Ezekiel 48:21

“And 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 the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.”

This verse is part of the concluding chapter of the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet receives a vision of the future division and allocation of the land of Israel among the twelve tribes. In this particular verse, Ezekiel is describing the portion of the land that is set apart for the prince.

The Residue for the Prince:The “residue” refers to what is left or remaining. In this context, it signifies the portion of the land that is allotted for the prince, who is a representative figure and leader of the people. This verse states that this portion is situated on both sides of the holy oblation and the possession of the city.

Holy Oblation:The “holy oblation” refers to a sacred area or portion that is set apart for the Lord. It designates a specific region within the land of Israel that is dedicated to God. This verse clarifies that the holy oblation is situated between the eastern and western borders, with the prince’s portion on either side.

The Sanctuary of the House:This phrase refers to the sanctuary or temple of the Lord, which is located within the holy oblation. The temple is considered the dwelling place of God among His people, and it holds great significance in Jewish worship and religious life.

Overall, Ezekiel 48:21 describes the allocation of the land for the prince and emphasizes the presence of the holy oblation and the sanctuary within it. The passage highlights the importance of dedicating a specific portion of the land for sacred purposes, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the temple and its central role in the worship of God.

It is important to note that interpreting the book of Ezekiel, especially its detailed descriptions of the future division of the land, can be challenging. Scholars and theologians may have different understandings of the specifics mentioned in these prophecies. Therefore, studying the book of Ezekiel as a whole and consulting various interpretations can provide a more comprehensive understanding of its message.