Ezekiel 45:1-8

EZEKIEL—NOTE ON Ezekiel 45:1 This definition of a sacred space within the wider context of renewed Israel provides a summary that will be described in greater detail in Ezekiel 48:8. Ezekiel depicts three strips of 25,000 cubits (about 7.7 miles/12 km) oriented from east to west as expected, given the temple’s east-west axis. The central strip of 10,000 cubits north to south (about 3 miles/4.8 km) contains the sanctuary (Ezekiel 45:2) and is the region where the Zadokite priests live (vv. Ezekiel 45:3). The strip of equal size north of it is home for the Levites (v. Ezekiel 45:5). The southernmost strip, half as deep, is the district for the whole house of Israel (v. Ezekiel 45:6), which also contains the city itself. Included on either side to the east and west are areas 5,000 cubits wide (about 1.5 miles/2.4 km) and 25,000 cubits deep. This space is given to the prince (vv. Ezekiel 45:7) for his property (v. Ezekiel 45:8; see 1 Kings 21:1).