1 Moreover, when ye shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, ye shall offer an oblation unto the LORD, an holy portion of the land: the length [shall be] the length of five and twenty thousand [reeds], and the breadth [shall be] ten thousand. This [shall be] holy in all the borders thereof round about.
2 Of this there shall be for the sanctuary five hundred [in length], with five hundred [in breadth], square round about; and fifty cubits round about for the suburbs thereof.
3 And of this measure shalt thou measure the length of five and twenty thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary [and] the most holy [place].
4 The holy [portion] of the land shall be for the priests the ministers of the sanctuary, which shall come near to minister unto the LORD: and it shall be a place for their houses, and an holy place for the sanctuary.
5 And the five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of the house, have for themselves, for a possession for twenty chambers.
6 And ye shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and five and twenty thousand long, over against the oblation of the holy [portion]: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.
7 And [a portion shall be] for the prince on the one side and on the other side of the oblation of the holy [portion], and of the possession of the city, before the oblation of the holy [portion], and before the possession of the city, from the west side westward, and from the east side eastward: and the length [shall be] over against one of the portions, from the west border unto the east border.
8 In the land shall be his possession in Israel: and my princes shall no more oppress my people; and [the rest of] the land shall they give to the house of Israel according to their tribes.
9 Thus saith the Lord GOD; Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute judgment and justice, take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord GOD.
10 Ye shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.
11 The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of an homer, and the ephah the tenth part of an homer: the measure thereof shall be after the homer.
12 And the shekel [shall be] twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.
13 This [is] the oblation that ye shall offer; the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of wheat, and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of barley:
14 Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, [ye shall offer] the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, [which is] an homer of ten baths; for ten baths [are] an homer:
15 And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord GOD.
16 All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel.
17 And it shall be the prince’s part [to give] burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.
18 Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the first [month], in the first [day] of the month, thou shalt take a young bullock without blemish, and cleanse the sanctuary:
19 And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put [it] upon the posts of the house, and upon the four corners of the settle of the altar, and upon the posts of the gate of the inner court.
20 And so thou shalt do the seventh [day] of the month for every one that erreth, and for [him that is] simple: so shall ye reconcile the house.
21 In the first [month], in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten.
22 And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock [for] a sin offering.
23 And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the LORD, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a kid of the goats daily [for] a sin offering.
24 And he shall prepare a meat offering of an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and an hin of oil for an ephah.
25 In the seventh [month], in the fifteenth day of the month, shall he do the like in the feast of the seven days, according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the meat offering, and according to the oil.
Overview of Ezekiel Chapter 45
Ezekiel 45 presents a detailed vision of the division of land and the establishment of proper worship and governance in the future temple of Jerusalem. This chapter is part of a larger section where Ezekiel describes the restoration of Israel and the re-establishment of the temple after the Babylonian exile. The chapter emphasizes the importance of holiness, proper worship, and the allocation of resources in the community.
Key Themes
- Land Division: The chapter outlines the division of the land among the tribes of Israel, indicating a return to their ancestral inheritances.
- Temple Worship: It emphasizes the significance of proper worship practices and the role of the priesthood in maintaining holiness.
- Justice and Fairness: The distribution of land and resources reflects a system of justice and fairness intended to benefit the community.
- Restoration: The chapter signifies the restoration of Israel, both spiritually and physically, after a period of exile and punishment.
Structure of the Chapter
- Division of the Land (Verses 1-5):
The chapter begins with the allocation of land for the sanctuary, the city, and the tribes of Israel. The land is to be measured and divided into specific portions, ensuring that each tribe receives its rightful inheritance. This division is significant as it restores the identity and heritage of the Israelites.
- Offerings and Sacrifices (Verses 6-12):
In this section, Ezekiel details the offerings that are to be made in the future temple. He specifies the types and amounts of offerings, including grain, burnt offerings, and peace offerings. This underscores the importance of worship and the need for the people to maintain a relationship with God through sacrificial acts.
- Governance and Leadership (Verses 13-17):
The chapter outlines the responsibilities of the leaders and the priests in the temple. It emphasizes the need for accountability and the proper administration of justice. The leaders are to ensure that the offerings are collected and that the worship practices are followed.
- Feasts and Festivals (Verses 18-25):
Finally, Ezekiel describes the observance of feasts and festivals, which are critical for maintaining communal identity and spiritual health. He outlines the specific times for these celebrations, reinforcing the idea that worship should be a central part of life in the restored community.
Theological Implications
This chapter has several theological implications for the understanding of God’s relationship with His people:
- Holiness of God: The detailed instructions for worship highlight the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence.
- Covenant Relationship: The restoration of land and worship practices signifies the renewal of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
- Community Responsibility: The emphasis on fair distribution of land and resources reflects God’s concern for social justice and communal responsibility.
- Future Hope: This chapter provides a vision of hope for the Israelites, assuring them of God’s promise of restoration and a future where they can worship Him freely.
Conclusion
Ezekiel 45 serves as a crucial chapter in the prophetic vision of restoration for Israel. It provides a framework for understanding the significance of land, worship, and community in the life of the Israelites. The chapter not only addresses the physical aspects of restoration but also emphasizes the spiritual renewal necessary for a right relationship with God.
