DIVISION OF THE HOLY LAND The vision comes to its end by the division of the holy land, fixing the portions of the tribes, setting a plan for the holy city and its gates, and giving the new name: 1- Division of the holy land 1-29. 2- Plan of the holy city 30-35. 1- DIVISION OF THE HOLY LAND In short, the vision carried out the division in the following way: a- Seven tribes were chosen to be on the north side of the temple (Ez 48:1-7); and five tribes to be on its south side (Ez 48:23-29). The temple, therefore, came to represent the pulsating heart for all the tribes; the source of life and sanctification of its inhabitants. b- Before captivity, the people were divided into two kingdoms: One embracing ten tribes, that was captivated by Assyria; and the other, embracing two tribes, that was captivated by Babylon. Now, however, under the rich grace of God, in the new temple, there is only one, undivided kingdom of Christ.. c- Setting apart the land for the temple and the priests (Ez 48:8-11); as where the temple is, there would be the priests to minister to it; and to them the offerings would be presented. Again, He confirms the rewarding of the sons of Zadok, who “are sanctified, who have kept His charge, who did not go astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray” (Ez 48:11); that is why they were alone worthy of offering the sacrifices on the altar, and of approaching those sanctuaries. d- The division here, is completely different from that in the days of Joshua the son of Nun. Some scholars believe that this division is not to be interpreted literally, but in a symbolic sense. In dividing the land of Canaan in the days of Joshua the son of Nun, the tribe of Dan got its portion after all the other tribes got theirs (Jos 19:40); whereas here, they got their portion before anyone (Ez 48:2). It is as though the divine proclamation intends to confirm to us, that in the day of the Lord, we shall see strange things that we do not expect... the first becoming the last, and the last becoming the first. Origen says that here we find great mighty men appearing like little children in the day of the Lord; and the other way round. He also says that we shall see some men, apparently great in faith, who appear weak, and the other way round. The day of the Lord will reveal amazing things that we do not expect. e- Every tribe takes from God a portion that suits it, and keeps it from need; to say together with the Psalmist: “He will chose our inheritance for us; The excellence of Jacob whom He loves” (Ps 47:4). It is to be noticed that the border for each tribe represents the border for the other; a sign of unity and fellowship through the holy mutual love. f- The land designated for ministry, could not be sold nor exchanged; and no first fruit is offered on it, as it represents in itself a first fruit to the Lord, dedicated to Him (Ez 48:14). g- The holy city is square in shape, with equal dimensions on every side; the way the cities of the Levites were before. And that, according to some scholars cannot be applied literally, yet it represents the city of the Living God. 5 The inhabitants of the city, were before, mostly of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin; as the city was located within their territories. In the new city, however, there are people from all the tribes of Israel (Ez 48:19), representing the kingdom of God on earth for all humanity. h- To the king, a special portion is given, that suits his responsibilities (Ez 48:1); so that he would not covet the portions of the people. 2- THE HOLY CITY It is to be noticed that it is similar to the new city, seen by St. John the beloved, that we previously dealt with in our interpretation of the book of Revelation (Chapter 21); being square in shape; with 12 gates: three on each side; a reference to the fact that entrance to the kingdom of God is through the Holy Trinity; and a sign that its gates will be open on the east, west, north and south, to embrace believers from every tongue and nation. On the gates the names of the tribes are inscribed, being a symbol of the (catholic) Church that embraces all the tribes of humanity. It is to be noticed that the city is not called “Jerusalem,’ nor “Canaan;” but is given another name, “Jehovah Shamah;” namely, “The Lord is there.” St. John the beloved heard a voice from heaven, saying: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God” (Rev 21:3). It is as though the end of the whole Book, is the entry with God in a permanent dwelling; in a fellowship and unity, in which we come to be with and in Him; and He dwells in us forever. The book started with a heavenly vision of a fearful fiery divine chariot, before which Ezekiel himself fell on his face; There, the divine judgment of chastening the people, and the departure of the glory of God from the temple and the city, were proclaimed. Then the book ends with the opening of the gates of heaven before humanity from the east and the west; of all nations, peoples, and tongues, to enjoy the fellowship of the divine glory! 6 YOU ARE MY PORTION! YOU ARE MY GLORY! You opened the gates of heaven before Your prophet Ezekiel; He got terrified, and fell on his face before Your divine chariot! You lifted him up and supported him, to proclaim Your mysteries! When he heard the chastisements of the people, he was troubled! When he saw how Your glory departed from Your temple and city, he was grieved! Now, You are showing him the plan of Your salvation; An open heaven; and people of every tongue, eternally enjoying the fellowship of Your glory! Lift me up to Your heavens; I long to behold the Higher city of Jerusalem; To encounter with You face to face; To fall in Your bosom forever! You are my portion! You are my joy and the pleasure of my heart! You are my crown and glory! When shall I behold You, and stay with You, O the pleasure of my heart?!
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