Question 1

What is the main point of the land division described in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The main point of the land division is to show that God himself assigns each tribe and group its place. Every tribe receives a portion, and the shares run side by side from east to west, showing order and fairness. A central holy area is set apart for the sanctuary, the priests, Levites, the prince, and the city. This picture points to a renewed people where all belong, all are cared for, and worship and God’s presence are at the center of their common life.

Question 2

Why does Dan receive the first portion in this vision of the land?

Accepted Answer

Dan had a troubled history, yet in this vision Dan is listed first in the new layout of the land. This is a quiet way of showing that God’s grace does not always follow human memory or rank. Even tribes that had failed are still counted and given a place. It reflects the way God can take those who seem last or least and still include them fully. No tribe is left out of the inheritance in this picture of restored order.

Question 3

What is the holy oblation of land for the priests and Levites?

Accepted Answer

The holy oblation is a set section of land taken from the whole and given to God’s service. Within this area there is space for the sanctuary, land for the priests from the line of Zadok who stayed faithful, and land for the Levites. Their portion is called “most holy” and must not be sold or traded. This shows that what is given to support worship and God’s servants is set apart in a special way and is meant for lasting service, not for private gain.

Question 4

Who is the prince in this passage and what land does he receive?

Accepted Answer

The prince is a leader who has land on both sides of the holy portion and the city. His share stretches along the holy area, between the other tribal portions. He is placed near the sanctuary and the city, not above them or instead of them. His role is to protect and provide, not to take over what belongs to God or the people. In this way he pictures righteous leadership that lives close to worship and serves the good of the whole community.

Question 5

Why is the city area called “profane” compared with the sanctuary?

Accepted Answer

The city area is called “profane” not because it is dirty or wicked, but because it is common in contrast to the sanctuary, which is holy ground. The city is for daily life, houses, and fields. People from all the tribes serve there and its produce feeds those who work. This shows that everyday work and community life have their place alongside worship. The sanctuary is set apart for God’s special presence, but the city is still part of his ordered plan for his people.

Question 6

What is the meaning of the city’s name, “The LORD is there”?

Accepted Answer

The new name of the city, “The LORD is there,” shows that the greatest gift of this restored land is God’s own presence. The careful measures, gates, and equal shares all lead up to this point. God is not far off but chooses to dwell among his people. The square shape and the gates named after the tribes picture a stable, open community gathered around him. The name promises that God will stay with his people and that their life together will be built around him.

Question 7

How are the city gates related to the tribes of Israel in this vision?

Accepted Answer

The city has twelve gates, three on each side, and each gate bears the name of a tribe. This ties the whole people to the city and shows that all have access. No tribe is left without a gate, and the names ring the city on every side. It is a picture of unity and belonging, where the entire people of God are welcomed into the life of the city that carries God’s name and presence. It hints at a future people gathered as one around the Lord.

Question 8

How does this passage speak about equality and unity among God’s people?

Accepted Answer

Each tribe’s strip of land runs from east to west and is of like size, which points to equal share in the inheritance. The priests and Levites are provided for, the prince has a fixed share, and the city is served by people from all the tribes. No one is cut off and no tribe is raised to crush the others. Worship stands in the middle, not any single tribe. This layout shows a people joined side by side, sharing God’s gifts and serving together under his presence.

Question 9

How can this vision of land and city apply to believers today?

Accepted Answer

Although the vision speaks in terms of land and measures, it points to how God orders his people in every age. He gives each one a place, joins them together, and sets worship and his presence at the center. It reminds believers that they share one inheritance, that leaders should serve near God’s house, and that daily life in the “city” also matters to him. It calls people today to value unity, fair care for those who serve, and a church life centered on God’s presence.

Ezekiel 48:1

Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.

The Portions for the Tribes

The Portions for the Priests and Levites

The Common Portion

The Portion for the Prince

The Portions for the Remaining Tribes

The City Gates and Dimensions

The Portions for the Tribes

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Ezekiel 48:1

Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.

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The Portions for the Tribes

The Portions for the Priests and Levites

The Common Portion

The Portion for the Prince

The Portions for the Remaining Tribes

The City Gates and Dimensions

The Portions for the Tribes

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