יחזקאל, פרק מ״ח, פסוק ח׳

The future division of the Land of Israel introduces a new geographic and spiritual reality, distinct from the borders established during the days of Joshua. At the heart of this new map, nestled between the tribal lands, lies a special strip of land dedicated entirely to holy and communal purposes. This sacred portion is located just south of the territory belonging to the tribe of Judah [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. It stretches horizontally across the land, reaching from the eastern border all the way to the sea in the west [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This new arrangement alters the traditional map and raises an interesting geographic question regarding Jerusalem. Historically, the city sat at the northern edge of Judah's territory in the southern part of the land, yet in this future vision, it rests squarely in the middle of all the tribes. The explanation lies in the method of the future division. The land will be divided into equal, parallel strips, much like rows planted in a vineyard. The original territory of Judah was so wide that its dimensions, combined with the vast stretch of the land from east to west, are large enough to contain the newly formed territories of the remaining five tribes within its original width. Because of this new grid system, Jerusalem actually remains in its exact original physical location, even as the tribal borders around it are redrawn [רש״י].

This central strip is set apart for sacred and public use, encompassing the Temple Mount, the estates of the priests and Levites, the city limits, and the prince's land [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Its dimensions are carefully defined. The width, measured from north to south, spans twenty-five thousand units [מצודת דוד]. These units are measuring reeds, with each reed equaling six large cubits [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Its length matches the exact length of the regular tribal portions that run from east to west [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Right at the very center of this dedicated expanse will stand the ultimate spiritual focus: the Sanctuary itself [רש״י, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ].