Ezekiel 45:5
And the five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of the house, have for themselves, for a possession for twenty chambers.
Original Language Analysis
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
3 of 15
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
וַעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
and the ten
H6235
וַעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
and the ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
5 of 15
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
H505
אֲלָפִ֖ים
thousand
Strong's:
H505
Word #:
6 of 15
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
יְֽהָיָ֡ה
H1961
יְֽהָיָ֡ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 15
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מְשָׁרְתֵ֨י
the ministers
H8334
מְשָׁרְתֵ֨י
the ministers
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
10 of 15
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
הַבַּ֧יִת
of the house
H1004
הַבַּ֧יִת
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
11 of 15
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
לַאֲחֻזָּ֖ה
have for themselves for a possession
H272
לַאֲחֻזָּ֖ה
have for themselves for a possession
Strong's:
H272
Word #:
13 of 15
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
Historical Context
The original Levitical allotment consisted of scattered cities among other tribes (Joshua 21), not consolidated territory. This vision's generous provision contrasts with pre-exilic neglect of Levites (Nehemiah 13:10-11), showing God's faithfulness to those who faithfully serve Him.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's generous provision for temple ministers challenge your view of supporting those in full-time ministry?
- What does the permanent inheritance given to servants of God teach about the eternal rewards awaiting faithful believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The five and twenty thousand of length, and the ten thousand of breadth, shall also the Levites, the ministers of the house, have for themselves—this substantial land allocation (approximately 8.3 by 3.3 miles) for the Leviyyim (לְוִיִּם, Levites), described as meshartei habayit (מְשָׁרְתֵי הַבַּיִת, ministers of the house), demonstrates God's provision for those devoted to His service.
For a possession for twenty chambers—the Hebrew lachuzat esrim leshachot (לַאֲחֻזַּת עֶשְׂרִים לְשָׁכֹת, for possession of twenty chambers) indicates permanent inheritance with residential facilities. Unlike the original Levitical system where Levites had no territorial inheritance (Numbers 18:20-24), this eschatological vision provides both land and dwelling places—fulfilled spiritually as believers receive eternal inheritance through Christ (1 Peter 1:3-4).