Ezekiel 48:10

And for them, euen for the priests shall be this holy oblation, toward the North, fiue and twentie thousand in length, and toward the West ten thousand in bredth, and toward the East ten thousand in bredth, and toward the South fiue and twentie thousand in length, & the sanctuarie of the Lord shall be in the midst thereof. Ezekiel 48:10 (KJV)

And for them,

even for the priests, shall be

this

holy oblation; toward the north five and twenty thousand

in length, and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south five and twenty thousand in length: and the sanctuary of the LORD shall be in the midst thereof. Ezekiel 48:10 (KJV)

The passage sets apart a distinct parcel of land for the priestly service. It measures twenty‑five thousand cubits from north to south and ten thousand cubits from east to west, forming a rectangular area whose centre is occupied by the sanctuary of the LORD. The positioning of the sanctuary in the midst of this allocation underscores the holiness of the priestly office and the centrality of God’s presence among His people.

In the King James Version the verse speaks of a “holy portion” rather than a “holy oblation.” The wording “holy oblation” appears in some modern renderings, but the original KJV text uses the term “holy portion,” indicating a special inheritance set apart for the priests rather than an offering. This nuance is important for understanding the nature of the allocation as a designated space for worship rather than a sacrificial gift.

The description parallels the language of Ezekiel 45:5‑6, which also refers to a holy portion reserved for the priesthood in a future temple setting. Both passages emphasize the same dimensions—twenty‑five thousand cubits north‑south and ten thousand cubits east‑west—and the placement of the sanctuary at the heart of the allotted area, reinforcing a consistent prophetic vision of a restored worship centre.

Scholars note that the verse points to a prophetic vision of a restored temple and priestly service in the eschatological future. Interpretations differ regarding the precise timing and fulfillment of this vision, but the text does not describe a division of the entire land of Israel among the twelve tribes, nor does it explicitly refer to a millennial reign of Christ. Rather, it highlights the sanctity of the priestly inheritance and the central role of the LORD’s sanctuary within it.

For contemporary believers, the passage calls attention to the reverence due to God’s dwelling place and the responsibility of those who serve Him. The measured dimensions remind us that God’s plans are orderly and purposeful, and the central sanctuary invites us to keep the presence of the LORD at the core of our worship and community life.