As the property of the city, you are to set aside an area 5,000 cubits wide and 25,000 cubits long, adjacent to the holy district. It will belong to the whole house of Israel.
God sets apart land for His sanctuary first, before the tribes receive their shares, because what is given to support worship and religion sanctifies the whole; it is the first-fruits that make the lump holy. The priests' portion is fixed and measured so the sanctuary cannot devour the rest of the land, teaching us that giving for God's work and the ministry's support is an act of piety that brings perpetual blessing.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 45:1-8
And ye shall appoint the possession of the city, Which is something distinct from the house or temple, which was as the frame of a city, being so large, and consisting of so many parts, Eze 40:2 and seems also different from the city in Eze 48:30, the measures of the one and of the other not agreeing.
The Lord assigns a measured tract of land for Himself, His sanctuary, and His servants so that the priesthood and Levites have their inheritance guaranteed; He Himself becomes their portion. On either side the prince receives land, lest rulers in time to come exploit the people, and throughout the land righteousness is to reign with just weights and true measures.
AI summary
Commenting on Ezekiel 45:1-8