יחזקאל, פרק מ״ח, פסוק י״ב

The future division of the Land of Israel envisions a vast tract of land dedicated entirely to sacred purposes. Within this expansive holy zone, an even more exclusive area is set aside specifically for the priests and the site of the Temple.

This central plot is carefully separated from the larger dedicated region. While the broader tract is considered a holy offering divided among the priests, the Levites, the leader, and the city's needs [רש״י], the priests' designated area acts as an offering extracted from the general offering itself [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. It represents a choice, set-apart portion [רש״י, מצודת ציון], which some describe as an especially select, though perhaps smaller, allocation [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Because it is uniquely set apart, the priests' land is elevated to the supreme status of the most holy space, surpassing the sanctity of the surrounding areas [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This heightened level of holiness stems directly from its purpose, as the actual building of the Temple is located within its borders [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Geographically, this highly sacred land is positioned immediately adjacent to the territory assigned to the Levites [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Specifically, the priests' inheritance shares a direct border with the Levite tract, which lies just to the south of the priests' plot [מלבי״ם].