And at the east side four thousand and five hundred: and three gates; and one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan.
EZEKIEL 48:32KJVWhat does Ezekiel 48:32 mean?
Ezekiel 48:32 describes the eastern side of a future city, stating it will measure four thousand five hundred units and have three gates named after the tribes of Joseph, Benjamin, and Dan. The verse is part of a detailed vision about the layout and organization of this city.
In this section, the prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the people of Israel about the new city to be established after their return from exile. The focus here is on the city’s eastern boundary and the specific tribes honored with gates, reflecting the importance of each tribe in Israel’s history and identity.
The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 48:32
- The word for "east" is קֵדֶם (qedem, H6921), which often means "the direction of sunrise" or "front," emphasizing orientation in ancient city planning.
- The word for "gates" is שַׁעַר (sha'ar, H8179), which refers to city entrances, often symbolizing access, security, and honor for the tribes named.
- The names יוסף (Yosef, H3130), בנימין (Binyamin, H1144), and דן (Dan, H1835) are the tribal ancestors, showing that each gate represents a distinct group within Israel.
Why Ezekiel 48:32 matters
- This verse clarifies that the restored city is meant to include and honor all tribes, not just a select few, showing unity and shared heritage.
- The specific mention of gate names connects the vision to earlier traditions about the tribes and their roles, tying the future hope to Israel’s past.
- The detailed measurements and assignments in this chapter highlight God’s orderliness and care in restoring the community after exile.