Definition: And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion shall be] ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward: and it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion]; and the increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 48:18. It's a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel in the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is preparing a large portion of his people – specifically, the remaining Israelites – to be used as a source of food and resources for the entire region around Jerusalem. Think of it like this: God wants to build a strong, prosperous land for his people, and he's giving them a significant role in that process. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And the residue in length over against the oblation of the holy [portion]” : This is a bit tricky. "Residue" means remaining or leftover. “Length” refers to the area of land. The phrase “over against” means “on one side.” So, it’s talking about the remaining land, the part that isn't completely occupied by Israel. It's saying that these remaining lands are located on one side of a large area. “ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward” : This is where it gets really significant. "Ten thousand" means a huge number – roughly 100,000 people! The verse says this number will be divided into two groups: Eastward: Ten thousand people from the eastern side of the land. Westward: Ten thousand people from the western side. “it shall be over against the oblation of the holy [portion]” : This is a metaphor. “Oblation” means a sacrifice or offering. "The holy portion" refers to God's presence and blessing in that land. So, it’s saying that these ten thousand people will be dedicated to being a source of blessings and prosperity for the entire region. “increase thereof shall be for food unto them that serve the city” : This is the core of the message. “Increase thereof” means "grow" or "develop." And “for food unto them that serve the city” means that these ten thousand people will be given as food – resources and prosperity – to those who are dedicated to serving Jerusalem (the capital). In a nutshell, God is saying: “These remaining lands in the east and west will become a valuable resource for the entire region. They will be used to feed a large group of people, particularly those who are working to build and govern Jerusalem.” Why is this important? This verse is part of a larger picture of God's plan for Israel’s future. It highlights that even though they are in exile, God intends to provide them with the land and resources to thrive and become a powerful nation. It shows a shift from being a conquered people to a land-owning nation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Give you a quick summary of the overall message?