The Holy Oblation

The Holy Oblation

The Holy Oblation refers to a specific portion of land described in the book of Ezekiel, one of the prophetic books in the Old Testament of the Bible. In this context, the term "oblation" means an offering or a gift, specifically to God.

The concept of the Holy Oblation is found in Ezekiel chapters 45 and 48, where the prophet describes a vision of a future temple and the allocation of land surrounding it. The vision is said to be a divinely ordained plan for the nation of Israel in the end times.

The Holy Oblation is presented as a square-shaped area of land, measuring approximately 25,000 cubits (approximately 13.3 kilometres or 8.3 miles) on each side. This area is divided into three horizontal sections:

• A portion for the sanctuary or the temple, which is the central place of worship.
• A portion for the Levites, who are members of the priestly tribe responsible for assisting the priests and maintaining the temple.
• A portion for the city, which would be inhabited by the people of Israel.

In addition to these three sections, there is also a strip of land reserved for the prince, who would be the leader of the people. This strip of land is on either side of the Holy Oblation.

The concept of the Holy Oblation is significant in biblical studies and theology, as it represents the ideal vision of a divinely ordered society. The allocation of land and resources, as well as the specific roles assigned to different groups of people, serves as a model for a harmonious and well-functioning community.

The Holy Oblation also has eschatological implications, as it is associated with the end times and the ultimate redemption of the people of Israel. Some interpretations view the Holy Oblation as symbolic or allegorical, while others believe in a literal fulfilment of Ezekiel's vision in the future.

Here are the key biblical passages from the Book of Ezekiel that pertain to the Holy Oblation. These passages come from the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible.

Ezekiel 45:1-6:

1 "When you allot the land as an inheritance, you shall set apart for the Lord a portion of the land as a holy district, 25,000 cubits long and 20,000 cubits broad. It shall be holy throughout its whole extent.

2 Of this, a square plot of 500 by 500 cubits shall be for the sanctuary, with 50 cubits for an open space around it.

3 And from this measured district you shall measure off a section 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits broad, in which shall be the sanctuary, the Most Holy Place.

4 It shall be the holy portion of the land. It shall be for the priests, who minister in the sanctuary and approach the Lord to minister to him, and it shall be a place for their houses and a holy place for the sanctuary.

5 Another section, 25,000 cubits long and 10,000 cubits broad, shall be for the Levites who minister at the temple, as their possession for cities to live in.

6 "Alongside the portion set apart as the holy district you shall assign for the property of the city an area 5,000 cubits broad and 25,000 cubits long. It shall belong to the whole house of Israel.

Ezekiel 48:8-14:

8 "Adjoining the territory of Judah, from the east side to the west, shall be the portion which you shall set apart, 25,000 cubits in breadth, and in length equal to one of the tribal portions, from the east side to the west, with the sanctuary in the midst of it.

9 The portion that you shall set apart for the Lord shall be 25,000 cubits in length, and 20,000 in breadth.

10 These shall be the allotments of the holy portion: the priests shall have an allotment measuring 25,000 cubits on the northern side, 10,000 cubits in breadth on the western side, 10,000 in breadth on the eastern side, and 25,000 in length on the southern side, with the sanctuary of the Lord in the midst of it.

11 This shall be for the consecrated priests, the sons of Zadok, who kept my charge, who did not go astray when the people of Israel went astray, as the Levites did.

12 And it shall belong to them as a special portion from the holy portion of the land, a most holy place, adjoining the territory of the Levites.

13 "Alongside the territory of the priests, the Levites shall have an allotment 25,000 cubits in length and 10,000 in breadth. The whole length shall be 25,000 cubits and the breadth 20,000.

14 They shall not sell or exchange any of it. They shall not alienate this choice portion of the land, for it is holy to the Lord.

These passages outline the dimensions and divisions of the Holy Oblation, detailing the allotments for the sanctuary, the priests, the Levites, and the city.

The New Jersusalem

The Holy Oblation and the New Jerusalem are related concepts, but they are not the same thing. Both are prophetic visions in the Bible, describing the future state of God's people and their relationship with God, but they appear in different books and have distinct details and characteristics.

The New Jerusalem is a concept found in the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Revelation, chapters 21 and 22. It is a prophetic vision presented by the apostle John, who describes the New Jerusalem as a heavenly city that descends from heaven to Earth at the end of time, after the final judgment. The New Jerusalem represents the fulfilment of God's plan for humanity and signifies a new beginning where God dwells among His people in perfect harmony.

Some of the key characteristics of the New Jerusalem include:

Heavenly origin: The New Jerusalem is described as coming down from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). This indicates its divine origin and perfection, distinguishing it from earthly cities.

God's presence: In the New Jerusalem, God will dwell among His people, and they will be His children (Revelation 21:3). His presence will be the source of light, removing the need for the sun or the moon (Revelation 21:23).

The Lamb (Jesus Christ): The New Jerusalem is also closely associated with Jesus Christ, referred to as the Lamb. The city is referred to as the Bride, the wife of the Lamb (Revelation 21:9), and Jesus is the source of light and life in the city (Revelation 21:23; 22:1).

Absence of suffering: In the New Jerusalem, God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain (Revelation 21:4). This signifies the complete restoration and healing of creation, where suffering and evil are eradicated.

Physical descriptions: The New Jerusalem is portrayed as a city with walls made of precious stones, gates made of pearl, and streets of pure gold (Revelation 21:18-21). Its dimensions are given as a perfect cube, measuring 12,000 furlongs (approximately 2,414 kilometres or 1,500 miles) in length, width, and height (Revelation 21:16).

Inhabitants: The city is inhabited by the people of God, whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life (Revelation 21:27). They will serve and worship God, and there will be no more curse or separation from Him (Revelation 22:3-4).

The concept of the New Jerusalem has inspired various interpretations throughout Christian history. Some view it as a literal city that will descend to Earth, while others see it as a symbolic or allegorical representation of the ultimate state of communion between God and His people.