Verses 9-12 refer to the priests' portion proper, setting forth

(1) its dimensions, 25,000 reeds along the north and south boundaries from east to west, and 10,000 reeds from north to south along the east and west sides, so that it should form an oblong or rectangle of 25,000 × 10,000 reeds - 548 square (geographical) miles;

(2) its relation to the sanctuary, which should stand in its midst, in this case should occupy the exact geographical center;

(3) its destination, viz. for the priests that are sanctified of the sons of Zadok - better than "that which is sanctified is for the priests," as Ewald and Hitzig propose;

(4) its character, most holy; and

(5) its petition, by the border of the Levites, i.e. with the Levites portion adjoining it, but whether on the north or the south is not stated, and cannot yet be determined (see on ver. 22).

48:1-35 Here is a description of the several portions of the land belonging to each tribe. In gospel times, behold all things are become new. Much is wrapped up in emblems and numbers. This method God has used to state mysterious truths in his word, not to be more clearly revealed till the proper time and season. But into the church of Christ, both in its state of warfare and triumph, there is free access by faith, from every side. Christ has opened the kingdom of heaven for all believers. Whoever will, may come, and take of the water of life, of the tree of life, freely. The Lord is there, in his church, to be nigh unto them in all they call upon him for. This is true of every real Christian; whatever soul has in it a living principle of grace, it may truly be said, The Lord is there. May we be found citizens of this holy city, and act agreeably to that character; and have the benefit of the Lord's presence with us, in life, in death, and for evermore.The oblation that ye shall offer to the Lord,.... That which belonged to the sanctuary, and to the priests, which was taken and separated for that use; which here, and in the following verses, is particularly and separately considered:

shall be of five and twenty thousand in length; that is, five and twenty thousand reeds from east to west:

and of ten thousand in breadth; from north to south; see Ezekiel 45:3.