Ezekiel 45:1-25
Q.1. What measurements were given to Ezekiel for the Temple mount? What provision was made for the Prince, and the priests? Was there a place for visitors? – (Ezk.45:1-8)
Ezekiel recorded that he saw a city on a very high mountain, housing the Temple precinct that included a city toward the south. The Heavenly guide had a – line of flax and a measuring rod in his hand (Ezk.40:3 c.f. Ezk.40:2). As mentioned previously, the Temple measurements were given in cubits for comparison with the Law of Moses. All the other distances were in rods [3.2 m.]. Many commentators have added cubits, where it is more likely the distances were in rods i.e. where the Bible has cubit – that is a direct translation; where it has cubits (in italics) … it is the translator’s opinion [see Notes I.2. 7 II.1. above for explanation]. Ezk.45:1 … I believe the Holy portion of 25,000 x 25,000 in rods = 80 kms square (c.f. Ezk.48:20). Ezk.45:2 … Holy Place of 500 x 500 in rods = 1.6 kms (c.f. Ezk.42:15-20). Ezk.45:3 … Sanctuary of 25,000 x 10,000 in rods = 80 kms x 32 kms. Ezk.45:5 … Levitical portion of 25,000 x 10,000 in rods = 80 kms x 32 kms. Ezk.45:6 … city precinct of 25,000 x 5,000 in rods = 80 kms x 16 kms. Ezk.45:7-8 … The Prince’s lands on the east and west will be 25,000 rods toward the east and west, with the distance not specified … = 80 kms both to the east and west. This area bounding the land of Israel will be a vast park reserve for forests, animals, and birds. The areas will be huge. They will need to be, for the housing, agriculture, and recreation. Such a large area will be needed for the nations to go up to visit King Jesus in His Temple (Isa.2:3-4; Mic.4:1-3).Â
Q.2. How will the Prince be provided for by God, through the tribes of Israel? What is the responsibility that the Prince will have for the people? – (Ezk.45:7-25)
The Davidic Prince will have enough adequate provision, in order to keep him from the temptation to oppress the people (Ezk.45:8 c.f. Isa.11:1-2; Ezk.34:23-24). The Davidic Prince and his families will be expected to ensure that the people deal honestly with their money, weights, and measures (Ezk.45:9-12). Ezekiel was given the required grain and oil offerings, plus the animal sacrifices that the people will need to provide for the prince (Ezk.45:13-16). The Prince in turn will have to – provide the burnt, the grain, and the drink offerings at the feasts, on the new moons, on the sabbaths, and at all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel. He shall provide the sin, grain, burnt, and peace offerings to make atonement for the house of Israel (Ezk.45:17). Ezekiel then detailed the additional offerings that must be made at Israel’s festivals, including the Passover (Ezk.45:18-21). As a sinner himself, the prince – shall provide for himself and all the people of the land a bull for a sin offering (Ezk.45:22). The seven bulls and seven rams must be – without blemish on every day … for a burnt offering and – a male goat daily for a sin offering (Ezk.45:23). They will celebrate two key memorial festivals. There will be a clear proclamation of salvation through the blood of Christ, just as is the case with the Lord’s Supper (Ezk.45:21-25 c.f. 1 Cor.11:23-26).