All sides of the planned city are measured equally, reflecting God’s perfection and His intention to dwell among His people with absolute peace and justice.
“And these shall be its measurements: the north side four thousand five hundred cubits, the south side four thousand five hundred, the east side four thousand five hundred, and the west side four thousand five hundred.” (v.16)
This verse describes the dimensions of a special city portion revealed by the prophet Ezekiel during his visions of the restored land of Israel. Ezekiel prophesied while in exile in Babylon (circa 593-571 BC), and these final chapters (Ezekiel 40-48) set forth meticulous plans for a future temple and its surrounding territory. By specifying each boundary as being four thousand five hundred cubits long, the passage underscores the perfectly square layout of the city where God’s presence will dwell among His covenant people. This layout echoes the theme of God’s precise order seen throughout this section of Ezekiel and anticipates a time of harmony and restoration.
In broader prophetic context, these instructions relate to other biblical promises of a future era when Israel will be fully restored and a new temple will stand (Ezekiel 40-48). Some interpret these chapters as referring to the Messianic kingdom, where the Messiah—descended from David—will reign on earth, fulfilling unaccomplished prophecies of peace and worship. This concept of perfect symmetry in the holy city also foreshadows descriptions of a divinely ordered dwelling place in the future (Revelation 21:16). The exact configuration of this city, with each side matching in length, highlights the completeness and balance of God’s design, reminding believers that His redemptive plan will be accomplished precisely as He has declared.
Set to dark mode
Ezekiel 48:16 meaning
“And these shall be its measurements: the north side four thousand five hundred cubits, the south side four thousand five hundred, the east side four thousand five hundred, and the west side four thousand five hundred.” (v.16)
This verse describes the dimensions of a special city portion revealed by the prophet Ezekiel during his visions of the restored land of Israel. Ezekiel prophesied while in exile in Babylon (circa 593-571 BC), and these final chapters (Ezekiel 40-48) set forth meticulous plans for a future temple and its surrounding territory. By specifying each boundary as being four thousand five hundred cubits long, the passage underscores the perfectly square layout of the city where God’s presence will dwell among His covenant people. This layout echoes the theme of God’s precise order seen throughout this section of Ezekiel and anticipates a time of harmony and restoration.
In broader prophetic context, these instructions relate to other biblical promises of a future era when Israel will be fully restored and a new temple will stand (Ezekiel 40-48). Some interpret these chapters as referring to the Messianic kingdom, where the Messiah—descended from David—will reign on earth, fulfilling unaccomplished prophecies of peace and worship. This concept of perfect symmetry in the holy city also foreshadows descriptions of a divinely ordered dwelling place in the future (Revelation 21:16). The exact configuration of this city, with each side matching in length, highlights the completeness and balance of God’s design, reminding believers that His redemptive plan will be accomplished precisely as He has declared.