יחזקאל, פרק מ״ח, פסוק ט״ז

The prophetic vision maps out the future city of Jerusalem with perfect mathematical precision and geometric symmetry. The planned city takes the shape of an exact square, with its northern, southern, eastern, and western borders each measuring exactly four thousand five hundred units [רש״י, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These units are measured in reeds, with each reed equaling six cubits, resulting in a total city area of roughly twelve square kilometers [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The dimensions of the city are part of a broader plan for dividing the surrounding land. While the city itself spans four thousand five hundred reeds in every direction, it sits perfectly centered within a larger square measuring five thousand reeds. The remaining five hundred reeds are divided equally to create an open space of two hundred and fifty reeds on every side, serving as a clear, empty border surrounding the urban area [רש״י, מלבי״ם]. This entire square, containing both the city and its open borders, is positioned in the middle of a vast strip of land, flanked by an additional ten thousand reeds to the east and ten thousand reeds to the west [רש״י].