“This shall be their inheritance: I am their inheritance: and you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights a radical redefinition of "possession" for the priests: God Himself is their inheritance and possession. This means their livelihood and identity were tied directly to God's presence and provision, not to earthly land or wealth like the other tribes.
“This shall be their inheritance: I am their inheritance: and you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this section, Ezekiel is detailing the regulations for the restored Temple and the Levitical priests who will serve there. Following the detailed descriptions of who can enter the sanctuary and the duties of the priests, this verse explains how the priests will be supported. Instead of receiving land like the other tribes, their provision comes directly from God, through the offerings brought by the people.
The priests in ancient Israel weren't given land like other tribes. So, how were they provided for? Their 'inheritance' was unique, pointing to a deeper reality.
In Ezekiel 44:28, God declares that He Himself is the inheritance of the priests. This might seem strange, as the surrounding verses (and historical context from the Law) speak of specific portions of sacrifices and offerings as their livelihood. However, the key is understanding why God is their inheritance.
A Divine Trust
Unlike the other tribes who received land grants as their inheritance, the priests and Levites were set apart for God's service. Their role was to minister in the Temple, teach the people God's law, and mediate between God and humanity through sacrifices. Because their entire lives were dedicated to God and His work, their provision came directly from what was set apart for God.
Sacrifices as Provisions
The 'inheritance' mentioned here included portions of sin offerings, trespass offerings, peace offerings, firstfruits, and other dedicated gifts (as detailed in Leviticus and Numbers). These weren't just random handouts; they were the tangible results of Israel's covenant relationship with God. When the people honored God with their sacrifices and firstfruits, a portion was designated for those who served at the altar. Thus, by serving God, they were directly provided for by Him through the system He established.
The verse flips the perspective: God isn't just inheritance; they are also God's possession. What does this unique reciprocal relationship mean?
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The statement, 'I am their possession,' is profound. It signifies a deep, intimate connection and ownership that God claims over His devoted servants.
Belonging to God
For the priests, being God's 'possession' meant their lives, their service, and their very beings were uniquely His. They were set apart, consecrated, and wholly dedicated to Him. This wasn't a burden but the highest honor – to be owned by the Creator of all.
The Reciprocal Blessing
This divine ownership brought with it a special blessing and accountability. Because they belonged to God, they were entrusted with His sacred duties and promises. Their lives were to reflect His holiness and serve His purposes. The assurance that God was their possession meant they could trust Him implicitly for their needs, knowing He would care for what was rightfully His.
Understand the original words
nachalah · Hebrew Noun
The portion or allotment given to someone as their share or heritage; in a spiritual sense, it denotes God Himself as the ultimate portion of His people.
achuzzah · Hebrew Noun
Land or property held by an individual or tribe; the priests were denied earthly land so their focus would remain entirely on the Lord.
The vision of priestly inheritance in Ezekiel 44:28 is given during the Babylonian exile. It radically redefines the priests' role and provision, emphasizing that their true 'inheritance' and 'possession' is God Himself, rather than land or earthly wealth, offering a spiritual anchor during a time of national dispossession.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its inhabitants and scattering them among its territories. This event marked a significant religious and political disruption.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins his campaigns against Judah, initiating the first wave of exiles, including members of the royal family and educated elite, to Babylon.
597 BC— this verse
Second Deportation to Babylon
Another major deportation of Judeans to Babylon occurs following a rebellion. Key figures, including the prophet Ezekiel himself, are taken into exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Nebuchadnezzar completely destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and ushering in a period of profound crisis and reflection for the Jewish people.
c. 571 BC
Ezekiel's Ministry Ends
The Book of Ezekiel concludes around this time, leaving a legacy of prophecy that grappled with the reasons for exile and offered visions of future restoration.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
The Persian Empire under Cyrus conquers Babylon, and the following year, Cyrus issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
This passage directly echoes Ezekiel's declaration, stating that the priests (Levites) will have no land inheritance among the tribes because the Lord Himself is their inheritance and portion.
Deuteronomy 10:9Similar to Numbers and Ezekiel, this verse reiterates that the Levites have no inheritance like the other tribes, for the Lord is their inheritance, emphasizing God as their exclusive possession and source of sustenance.
Joshua 13:33This verse explicitly states that the Levites were not given a portion or inheritance among the other tribes of Israel, reinforcing the principle that their inheritance was spiritual rather than physical land.
Matthew 10:10Jesus instructs his disciples not to take a bag or extra tunic for their mission, indicating that their provision would come from those they served, paralleling the principle of spiritual workers being sustained through spiritual means, with God as their ultimate 'inheritance'.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14Paul references the Old Testament practice of those who serve the altar being supported by the altar, directly applying the principle that those who proclaim the gospel should be sustained by the gospel, aligning with God being the inheritance and provision for His ministers.
clarkeEzekiel 44:28: "And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession."
I am their inheritance - Those who affect to form their ecclesiastical matters on the model of the Jewish Church have with one consent left this out of the question. They will not live on the free-will offerings of the people; but must have vast revenues, and these secured to them by law. That every minister of God should be supported by t…
pulpitEzekiel 44:28: "And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance: and ye shall give them no possession in Israel: I am their possession."
Verses 28-31 state the emoluments which should Be enjoyed by the priests. Verse 28. - The Authorized Version conveys the impression that the first portion of the priests' sustenance should be derived from the sin offering, which is not mentioned till the following verse. And it shall be unto them for an inheritance ought rather to be rende…
The verse highlights a radical redefinition of "possession" for the priests: God Himself is their inheritance and possession. This means their livelihood and identity were tied directly to God's presence and provision, not to earthly land or wealth like the other tribes.
In this section, Ezekiel is detailing the regulations for the restored Temple and the Levitical priests who will serve there. Following the detailed descriptions of who can enter the sanctuary and the duties of the priests, this verse explains how the priests will be supported. Instead of receiving land like the other tribes, their provision comes directly from God, through the offerings brought by the people.
In this section, Ezekiel is detailing the regulations for the restored Temple and the Levitical priests who will serve there. Following the detailed descriptions of who can enter the sanctuary and the duties of the priests, this verse explains how the priests will be supported. Instead of receiving land like the other tribes, their provision comes directly from God, through the offerings brought by the people.
"“This shall be their inheritance: I am their inheritance: and you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession." — The verse highlights a radical redefinition of "possession" for the priests: God Himself is their inheritance and possession. This means their livelihood and identity were tied directly to God's pres…
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Last reviewed October 2026