What does Ezekiel 48:20 mean?
"All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city." - Ezekiel 48:20
Ezekiel 48:20 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city."
To truly understand the meaning and significance of this verse, it is important to provide some contextual background. The Book of Ezekiel is a prophetic book in the Old Testament, written by the prophet Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile. The book contains a series of visions and prophecies that Ezekiel received from God, many of which are filled with symbolism and imagery.
In chapter 48, Ezekiel is given a vision of the future division and allocation of land among the twelve tribes of Israel in the restored kingdom. This chapter outlines the boundaries of the land, as well as the portions to be given to each tribe. The verse in question specifically pertains to the holy portion of land that is set apart for the Lord.
The verse mentions an oblation of twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand, and the term "oblation" refers to a sacred offering or gift to God. In this case, the holy oblation refers to the portion of land that is consecrated to the Lord. The specific measurement of twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand is symbolic of a large and significant portion of land, emphasizing the importance and sanctity of the offering.
The command to offer the holy oblation foursquare reinforces the concept of the land being set apart and dedicated to God. The term "foursquare" suggests that the land is to be square in shape, with equal sides, symbolizing a perfect and balanced offering to the Lord. This emphasis on symmetry and balance further highlights the significance of the holy oblation.
The verse also mentions the possession of the city, which likely refers to the land surrounding the city that is included in the holy oblation. This signifies that the consecrated land extends beyond the city limits, encompassing a significant area that is dedicated to the Lord.
In a broader context, the division of land in Ezekiel’s vision represents the restoration and reestablishment of the nation of Israel after the exile. It symbolizes God’s faithfulness to His people and His plan to bring about their renewal and prosperity. The allocation of the holy oblation underscores the importance of prioritizing and honoring the Lord in the midst of the restoration process.
The themes present in this verse include the concepts of consecration, dedication, and worship. The holy oblation serves as a tangible representation of the Israelites’ commitment to God and their acknowledgment of His sovereignty over the land. It also emphasizes the central role of the Lord in the restoration and future prosperity of the nation.
Symbolically, the holy oblation in Ezekiel’s vision can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate consecration and offering of the people to God through the work of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the concept of consecration and offering takes on a spiritual significance, as believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). This verse in Ezekiel can therefore be viewed as a precursor to the spiritual reality of dedicating ourselves to God in worship and service.
In conclusion, Ezekiel 48:20 conveys a powerful message about consecration, worship, and the restoration of God’s people. Through the details of the holy oblation, the verse emphasizes the importance of honoring the Lord and acknowledging His sovereignty over the land. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and His plan to bring about renewal and prosperity for His people. And ultimately, it points to the spiritual reality of offering ourselves to God as a living sacrifice, wholly dedicated to His service.
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Ezekiel 48:20 Artwork
Ezekiel 48:20 - "All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city."
"All the oblation shall be five and twenty thousand by five and twenty thousand: ye shall offer the holy oblation foursquare, with the possession of the city." - Ezekiel 48:20
Ezekiel 20:48 - "And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched."
"And all flesh shall see that I the LORD have kindled it: it shall not be quenched." - Ezekiel 20:48
Ezekiel 48:19 - "And they that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of Israel."
Ezekiel 48:5 - "And by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Ephraim."
Ezekiel 48:27 - "And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side unto the west side, Gad a portion."
Ezekiel 48:7 - "And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Judah."
Ezekiel 48:25 - "And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar a portion."
Ezekiel 48:2 - "And by the border of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Asher."
Ezekiel 48:30 - "¶ And these are the goings out of the city on the north side, four thousand and five hundred measures."
Ezekiel 48:26 - "And by the border of Issachar, from the east side unto the west side, Zebulun a portion."
Ezekiel 48:4 - "And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Manasseh."
Ezekiel 48:6 - "And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Reuben."
Ezekiel 48:3 - "And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali."
Ezekiel 48:12 - "And this oblation of the land that is offered shall be unto them a thing most holy by the border of the Levites."
Ezekiel 48:35 - "It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there."
Ezekiel 48:14 - "And they shall not sell of it, neither exchange, nor alienate the firstfruits of the land: for it is holy unto the LORD."
Ezekiel 48:23 - "As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion."
Ezekiel 48:24 - "And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon shall have a portion."
Jeremiah 48:20 - "Moab is confounded; for it is broken down: howl and cry; tell ye it in Arnon, that Moab is spoiled,"
Ezekiel 48:29 - "This is the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their portions, saith the Lord GOD."
Ezekiel 48:9 - "The oblation that ye shall offer unto the LORD shall be of five and twenty thousand in length, and of ten thousand in breadth."
Ezekiel 23:48 - "Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do after your lewdness."
Ezekiel 48:32 - "And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan."
Ezekiel 48:34 - "At the west side four thousand and five hundred, with their three gates; one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali."
Ezekiel 48:22 - "Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the prince's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, shall be for the prince."
Ezekiel 48:28 - "And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar unto the waters of strife in Kadesh, and to the river toward the great sea."
Ezekiel 48:33 - "And at the south side four thousand and five hundred measures: and three gates; one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun."
"And they that serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of Israel." - Ezekiel 48:19