpetuity, strength, and solidity. With the possession of the city — Or the land assigned for the site of the city; which was a square of five thousand cubits, and being added to the portion of the priests and Levites, made their twice ten thousand to be twenty-five thousand in breadth.

15-19. “The five thousand [cubits] that are left in the breadth, in front of the five and twenty thousand, shall be for common use.” In the midst of this reserve (see chart, page 235) is the city, which occupies a square of four thousand five hundred sacred cubits of seven handbreadths each (note Ezekiel 40:5), which, counting eighteen inches to the ordinary cubit, would make the circuit of the city about six miles, which is something more than double that of the city of Jerusalem to-day. The suburbs of the city reach out two hundred and fifty cubits further on each side (about one hundred and forty-five yards). “The rest of the length, alongside of the sacred reservation, ten thousand cubits on the east and ten thousand cubits on the west shall belong to the city, and its produce shall be the food of the inhabitants of the city; the inhabitants of the city shall come from all the tribes of Israel” (verses 18, 19, Toy). According to the R.V., the produce from these outside strips of land is for them that “labor in the city,” and verse 19 reads, “And they that labor in the city out of all the tribes of Israel shall till it.” In either case the verse does not refer to a lower caste or class of workmen, but merely to those engaged in ordinary employments as distinguished from the priests and Levites previously mentioned.

Verses 18-20. And the residue in length over against [or beside] the oblation of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward and ten thousand westward — These two dimensions, of ten thousand in length both eastward and westward, remain on each side of the area, which is five thousand cubits square, and set apart for the site of the city. It shall be over against [or beside] the oblation of the holy portion — It shall join to the Levites’ portion, both on the east and west side; and it shall lie parallel with the two portions belonging to the priests and Levites. And the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city — Perform burdensome offices of public utility, whether of a higher or lower kind. They that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes — This service being a burden, it was fit that all the tribes should bear their part in it. All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand, &c. — That is, twenty-five thousand in length, multiplied by twenty-five thousand in breadth. Ye shall offer the oblation four-square — So the heavenly Jerusalem is described, Revelation 21:16, as lying four-square, a square figure being the emblem of perpetuity, strength, and solidity. With the possession of the city — Or the land assigned for the site of the city; which was a square of five thousand cubits, and being added to the portion of the priests and Levites, made their twice ten thousand to be twenty-five thousand in breadth.

15-19. “The five thousand [cubits] that are left in the breadth, in front of the five and twenty thousand, shall be for common use.” In the midst of this reserve (see chart, page 235) is the city, which occupies a square of four thousand five hundred sacred cubits of seven handbreadths each (note Ezekiel 40:5), which, counting eighteen inches to the ordinary cubit, would make the circuit of the city about six miles, which is something more than double that of the city of Jerusalem to-day. The suburbs of the city reach out two hundred and fifty cubits further on each side (about one hundred and forty-five yards). “The rest of the length, alongside of the sacred reservation, ten thousand cubits on the east and ten thousand cubits on the west shall belong to the city, and its produce shall be the food of the inhabitants of the city; the inhabitants of the city shall come from all the tribes of Israel” (verses 18, 19, Toy). According to the R.V., the produce from these outside strips of land is for them that “labor in the city,” and verse 19 reads, “And they that labor in the city out of all the tribes of Israel shall till it.” In either case the verse does not refer to a lower caste or class of workmen, but merely to those engaged in ordinary employments as distinguished from the priests and Levites previously mentioned.

V. 20. The possession-The land assigned for the city.

Verses 18-20. And the residue in length over against [or beside] the oblation of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward and ten thousand westward — These two dimensions, of ten thousand in length both eastward and westward, remain on each side of the area, which is five thousand cubits square, and set apart for the site of the city. It shall be over against [or beside] the oblation of the holy portion — It shall join to the Levites’ portion, both on the east and west side; and it shall lie parallel with the two portions belonging to the priests and Levites. And the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city — Perform burdensome offices of public utility, whether of a higher or lower kind. They that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes — This service being a burden, it was fit that all the tribes should bear their part in it. All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand, &c. — That is, twenty-five thousand in length, multiplied by twenty-five thousand in breadth. Ye shall offer the oblation four-square — So the heavenly Jerusalem is described, Revelation 21:16, as lying four-square, a square figure being the emblem of perpetuity, strength, and solidity. With the possession of the city — Or the land assigned for the site of the city; which was a square of five thousand cubits, and being added to the portion of the priests and Levites, made their twice ten thousand to be twenty-five thousand in breadth.

20-22. The entire reservation including the city constituted a square twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand, and on the east side of this sacred domain, protecting it on the east and west, were the sections assigned to the prince, extending to the Jordan on the one side and the Mediterranean on the other. (See chart, page 235.) This domain, which is “over against the portions” (that is, the portions assigned to Judah and Benjamin), “shall be for the prince: and the holy oblation and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof” (verse 21). Everything lying between the border of Judah and Benjamin east and west from this central square (wherein lie the city and the Levitical possessions) shall be for the prince (verse 22).

Verse 21. And the residue—for the prince] His portion was alongside that of the Levites, from west to east; these were on each side twenty-five thousand cubits in length, from the east to the west. by twelve thousand five hundred cubits in breadth from north to south. The space both above and below was equal, between the tribe of Judah and that of Benjamin to north and south; and the portion of the Levites, which had Judah and Benjamin to the north and south, and the portion of the prince to the east and to the west. See the map.

Verse 21. The residue shall be for the prince on the one side and on the other, &c. — The prince’s part shall be extended, both on the east and west side of the several allotments belonging to the priests, the Levites, and the city. Over against the five and twenty thousand, &c. — The particle ynp la, translated over against, is rendered before, in the parallel text, Ezekiel 45:7, and thus interpreted makes the sense clearer, the words then importing, that the prince’s portion was to run along eastward and westward, like a frontier before the holy portions; and to extend eastward to Jordan, or the Dead sea, and westward to the great sea, retaining its breadth of twenty-five thousand cubits from north to south.

20-22. The entire reservation including the city constituted a square twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand, and on the east side of this sacred domain, protecting it on the east and west, were the sections assigned to the prince, extending to the Jordan on the one side and the Mediterranean on the other. (See chart, page 235.) This domain, which is “over against the portions” (that is, the portions assigned to Judah and Benjamin), “shall be for the prince: and the holy oblation and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof” (verse 21). Everything lying between the border of Judah and Benjamin east and west from this central square (wherein lie the city and the Levitical possessions) shall be for the prince (verse 22).

Verse 22. Moreover from, or rather, beyond, the possession of the Levites, and beyond the possession of the city — That is, the possessions belonging to the priests and Levites, and the city, were to be bounded on the east and west side with the prince’s portion; so those were to lie in the middle, and this beyond them. Between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin shall be for the prince — The border of Judah was to extend from east to west, next to the holy portion, on the north side, (see verses 1- 8,) and the border of Benjamin from east to west, next the allotment set apart for the city, on the south side: see verses 23-28. The several portions allotted for the priests, the Levites, and the city, were to extend only to the length of twenty-five thousand cubits from east to west; so that wherever ground ran in a parallel line eastward and westward beyond that boundary, even to the land’s end, was to belong to the prince. And, supposing the whole country to be sixty miles in breadth, and the holy portion about seven miles square, there will remain above twenty-six miles, both on the east and west side, for the prince’s share.

20-22. The entire reservation including the city constituted a square twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand, and on the east side of this sacred domain, protecting it on the east and west, were the sections assigned to the prince, extending to the Jordan on the one side and the Mediterranean on the other. (See chart, page 235.) This domain, which is “over against the portions” (that is, the portions assigned to Judah and Benjamin), “shall be for the prince: and the holy oblation and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof” (verse 21). Everything lying between the border of Judah and Benjamin east and west from this central square (wherein lie the city and the Levitical possessions) shall be for the prince (verse 22).

Verses 23-28. As for the rest of the tribes, &c. — The portion assigned for Judah being situate next to the holy portion on the north side, that assigned to Benjamin lay next to the ground allotted to the city on the south side. All these allotments ran from east to west in length, and from north to south in breadth. In the 24th and the next three verses, the four remaining tribes have their allotments assigned them, lying on the south side of the holy portion.

23-29. South of the sacred square and the domain of the prince shall lie in parallel sections the lands belonging to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad — the southernmost border of the Holy Land running from Tamar to Meribath-kadesh, and then alongside the Wady-el-Arish to the Mediterranean. (See Ezekiel 47:18, 19, and notes; also map facing page 232.)

Verses 23-28. As for the rest of the tribes, &c. — The portion assigned for Judah being situate next to the holy portion on the north side, that assigned to Benjamin lay next to the ground allotted to the city on the south side. All these allotments ran from east to west in length, and from north to south in breadth. In the 24th and the next three verses, the four remaining tribes have their allotments assigned them, lying on the south side of the holy portion.

23-29. South of the sacred square and the domain of the prince shall lie in parallel sections the lands belonging to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad — the southernmost border of the Holy Land running from Tamar to Meribath-kadesh, and then alongside the Wady-el-Arish to the Mediterranean. (See Ezekiel 47:18, 19, and notes; also map facing page 232.)

Verses 23-28. As for the rest of the tribes, &c. — The portion assigned for Judah being situate next to the holy portion on the north side, that assigned to Benjamin lay next to the ground allotted to the city on the south side. All these allotments ran from east to west in length, and from north to south in breadth. In the 24th and the next three verses, the four remaining tribes have their allotments assigned them, lying on the south side of the holy portion.

23-29. South of the sacred square and the domain of the prince shall lie in parallel sections the lands belonging to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad — the southernmost border of the Holy Land running from Tamar to Meribath-kadesh, and then alongside the Wady-el-Arish to the Mediterranean. (See Ezekiel 47:18, 19, and notes; also map facing page 232.)

Verses 23-28. As for the rest of the tribes, &c. — The portion assigned for Judah being situate next to the holy portion on the north side, that assigned to Benjamin lay next to the ground allotted to the city on the south side. All these allotments ran from east to west in length, and from north to south in breadth. In the 24th and the next three verses, the four remaining tribes have their allotments assigned them, lying on the south side of the holy portion.

23-29. South of the sacred square and the domain of the prince shall lie in parallel sections the lands belonging to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad — the southernmost border of the Holy Land running from Tamar to Meribath-kadesh, and then alongside the Wady-el-Arish to the Mediterranean. (See Ezekiel 47:18, 19, and notes; also map facing page 232.)

Verses 23-28. As for the rest of the tribes, &c. — The portion assigned for Judah being situate next to the holy portion on the north side, that assigned to Benjamin lay next to the ground allotted to the city on the south side. All these allotments ran from east to west in length, and from north to south in breadth. In the 24th and the next three verses, the four remaining tribes have their allotments assigned them, lying on the south side of the holy portion.

23-29. South of the sacred square and the domain of the prince shall lie in parallel sections the lands belonging to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad — the southernmost border of the Holy Land running from Tamar to Meribath-kadesh, and then alongside the Wady-el-Arish to the Mediterranean. (See Ezekiel 47:18, 19, and notes; also map facing page 232.)

V. 28. To the river-The river of Egypt.

Verse 28. From Tamar—in Kadesh] The former was on the south of the Dead Sea; and the latter, or Kadesh-Barnea, was still farther south, and at the extremity of the portion of Gad, which was the most southern tribe, as Dan was the most northern.

Verses 23-28. As for the rest of the tribes, &c. — The portion assigned for Judah being situate next to the holy portion on the north side, that assigned to Benjamin lay next to the ground allotted to the city on the south side. All these allotments ran from east to west in length, and from north to south in breadth. In the 24th and the next three verses, the four remaining tribes have their allotments assigned them, lying on the south side of the holy portion.

23-29. South of the sacred square and the domain of the prince shall lie in parallel sections the lands belonging to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad — the southernmost border of the Holy Land running from Tamar to Meribath-kadesh, and then alongside the Wady-el-Arish to the Mediterranean. (See Ezekiel 47:18, 19, and notes; also map facing page 232.)

23-29. South of the sacred square and the domain of the prince shall lie in parallel sections the lands belonging to Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad — the southernmost border of the Holy Land running from Tamar to Meribath-kadesh, and then alongside the Wady-el-Arish to the Mediterranean. (See Ezekiel 47:18, 19, and notes; also map facing page 232.)

Verse 30. These are the goings out] Each of the four sides of the city was four thousand five hundred cubits long. There were three gates on each side, as mentioned below; and the whole circumference of the city was eighteen thousand cubits. See the map, plan B. dddd. See Clarke “Ezekiel 48:35”.

The rector of New Haven College, in New England, supposes the preceding representations to refer to the happy state of the Church in what is called the Millennium. Leaving this period out of the question, the following observations are worthy of notice:—

“The Jews, for whom this vision was intended, would conceive their country to be divided to the twelve tribes, in lots of a regular and mathematical form; and not confused or intermixed, as in Joshua’s time. Their city laid out larger than before; and exactly foursquare, with regular suburbs; the temple and appendages much more commodious for their sacrifices, and the habitations of the priests and Levites regularly formed round about the temple. So that this whole plan of the division of the country, laying out of the city, temple, and all the appendages, appears to be perfectly regular and uniform, as if it were drawn all at one time, and by one hand, who had power to effect it; and therefore conveyed to the Jews the most complete idea they were capable of conceiving of the most perfect church, commonwealth, city, temple, and conveniences, for Divine worship. I. The Holy Land, as described Ezekiel 47:13-21 and Ezekiel 48:1-35 according to the original grant, being about two hundred and fifty miles long, north and south, and about one hundred and fifty miles wide, is divided, by parallel lines east and west, to the twelve tribes, each of them having a portion twenty miles wide. Only between Judah and Benjamin there is a holy portion near ten miles wide; in the middle of which is the holy oblation, twenty-five thousand cubits; that is, about ten miles square for the priests, Levites, city, and temple, Ezekiel 45:1; 48:8; the two ends are for the prince, Ezekiel 45:7, &c. II. The holy oblation, lying in the middle of the holy portion, is twenty-five thousand cubits square, which is near ten miles; of which ten thousand cubits, or four miles, are taken off from the north side for a habitation for the priests, and as much for the Levites on the south side, Ezekiel 45:4, 5, and Ezekiel 48:20; and five thousand cubits in the middle for the city portion, Ezekiel 45:6; in the middle of which is the city, four thousand five hundred cubits square, which is nearly two miles, Ezekiel 48:15, 16. Round about this is left two hundred and fifty cubits, near thirty rods, for suburbs, Ezekiel 48:17. The remaining ten thousand cubits on the east side, and the ten thousand cubits on the west side, are for the profit of those who serve the city, out of all the tribes, Ezekiel 48:18, 19. The sanctuary is in the midst o! the city, Ezekiel 48:8. III. The sanctuary or temple, and its appendages, were entirely surrounded with a wall six cubits high and six cubits thick, Ezekiel 40:5; and five hundred cubits long on each side, Ezekiel 42:15, &c., and Ezekiel 45:2. In the middle square stands the temple, which was surrounded by a wall one hundred cubits long on each side, Ezekiel 41:13, and six cubits thick, Ezekiel 41:8. The side-chambers on the outside four cubits, Ezekiel 41:5. The Holy of Holies, at the west end, was twenty cubits square on the inside, Ezekiel 41:4. The holy place or outer court at the east end, was forty cubits, Ezekiel 41:12. {?} The length of the porch on the north side was twenty cubits; the breadth was eleven cubits, Ezekiel 40:49; and the width of the separate place on the south side twenty cubits. On each side of the temple, towards the four gates in the outer wall, stood two courts, eight in the whole, each one hundred cubits square, Ezekiel 40:19, 23, 27. In each of these were thirty-six little chambers or buildings, about six cubits square, viz., six at the entrance of the gate, Ezekiel 40:7, 17, 20, &c., and thirty on the pavement, Ezekiel 40:17, &c., which were for lodgings for the priests, for hanging up their garments, and their part of the sacrifices, Ezekiel 42:13.”

Calmet has constructed a map to show the position of the tribes, and the quantum of space each was to possess. As this will give a better view of the subject than any written description can, I have inserted one constructed for this work, which, consulting the places said to be connected with the possessions of the different tribes, shows that the tribes did not all possess the same quantum of space, five of the southern tribes possessing only one half as much as those of the north.

30-34. These closing verses relate to the goings out (literally, outer boundaries, Toy) of the city. On each side (exclusive of the suburbs, verse 17) it measures four thousand five hundred cubits (see notes Ezekiel 45:15; 48:8, 9), and twelve gates lead out of the city, each gate named after one of the tribes. (Compare Revelation 21:2.) The three gates on the north (as one looks from west to east) are those of Reuben, Judah, and Levi; on the east (from north to south) those of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; on the south (from east to west) those of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; on the west (from south to north) those of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. (Compare Genesis 29, 30, 40; Deuteronomy 33.)

Verse 31. And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel — It had twelve gates in all, three on each side, which was very proper, since it lay four-square; and these twelve gates were inscribed to the twelve tribes. Because the city was to be served out of all the tribes of Israel, verse 19, it was fit that each tribe should have its gate; and Levi being here taken in to keep to the number twelve, Ephraim and Manasseh are made one in Joseph. Conformable to this, in St. John’s vision, Revelation 21:12, 13, the New Jerusalem (for so the holy city is called there, though not here) has twelve gates, three on a side, and on them are written the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. Observe, reader, into the church of Christ, whether militant or triumphant, there is a free access by faith for all that come, of every tribe, from every quarter. Christ has opened the kingdom of heaven for all believers. Whoever will may come, and take of the water of life, and of the tree of life, freely.

30-34. These closing verses relate to the goings out (literally, outer boundaries, Toy) of the city. On each side (exclusive of the suburbs, verse 17) it measures four thousand five hundred cubits (see notes Ezekiel 45:15; 48:8, 9), and twelve gates lead out of the city, each gate named after one of the tribes. (Compare Revelation 21:2.) The three gates on the north (as one looks from west to east) are those of Reuben, Judah, and Levi; on the east (from north to south) those of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; on the south (from east to west) those of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; on the west (from south to north) those of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. (Compare Genesis 29, 30, 40; Deuteronomy 33.)

30-34. These closing verses relate to the goings out (literally, outer boundaries, Toy) of the city. On each side (exclusive of the suburbs, verse 17) it measures four thousand five hundred cubits (see notes Ezekiel 45:15; 48:8, 9), and twelve gates lead out of the city, each gate named after one of the tribes. (Compare Revelation 21:2.) The three gates on the north (as one looks from west to east) are those of Reuben, Judah, and Levi; on the east (from north to south) those of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; on the south (from east to west) those of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; on the west (from south to north) those of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. (Compare Genesis 29, 30, 40; Deuteronomy 33.)

30-34. These closing verses relate to the goings out (literally, outer boundaries, Toy) of the city. On each side (exclusive of the suburbs, verse 17) it measures four thousand five hundred cubits (see notes Ezekiel 45:15; 48:8, 9), and twelve gates lead out of the city, each gate named after one of the tribes. (Compare Revelation 21:2.) The three gates on the north (as one looks from west to east) are those of Reuben, Judah, and Levi; on the east (from north to south) those of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; on the south (from east to west) those of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; on the west (from south to north) those of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. (Compare Genesis 29, 30, 40; Deuteronomy 33.)

30-34. These closing verses relate to the goings out (literally, outer boundaries, Toy) of the city. On each side (exclusive of the suburbs, verse 17) it measures four thousand five hundred cubits (see notes Ezekiel 45:15; 48:8, 9), and twelve gates lead out of the city, each gate named after one of the tribes. (Compare Revelation 21:2.) The three gates on the north (as one looks from west to east) are those of Reuben, Judah, and Levi; on the east (from north to south) those of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan; on the south (from east to west) those of Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun; on the west (from south to north) those of Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. (Compare Genesis 29, 30, 40; Deuteronomy 33.)

V. 35. Eighteen thousand cubits-About five miles in compass. From that day-From the day of the Lord’s restoring this people, and rebuilding their city, and their thankful, holy, and pure worshipping of God there, from that day it shall be said of Jerusalem. The Lord is there-The Lord who as his name alone is Jehovah, so is the only true God, faithful to his promise, rich in mercy, glorious in majesty, righteous in his judgments, wise and holy in his government, whose presence makes us happy, whose withdrawing from us leaves us to misery. This God will by his favour and presence, bring the confluence of all good to persons, families, and cities; this God will be there to dwell, govern, defend, prosper, and crown. Such is to be the case of earthly Jerusalem, such shall be for ever the case of the heavenly Jerusalem. Such is the case of every true believer, who may, wherever he is, in his way of duty, still write Jehovah-Shammah, My God is here. And ‘tis best to be where he is ‘till he bring us within the gates of the glorious city, where inconceivable light and love from the immediate presence of God, give every one an eternal demonstration that God is here: to him be glory for ever.

Verse 35. The name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there.] It would have been better to have retained the original words:— hmv hwhy YEHOVAH SHAMMAH.

This is an allusion to the shechinah, or symbol of the Divine Presence, which was in the first, but most certainly was not in the second temple; but Ezekiel tells us that the Divine Presence should be in the city of which he speaks; and should be there so fully and so powerfully, that it should give name to the city itself; and that the very name, Jehovah shammah, should remind all men of the supereminently glorious Being who had condescended to make this city his habitation.

Two points must be considered here:—1. That the prophet intended that, when they should be restored, they should build the temple, and divide the land as he here directs, if the thing could be found to be practicable. 2. That he had another temple, another holy city, another Promised Land, in view. The land of Immanuel, the city of the New Jerusalem; and his temple, the Christian Church, which is the house of the living God, 1 Timothy 3:15, in which the presence of Christ shall ever be found; and all its inhabitants, all that believe on his name, shall be temples of the Holy Ghost. Nor can there be any reasonable doubt that the prophet here, by the Spirit of God, not only points out the return of the Israelites from the Babylonish captivity, and what was to befall them previously to the advent of Jesus Christ; but also the glorious spread of the Gospel in the earth, and the final conversion of the tribes of Israel by the preaching of that Gospel. In conclusion, I think it necessary to state, that there are but few of the prophets of the Old Testament who have left a more valuable treasure to the Church of God than Ezekiel. It is true, he is in several places obscure; but there is a great proportion of the work that is in the highest degree edifying; and several portions that for the depth of the salvation predicted, and the accuracy and minuteness of the description, have nothing equal to them in the Old Testament Scriptures. On such portions, I have felt it my duty to be very particular, that I might be able to point out spiritual beauties and excellencies in this book which are beyond all praise; while I passed slightly over prophecies and symbols which I did not fully understand; but have left to time, by the fulfilment of the events, to prove to successive generations with what heavenly wisdom this much neglected prophet has spoken. And I take this opportunity to recommend this book to the serious perusal of every pious man; and while he wonders at the extent of the wisdom by which Ezekiel has fathomed the depth of so many Divine mysteries, let him give God the glory for this additional testimony to the unsearchable riches of Christ, and that plenary salvation which he has purchased for, and freely offers to, the vilest of the vile, and to the whole of the descendants of Adam.

MASORETIC NOTES.

Number of verses, 1,273.

Middle verse, Ezekiel 26:1.

Masoretic sections, 29.

Verse 35. The name of the city from that day shall be, The Lord is there — It is very frequently said in Scripture, that a person or thing should be called by a certain name, when it was to be invested with qualities which might entitle it to that denomination. Thus Isaiah, foretelling the coming of the Messiah, says, His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, because he was to possess the qualities which should serve as a foundation for all those titles. In like manner, 2 Samuel 12:25, it is said, that Solomon should be called Jedidiah, or, the Beloved of the Lord; and, Isaiah 1:26, and 62:4, 12, that Jerusalem should be called The City of Righteousness, The Faithful City, Hephzibah, or the Lord’s Delight, Sought Out, A City not forsaken. Not that it was to quit its ancient name, and assume all these; but it was to be crowned with the favours of heaven in such a manner as to draw upon itself all these honourable titles. Here the prophetic declaration, that the name of the city should be THE LORD IS THERE, might be intended to signify, 1st, That the captives, after their return, should have manifest tokens of God’s presence with them, and of his residence among them, both in his ordinances and in his providences; so that they should have no occasion to ask, as their fathers did, Is the Lord among us or not? for they should see and acknowledge that he was among them of a truth. And then, though their troubles should be many and threatening, they would be like the bush which burned, but was not consumed, because the Lord was there. More especially it was meant to signify, 2d, That the gospel church should have the presence of God in it; though not in the Shechinah, or cloud of glory, as of old, yet in a token no less sure, namely, that of the Holy Spirit in his gifts and graces. Where the gospel is faithfully preached, gospel ordinances duly administered, and God worshipped in the name of Jesus Christ only, it may be truly said, The Lord is there; for, faithful is he that hath promised, and will fulfil his word, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. The Lord is in his church, to rule and govern it, to protect and defend it, and graciously to own, accept, and bless his sincere worshippers, and to show himself nigh unto them in all that they call upon him for. This should engage us to keep close to the communion of saints, and not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together; for where two or three are met in the name of Jesus, he is there. Nay, the Lord is present with and in every true and genuine Christian: God dwells in him, and he in God. It may be truly said of every one who has a living principle of grace in his soul, The Lord is there. And, as this is the chief privilege, glory, and happiness of the church militant, that the Lord is present with and in her; so, 3d, It is the principal blessing of the church triumphant. That the pure in heart shall there see God; shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads; that God himself, who sits on the throne, shall be with them, and dwell among them, (Revelation 7:2, 25, and 21:3,) is the crowning blessing of the heavenly city, and the consummation of the felicity of all its inhabitants. For in his presence is fulness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures for evermore. Let us therefore give all diligence to secure to ourselves a place in that city, that we may be for ever with the Lord.

35. “It shall be eighteen thousand… round about: and the name of the city from that day shall be Jehovah-shammah.” If the city were eighteen thousand reeds in circumference, it would measure nearly thirty-six miles; if we should supply “cubits” instead of “reeds,” as we believe should be done (see notes Ezekiel 45:1-5; 48:8, 9), its circuit would be nearly six miles. At the beginning of the Christian era its circumference was calculated by Josephus to be about four miles (Bell. Jud., v, 5:4). At the present time its circuit is about two and a half miles. The Lord is there — For the meaning of Jehovah see notes Ezekiel 6:7, 14; 12:16, 20; 13:9, 21, 23; 28:26; 34:27, 30, etc. The new city receives a new name in accordance with its new character. (Compare Jeremiah 23:6; Revelation 21:3, 10-21.) It is now in truth a holy city, worthy to be called by the holy name of its holy God. Nevermore will Jehovah depart (11). He has returned to abide with his own forever (Ezekiel 37:26, 28; 43:4, 7). The Lord is there “to dwell, govern, defend, prosper, and crown.” “Such is the case of every true believer, who may, whenever he is in the way of duty, still write ‘Jehovah-shammah,’ My God is here.” — Wesley. As he pens the closing words of these comments the writer is oppressed with the sense of their inadequacy. The study of Ezekiel resembles the prophet’s vision of the divine stream — the farther one goes the deeper he wades. Yet we may say, with Duhm, “One need not be ashamed of his own weakness, even if these prophecies always remain greater than their interpreter” (Die Theologie der Propheten).