Ezekiel 48:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In place of suburbs, referred to as "magras" in Hebrew, the LXX translates it as "distance" (δια'στημα). The phrase "two hundred and fifty on each side" indicates the measurement of reeds, where each reed is six cubits plus one heel, totaling approximately six hundred and seventeen paces on each side, resulting in one thousand reeds, or two thousand four hundred and sixty-eight paces overall. Surrounding these areas are the city walls, effectively delineating the city from its surrounding regions. Therefore, it is evident that these areas cannot be utilized for urban activities or agricultural production; they are intentionally left untouched and free from human toil, allowing the land nearby to blossom with naturally occurring flora and various earth's bounty.

He instructed that the first lot from the north be allocated to the tribe of Dan, the second to Asher, the third to Naphtali, the fourth to Manasseh, the fifth to Ephraim, the sixth to Reuben, and the seventh to Judah. Following this, he designated the area assigned to the priests, which measures twenty-five thousand in width and ten thousand in length. This allocation is to be positioned close to the city, for my holy place will dwell among them, under the priestly line of the sanctified son of Sadok, who will oversee the temple guards. In the center of the city, he shall reserve five hundred cubits for the temple; and when the city is established, it is stated that the produce of this land shall be granted to those who cultivate it.