Definition: And over against the border of the priests the Levites [shall have] five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length [shall be] five and twenty thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 48:13. It's a really interesting passage about God’s plan for Israel after the fall of Babylon. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God is going to equip the Levites (a group of people called priests) with a large and powerful army – roughly 52,000 soldiers – to defend the borders of Israel. Let's unpack it a bit further: “And over against the border of the priests…” This tells us that this is happening near the area where the Jewish priests (the leaders and officials) are located. It’s a strategic location for defense. “…the Levites [shall have] five and twenty thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth.” This gives us specific numbers: Five and twenty thousand in length: This means they'll have approximately 52,000 soldiers. Ten thousand in breadth: This means they’ll have approximately 10,000 soldiers spread out across a wide area. So, the whole picture is that God is preparing a massive army – around 52,000 strong – to protect Israel's borders from future threats. What does this tell us about God's plan? It’s about strengthening Israel: The verse emphasizes that this isn't just about a military force; it's about establishing a powerful defense to ensure Israel’s security and prosperity. It’s a long-term strategy: God is setting up this army as part of his plan for the future, anticipating a time when Israel will be restored. Important Note: This verse comes after a significant event – Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem. It’s a powerful statement about God's intention to restore and protect His people, even after a devastating loss. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the significance of “the Levites”? Discuss what Ezekiel’s purpose was in writing this verse?