Ezekiel 45:1
Moreouer, when yee shall diuide by lot the land for inheritance, yee shall offer an oblation vnto the Lord, an holy portion of the land: the length shall be the length of fiue and twentie thousand reedes, and the bredth shalbe ten thousand: this shall be holy in all the borders thereof round about. Ezekiel 45:1 (KJV)
Ezekiel 45:1 (KJV) describes a future division of the land of Israel among the tribes when they return from exile. The verse begins, “Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance,” indicating that the allocation will be done by casting lots, a common ancient Israelite practice to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Along with the division, the people are instructed to set apart a holy portion for the Lord: “Ye shall offer an oblation unto the LORD, an holy portion of the land.” This portion is to be dedicated to God and reserved for sacred purposes.
The measurement of this holy portion is given precisely: “The length shall be the length of five and twenty thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand reeds.” The exact nature of the unit “reed” is not specified in the verse, though other passages in Ezekiel reference units such as cubits and reeds; the measurement of a reed is uncertain, but it was likely a common unit of measurement at that time.
The passage concludes, “This shall be holy in all the borders thereof round about,” emphasizing that the entire designated area and its surrounding borders are consecrated to the Lord.
It is important to note that Ezekiel’s prophecies often have both an immediate historical context and a future messianic fulfillment. While the immediate context refers to the post‑exilic division of land, many interpreters see symbolic significance: the holy portion may represent the future messianic kingdom or the heavenly Jerusalem.
Overall, Ezekiel 45:1 speaks of a time when the land of Israel will be divided among the people, and a specific portion will be set apart as holy for the Lord. It serves as a reminder of God’s ownership and the call to dedicate a portion of our lives and resources for sacred purposes.
