Ezekiel 48: The Lord is There — Apportioning Hope and Divine Presence

Executive Summary

Ezekiel 48, the concluding chapter of the Book of Ezekiel, paints a vision of restoration and hope for Israel. It meticulously details the division of the Promised Land among the twelve tribes, emphasizing fairness and order. More profoundly, it culminates in the description of the New Jerusalem, whose name, “The Lord is There” (YHWH Shammah), signifies the ultimate blessing: God’s abiding presence. This chapter offers more than just geographical boundaries; it portrays a spiritual reality where divine communion reigns supreme. The apportioning of the land symbolizes the distribution of God’s blessings and graces among believers, while the name of the city foreshadows the eternal dwelling place where God will dwell with His people forever. This promises not just physical restoration but also spiritual renewal, inviting all to seek the source of true and lasting peace in the presence of God. Let’s learn about email marketing services and how they can help us share God’s message.

This final vision, laden with symbolism, directs us toward the eternal inheritance awaiting those who seek God’s kingdom. It emphasizes that true fulfillment lies not merely in material possessions, but in the tangible and unbroken presence of God in our lives. Ezekiel 48 calls us to reflect on our own spiritual boundaries and to strive for a life where the Lord truly dwells.

Commentary Sections

Ezekiel 48:1-7 – The Northern Tribes

Ezekiel 48:1-7 (KJV): ¹Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; (for these are his sides north,) they shall have Dan one portion. ²And by the border of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, Asher, one portion. ³And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, Naphtali, one portion. ⁴And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, Manasseh, one portion. ⁵And by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, Ephraim, one portion. ⁶And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, Reuben, one portion. ⁷And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, Judah, one portion.

This section details the allotment of land to the northern tribes: Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah. The precise geographical boundaries, while seemingly literal, also hold symbolic weight. The order itself might not strictly adhere to historical tribal locations, suggesting a divine restructuring, a new order established by God.

Spiritual Application: Consider this: How are God’s blessings apportioned among us? Are we striving to receive our inheritance with humility and gratitude, or are we consumed by comparison and envy? Each tribe receives its portion, reflecting that everyone has a unique calling and purpose within God’s plan.

Ezekiel 48:8-14 – The Holy District

Ezekiel 48:8-14 (KJV): ⁸And by the border of Judah, from the east side unto the west side, shall be the oblation which ye shall offer of the holy portion, five and twenty thousand reeds in breadth, and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side unto the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst thereof. ⁹The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD shall be of five and twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth. ¹⁰And for them that minister of the holy sanctuary shall be five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: and for them the holy oblation shall be toward the north five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst thereof. ¹¹It 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. ¹²And this oblation of their land, unto the most holy place, shall be by the border of the Levites. ¹³And over against the border of the priests the Levites shall have five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand. ¹⁴And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD.

This passage describes the “oblation,” a holy district dedicated to the sanctuary, the priests, and the Levites. This area represents a consecrated space, set apart for divine service. The specific dimensions highlight the importance of order and structure in approaching God.

Patristic insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Ezekiel, sees this holy district as a foreshadowing of the Church, set apart from the world for the purpose of worshipping God. “Ἡ γὰρ Ἐκκλησία, ὡς ἱερὸν τῷ Θεῷ, ἀφωρισμένη ἐστὶ τῆς κοσμικῆς ζωῆς.” (“For the Church, as a temple to God, is set apart from worldly life.”) (Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Ezekiel, PG 70, 1452).

Spiritual Application: What areas of your life are you consecrating to God? Are you setting aside time, resources, and energy for His service? This section emphasizes the need for deliberate dedication and intentionality in our relationship with God.

Ezekiel 48:15-20 – The City’s Portion and Purpose

Ezekiel 48:15-20 (KJV): ¹⁵And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane place for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof. ¹⁶And these shall be the measures thereof; the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred. ¹⁷And the suburbs of the city shall be toward the north two hundred and fifty, and toward the south two hundred and fifty, and toward the east two hundred and fifty, and toward the west two hundred and fifty. ¹⁸And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy portion; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city. ¹⁹And they that serve the city shall serve it of all the tribes of Israel. ²⁰All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city.

This section describes the portion designated for the city, including dwellings and suburbs. Unlike the holy district, this area is “profane,” meaning it is for common use. However, its proximity to the holy district suggests a close relationship between the sacred and the secular.

Spiritual Application: How do we balance the sacred and the secular in our lives? This section reminds us that even ordinary aspects of life, like dwelling and working, can be infused with holiness when done in service to God and in harmony with His will.

Ezekiel 48:21-29 – The Southern Tribes

Ezekiel 48:21-29 (KJV): ²¹And the residue shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for Judah, shall be for the prince: and it shall be in the midst thereof. ²²So from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince’s, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince. ²³As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion. ²⁴And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon shall have a portion. ²⁵And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar, a portion. ²⁶And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side, Zebulun, a portion. ²⁷And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side, Gad, a portion. ²⁸And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar unto the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river unto the great sea. ²⁹This is the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their portions, saith the Lord GOD.

The remaining land is allotted to the southern tribes: Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad, with a portion also designated for the prince. The detail emphasizes the equitable distribution of resources and responsibility.

Spiritual Application: Are you using your resources and influence to serve others? This section reminds us that leadership, like the prince’s portion, comes with the responsibility to care for and support the community.

Ezekiel 48:30-35 – The New Jerusalem: The Lord is There

Ezekiel 48:30-35 (KJV): ³⁰And these are the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures. ³¹And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel; three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi. ³²And at the east side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan. ³³And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun. ³⁴At the west side four thousand and five hundred measures, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali. ³⁵It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.

The culmination of Ezekiel’s vision is the New Jerusalem, a city with twelve gates named after the tribes of Israel. Most importantly, the city’s new name is “The LORD is there” (YHWH Shammah, יהוה שׁמּה). This name signifies the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise: His abiding presence among His people.

Patristic insight: St. Augustine, in *The City of God*, sees the New Jerusalem as a symbol of the Church Triumphant, the eternal dwelling place of God and His saints. He emphasizes that the true “city” is not a physical location but a spiritual reality, a community of love and fellowship with God. “Civitas Dei est societas sanctorum.” (“The City of God is the society of the saints.”) (Augustine, *De Civitate Dei*, Book XV, Chapter 2).

Spiritual Application: Are you seeking the presence of God in your life? This section reminds us that true joy and fulfillment come not from material possessions or earthly achievements, but from dwelling in the presence of the Lord. Strive to cultivate a life where the Lord truly “is there” in every aspect of your being. This echoes in Revelation 21:3, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” 📖

Subtopic Sections

The Significance of Tribal Allotments

The detailed allotment of land to each tribe serves several purposes. It represents:

• Divine Justice: God’s commitment to fairness and equity in distributing resources.
• Restoration: A return to a state of order and blessing after exile.
• Individual Identity: Each tribe maintains its distinct identity and heritage.
• Community: Despite their differences, the tribes are united by a common inheritance and purpose.
• Fulfillment of Promise: God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to give the land to Abraham’s descendants.

The Symbolism of “The Lord is There”

The name “The Lord is There” (YHWH Shammah) encapsulates the essence of Ezekiel’s vision. It signifies:

• Divine Presence: God’s tangible and unbroken presence among His people. ✨
• Intimacy: A close and personal relationship with God.
• Security: The assurance of God’s protection and provision.
• Peace: A state of inner tranquility and harmony with God. 🕊️
• Hope: The promise of a future where God’s presence reigns supreme.💡

FAQ ❓

Q: What does Ezekiel’s vision of the land division represent for Christians today?

A: While the literal division of land is specific to ancient Israel, the underlying principles of justice, restoration, and community are relevant for Christians. We can interpret this vision as a symbolic representation of the inheritance we receive in Christ and the importance of unity and shared purpose within the body of Christ.

Q: How should we understand the “profane” city in contrast to the “holy” district?

A: The “profane” city highlights that even secular aspects of life can be sanctified when lived in accordance with God’s will. It’s not about creating a rigid separation between the sacred and the secular, but rather about infusing all areas of our lives with the presence and influence of God. Our work, our relationships, and our daily routines can all be offerings to God.

Q: What is the significance of the New Jerusalem having twelve gates?

A: The twelve gates represent the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolize the inclusivity of God’s kingdom. All who are faithful are welcomed into the New Jerusalem, regardless of their background or ethnicity. It speaks of unity and reconciliation in Christ, where all believers are one in Him.

Conclusion

Ezekiel 48 is more than just a geographical survey; it’s a profound theological statement about hope, restoration, and above all, the presence of God. **The Lord is There** is the ultimate promise, the essence of true fulfillment. This chapter challenges us to examine our own spiritual boundaries and to strive for a life where God’s presence permeates every aspect of our being. It encourages us to seek the New Jerusalem, not as a literal place, but as a spiritual reality—a community of faith where God dwells with His people, and we experience the fullness of His love and grace. May we all live in such a way that those around us can truly say, “The Lord is there!” This is the hope to which we are called.

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Ezekiel 48, Division of Land, New Jerusalem, YHWH Shammah, The Lord is There, Coptic Orthodox, Biblical Commentary, Restoration, Hope, Divine Presence

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Explore Ezekiel 48’s vision of the land division and the New Jerusalem. Discover the profound meaning of “The Lord is There” (YHWH Shammah) for your spiritual journey. God’s presence is with you.