Definition: And the residue [shall be] for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city, over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border, over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house [shall be] in the midst thereof.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 48:21. It's a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel and its future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God is going to build a powerful, fortified city – the “Holy Oblation” – in the heart of the land, specifically near the borders of the remaining areas of Israel. Let's unpack each part: “And the residue…” : This means there’s still a portion of the land left over from the time of the Babylonian Exile. It's like leftover pieces of a puzzle that God wants to complete. “…for the prince, on one side and on the other of the holy oblation, and of the possession of the city…” : This is where it gets a little more complex. “Holy Oblation” refers to a ritual sacrifice offered to God – a significant offering that demonstrates devotion and repentance. The verse describes the area around this city as being divided into two sections: “On one side…” - The area on one side of the city will be reserved for God's presence and offerings. “…on the other…” – The area on the other side will also be reserved for God’s presence and offerings. "...over against the five and twenty thousand of the oblation toward the east border, and westward over against the five and twenty thousand toward the west border..." : This describes the boundaries of these two areas. "The oblation" is a large sacrificial offering – think of it as a massive outpouring of devotion. It’s being directed towards the east and west borders of this area. "...over against the portions for the prince: and it shall be the holy oblation; and the sanctuary of the house [shall be] in the midst thereof." : This is the key part! The "Prince" – which refers to the future King David – gets a special, protected area within this city. It's called “the Holy Oblation” – meaning it’s a place of absolute worship and devotion. And crucially: “The sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst thereof.” This means that this entire city will be built to serve as a permanent, holy temple for God and his people. So, what's the big takeaway? God is preparing a large, fortified city in the land, specifically near the borders of Israel. This city will be dedicated to worship, offering, and ultimately, to be a place where God’s presence is truly felt and protected. It’s a promise of a future restored and a powerful sign of God's sovereignty. Think of it like this: It's a strategic placement – a strong, enduring city designed to be a central hub for worship and a testament to God’s plan for his people. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other parts of the Bible? Discuss the significance of the "Holy Oblation"?