Ezekiel Chapter 44 · Verse 28
And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיְתָ֤ה
H1961
וְהָיְתָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 12
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם
And it shall be unto them for an inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם
And it shall be unto them for an inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם
And it shall be unto them for an inheritance
H5159
נַֽחֲלָתָ֑ם
And it shall be unto them for an inheritance
Strong's:
H5159
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion
אֲחֻזָּתָֽם׃
I am their possession
H272
אֲחֻזָּתָֽם׃
I am their possession
Strong's:
H272
Word #:
6 of 12
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִתְּנ֤וּ
and ye shall give
H5414
תִתְּנ֤וּ
and ye shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
8 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Numbers 18:20And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Thou shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them: I am thy part and thine inheritance among the children of Israel.Deuteronomy 10:9Wherefore Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the LORD is his inheritance, according as the LORD thy God promised him.Joshua 13:33But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave not any inheritance: the LORD God of Israel was their inheritance, as he said unto them.Ezekiel 45:4The holy portion of the land shall be for the priests the ministers of the sanctuary, which shall come near to minister unto the LORD: and it shall be a place for their houses, and an holy place for the sanctuary.
Historical Context
Levites received 48 cities with surrounding lands (Numbers 35:1-8, Joshua 21) but no tribal territory. They depended on tithes (Numbers 18:21-24) and offerings, cultivating dependence on God and His people. This economic structure reinforced theological truth: God is sufficient portion. Ezekiel's vision maintains this principle, showing that even in millennial abundance, priestly identity rests in God, not property.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'I am their inheritance' teach about finding satisfaction in God rather than possessions?
- How does Levitical landlessness prefigure Christian otherworldliness (Philippians 3:20)?
- What dangers exist when ministers accumulate earthly wealth rather than finding portion in God?
Analysis & Commentary
And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance—Levitical inheritance: וְהָיְתָה לָהֶם לְנַחֲלָה אֲנִי נַחֲלָתָם (wĕhāyĕtāh lāhem lĕnaḥălāh ănî naḥălātām, 'and it shall be to them for an inheritance—I am their inheritance'). While other tribes received land (Numbers 26:52-56, Joshua 13-21), Levites received God Himself as portion.
And ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession—וַאֲחֻזָּה לֹא־תִתְּנוּ לָהֶם בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל אֲנִי אֲחֻזָּתָם (waʾăḥuzzāh lōʾ-tittĕnû lāhem bĕyiśrāʾēl ănî ăḥuzzātām, 'and possession you shall not give them in Israel—I am their possession'). Landlessness was not deprivation but privilege: God Himself was their portion (Deuteronomy 10:9, 18:1-2, Psalm 16:5, 73:26). This prefigures believers whose inheritance is Christ and eternal life (Ephesians 1:3-14, 1 Peter 1:3-4), not earthly possessions.