Question 1

What does the “profane place for the city” mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “profane place for the city” does not mean something sinful or dirty. It means that this part of the land is common rather than set apart like the priests’ and Levites’ land. It is still part of the holy gift, but it is for ordinary city life, homes, and suburbs. In other words, the holy parts for worship are in one area, and this section is for daily living, yet still under God’s rule. It shows that normal life also belongs to God, even if it is not temple service.

Question 2

Why are the city and its suburbs measured as a perfect square?

Accepted Answer

The city is described as four thousand five hundred on each side, with suburbs of two hundred and fifty around it, forming equal sides. This square shape points to balance, order, and stability. It shows that life in the renewed community is not random but arranged carefully by God. The equal sides in every direction also hint that people will be gathered from north, south, east, and west into one united people, centered around God and living together in peace and order.

Question 3

Who are “they that serve the city” in this vision?

Accepted Answer

“They that serve the city” are those who work for the good of the city and its people. The passage says they come from all the tribes of Israel, so service is shared, not held by one group only. This can include leaders who govern well and those who care for the community’s needs. Their work is honored, and land is set aside so they can be fed from its increase. It pictures a community where serving others is normal and supported, not overlooked.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the land whose increase is for food for them that serve the city?

Accepted Answer

After measuring the city and its suburbs, there is land left on the east and west, ten thousand in length each way. The passage says the increase of this land, meaning its harvest, is for food for those who serve the city. This shows that God plans for those who give themselves to the service of his people to be cared for in practical ways. It is not just about worship in the sanctuary, but also about daily bread for those who work for the city’s good.

Question 5

Why are people who serve the city taken from all the tribes of Israel?

Accepted Answer

The passage says that those who serve the city will come out of all the tribes of Israel. This shows shared responsibility and unity. No tribe is left out, and no tribe carries all the weight. Everyone has a stake in the life and peace of the city. It also reflects God’s restoring grace, since even tribes once scattered or in trouble are included. The picture is of one people, many tribes, all working together to support common worship and daily life.

Question 6

How does this passage connect worship and everyday life?

Accepted Answer

In this vision, the land is divided into holy portions for priests and Levites, and a common portion for the city and its suburbs. Yet it is all part of one great offering of land to God. The fields that feed those who serve the city sit beside the holy portion. This shows that worship at the sanctuary and daily work in the city are not separate worlds. Both belong to God, and both are ordered by him. Serving God includes both sacred duties and ordinary tasks.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s care for community order?

Accepted Answer

The detailed measures in this passage may feel dry, but they show that God cares about how his people live together. Each group has a place: priests, Levites, tribes, city dwellers, and city servants. There is room for worship, housing, work, and food. Nothing is left to chance. This teaches that God is not only interested in spiritual acts but also in fair order, shared responsibility, and provision within the community. He designs a way of life that supports both worship and daily needs.

Question 8

Why might this passage feel difficult or distant to modern readers?

Accepted Answer

Many people find this passage hard because it focuses on numbers, measures, and land strips that seem far from daily experience. The wording about a “profane place” can also sound confusing. But when you slow down, you see the heart of it: God is arranging a renewed community, where worship, housing, work, and leaders are all placed wisely. It helps to read it as a picture of order, unity, and care, rather than only as a map. Then its meaning for God’s people becomes clearer.

Ezekiel 48:15

¶ And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane place for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.

The Common Portion

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Ezekiel 48:15

¶ And the five thousand, that are left in the breadth over against the five and twenty thousand, shall be a profane place for the city, for dwelling, and for suburbs: and the city shall be in the midst thereof.

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The Common Portion

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