Ezekiel 48:20

All the oblation shall bee fiue and twentie thousand, by fiue and twentie thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foure square, with the possession of the citie. Ezekiel 48:20 (KJV)

Ezekiel was a prophet who ministered to the exiles in Babylon during the sixth‑century BCE. In his prophetic book he received a series of visions and messages from God concerning the future restoration of Israel and the coming Messianic Kingdom. The surrounding chapters of Ezekiel 48 describe how the land of the restored nation will be divided among the twelve tribes, giving detailed instructions about the boundaries and allocations of each tribal inheritance.

Within that larger division the passage speaks of a “holy oblation” or “holy portion” that is set apart specifically for the Lord. The text makes clear that this area is to be a special and consecrated space within the overall land distribution, reserved for divine possession.

The verse states that the holy portion will be “five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand” and that it will be “foursquare.” This describes a perfect square measuring twenty‑five thousand cubits on each side. The square shape signifies completeness and perfection, while the number four is traditionally associated with stability and wholeness in biblical numerology. Thus the dimensions themselves underscore the sacred character of the land allotted to God.

Finally, the passage notes that the holy oblation is to be offered “with the possession of the city.” This indicates that the consecrated square will be included as part of the overall possession of the city—most likely the new Jerusalem that serves as the capital of the Messianic Kingdom. The close relationship between the holy portion and the city highlights the unity of God’s dwelling place with the restored community of Israel.