Because He's There, We're Complete

Ezekiel closes with the land as it was meant to be. The measurements of each tribal allotment are much more equal and the outlines drawn are very similar to what Moses described in Numbers 34. 

Ezekiel 48:1–2 (ESV) “These are the names of the tribes: Beginning at the northern extreme, beside the way of Hethlon to Lebo-hamath, as far as Hazar-enan (which is on the northern border of Damascus over against Hamath), and extending from the east side to the west, Dan, one portion. 2 Adjoining the territory of Dan, from the east side to the west, Asher, one portion.

What we see is that not only is the Temple restored, but the land is finally what it was meant to be. Ezekiel ends by teaching us that things only work as they should when God's house is in order and we make room for Him to rule and reign. 

In the middle, a holy portion run by the "prince" which most believe is the Priestly system. 
Ezekiel 48:21 (ESV) “What remains on both sides of the holy portion and of the property of the city shall belong to the prince. Extending from the 25,000 cubits of the holy portion to the east border, and westward from the 25,000 cubits to the west border, parallel to the tribal portions, it shall belong to the prince. The holy portion with the sanctuary of the temple shall be in its midst.

Notice the description:
Ezekiel 48:22 (ESV) It shall be separate from the property of the Levites and the property of the city, which are in the midst of that which belongs to the prince. The portion of the prince shall lie between the territory of Judah and the territory of Benjamin.

Not only does each tribe have a sizeable portion, but they seem to run east to west in each territory, up and down the land. Equal measures and full potential are the emphasis in the mapping.

Ezekiel 48:23–24 (ESV) “As for the rest of the tribes: from the east side to the west, Benjamin, one portion. 24 Adjoining the territory of Benjamin, from the east side to the west, Simeon, one portion... (and so it goes for the rest of the tribes.)

Israel was not able to establish the boundaries laid out in Numbers 34 because they failed to drive out the inhabitants and those nations became their ultimate downfall. Now, with God in the center, and the temple reestablished, the army resurrected (chapter 37), the land is finally where it was meant to be. 

Makes me think of my life. What should my territory look like? How am I not living up to my potential in the compromises of my heart? It's a question we should ask so that we do battle with the devil and root out the false pretenses and imaginations he offers us. 

One final feature of the land is the gates to the city of the Lord in the holy portion.
Ezekiel 48:30–34 (ESV) “These shall be the exits of the city: On the north side, which is to be 4,500 cubits by measure, 31 three gates, the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah, and the gate of Levi, the gates of the city being named after the tribes of Israel. 32 On the east side, which is to be 4,500 cubits, three gates, the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin, and the gate of Dan. 33 On the south side, which is to be 4,500 cubits by measure, three gates, the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar, and the gate of Zebulun. 34 On the west side, which is to be 4,500 cubits, three gates, the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher, and the gate of Naphtali.

A gate for each tribe. Why? Because they all have equal access to the Lord, a special entrance just for them. 

So do you and I. Through Christ, we can come boldly into His presence, know Him, find Truth, and live in the full potential He's prepared for us. 

Ezekiel's final words are perhaps the most touching of any book in the Bible. 
Ezekiel 48:35 (ESV) The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The LORD Is There.”

He's there. That's what makes heaven heaven—not because we have things, but because He has us, and we have Him. Your life and mine are racked by sin, shame, and guilt. God longs to take it away and bring you the prosperous life of peace in Him. 

Amen for Ezekiel.

This concludes my studies of the Major Prophets. It wasn't always easy, but I'm thankful for the journey. On to Daniel!

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