Eze 45:4 The holy portion of the land shall be for the priests the ministers of the sanctuary, which shall come near to minister unto the LORD: and it shall be a place for their houses, and an holy place for the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 45 is an account of the allotment of lands for the temple (vs 1-3), the use of the priests (vs 4-5), the city (vs 6), for the prince or governor of the people (vs 7-8). 

God gives instructions concerning setting aside a portion of the land which will be dedicated to Him. He also ensures that the priests and the ministers of the sanctuary be taken care of (vs 4-5). But not only to the ministers of the sanctuary, arrangements were also made for the support of the government by assigning a certain portion to the prince, or governor of the people. 

We have a greater Prince who is called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is none other than our Lord Jesus Christ. God commands: “All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel” (vs 16). It reminds us that we should give when we come to worship God? Let no man come to worship empty handed or withholding his gift to God. It is indeed a blessing to be able to give for it shows we have been richly blessed. Let us give generously unto the LORD for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). 

Observe that the offerings to the sanctuary, the ministers, and to the prince were termed the “holy portion” (vs 1, 4, 6, 7). The word, “holy” means “consecrated, dedicated, or set apart”. The worshippers are to set apart (aside), dedicate an offering to God. Why is it called a holy portion? I can think of some reasons:

1. This offering is holy because it is given to God. Psalm 29:1

2. Because it has been set apart from the rest of the monies, being dedicated for God’s use. 1 Corinthians 16:2

3. Because it comes from a holy heart that worships God. Psalm 100:4

4. Because it comes from a grateful heart that is offering up thanksgiving to God. 1 Samuel 1:11

5. Because it is from God in the first place. Psalm 24:1 

I especially like Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” 

The whole world belongs to God. Is there anything on this earth that we can say: “This is mine”? It is God who gives them to us. Hence, all that we have should be devoted to Christ, and nothing used except as He may be pleased with the purpose to which it is directed. In all our daily pursuits, we should not forget that Christ owns us, and therefore owns all our possessions. Hence, we have to remember that our Master has the right to claim a portion for His immediate use. Some of our time should be devoted to Christ’s work, some of our money to the furtherance of his kingdom among men. A portion of our possessions belongs to the Prince’s portion. Are we giving it back to Him? 

We are commanded to “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Proverbs 3:9). Can you say you have honoured your parents when you do not give anything to them? Christ said you don’t (Matthew 15:3-6). 

In the same manner, can you say you have honoured God when you are not giving back a portion that He has blessed you? Yes, God charge those who have withheld their giving to Him with robbing Him (Malachi 3:8). They took God’s blessings and ran away. 

What about you? Have you been giving to the Prince the portion that belongs to Him?

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.