Tyndale Open Study NotesEzekiel 48

The final section of the book of Ezekiel describes the boundaries of the land and how it will be divided among the tribes.

In this section, theology (teaching about God) is shown through geography (the arrangement of the land). The way the land is organized has meaning. Matters such as space, access, and position in relation to the temple are very important.

Where a tribe lives, and how close it is to the temple, shows something about order and holiness among God’s people.

The land given to the tribes was divided into long strips that ran from east to west. Before the exile, the land had been divided in smaller and uneven sections. This new arrangement was orderly and balanced.

This plan did more than give each tribe equal access to land and resources. It also matched the sacred east–west pattern seen in the temple. In the temple, the layout followed a clear east–west direction. The land was now arranged in a similar way.

The central sacred area was carefully measured and clearly defined. The outer areas were described with less detail (see study note on Ezekiel 40:17–19).

The four tribes farthest from the holy area were Dan, Asher, Naphtali, and Gad. These tribes were in the least honored position. They were descended from the sons of Jacob by Zilpah and Bilhah, the servant women of Leah and Rachel.

The eight sons born to Leah and Rachel received land closer to the holy portion. Their strips lay directly north and south of the sacred area that included the temple.

The tribes closest to the holy portion were Benjamin and Judah. In earlier history, these tribes surrounded Jerusalem. Judah’s land was placed just north of the holy portion. In the past, the kingdom had been divided into north (Israel) and south (Judah). In this new arrangement, Judah was placed in the north, showing a restored and reordered people.

• The holy portion was not exactly in the center of the land. There were seven tribal strips to the north and five to the south. Although not centrally located, the spiritual center had moved significantly north from Jerusalem.

• The importance of the holy portion for the Lord's temple is emphasized by its detailed dimensions and composition, unlike the brief descriptions of the tribal areas.

  This special portion was dedicated to God and could never be sold, traded, or used by others. It consisted of strips running from east to west, given to the Levites, the priests, and the city. The area for the ordained priests surrounded the temple, protecting it from anything unholy. An area for the Levites was to the north.

To the south was a narrower strip of land set apart for public use. The city was located there.

Together with the surrounding sacred areas, the central section formed a square.

The city served as a visible sign of unity for the 12 tribes. It was home to residents from many different tribes. In this way, it showed that all the tribes belonged to one people.

The land that lay to the east and west of the holy square completed the rest of the central area. This land was assigned to the prince.

The prince held a higher position than the rest of the people. However, he was below the priests and the Levites in rank and responsibility. His place in the land showed this order.

The design of the temple complex taught the same lesson. The arrangement of space showed clear levels of authority and holiness.

At the end of the book, Ezekiel describes the exits of the city. He again emphasizes the theme of access, which appears throughout Ezekiel 40–48.

Like the temple, the city was a square with exact measurements. It had 12 gates, one for each tribe of Israel. This design showed that all the tribes were united as one people.

Three gates were especially important. They were named after Reuben, Judah, and Levi. Reuben was the oldest son of Israel. Judah was the royal tribe, from which kings came. Levi was the priestly tribe, set apart for temple service.

These three important gates faced north, not east as one might expect. The north side was most important because it faced the temple, the center of the restored land. The south side was second in importance because it also aligned with the temple.

The gates that faced east were assigned to the children of Rachel. These tribes were Joseph and Benjamin. Dan was also included, since he was born through Rachel’s maidservant.

The gates on the south side were assigned to Simeon, Issachar, and Zebulun. These were sons of Leah. Their lands would lie south of the holy square.

The gates on the west side were assigned to Gad, Asher, and Naphtali. These tribes descended from the maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah. The west side was considered less favored in this arrangement.

To complete the vision, the city received a new name: THE LORD IS THERE. The Lord had once left Jerusalem and ordered its destruction due to idolatry and violence. Now, the new city was part of a new order and could bear this name. This change meant the violent city from earlier chapters was now a holy city, suitable for God to live among representatives of all 12 tribes of Israel (compare Isaiah 4:2–6; Zechariah 14:20–21).

So, the prophecy in Ezekiel 37:26–27 reaches its conclusion and fulfillment. God places his sanctuary among his people forever, just as he promised.