The southernmost land strip, 5,000 cubits (1.61 miles) in width, contained in its center the “city,” 5,000 cubits square. The wall around the city was 4,500 cubits on a side, with 250 cubits all around as pasture ground. (Ezek. 48:15-17) On each side of the city (east and west) was an area 10,000 cubits long by 5,000 cubits wide. This open land was to be cultivated to produce food for all those working in the city. These composed an intertribal staff of workers, persons from all twelve non-Levite tribes.​—Ezek. 48:18, 19.

It is noteworthy that in Ezekiel’s vision the city did not contain the temple, though the temple was close by in the special “contribution” of land. The priests and Levites did not dwell or work in this city. Therefore, in the fulfillment of the vision under Messiah’s thousand-year reign, the visionary city would not picture the heavenly city, New Jerusalem, made up of Christ’s congregation of spiritual Israelites, his Bride. (Rev. 20:3, 4, 6; 21:1, 2, 9-21) For they are priests, “a royal priesthood,” their names being enrolled in the heavens. (1 Pet. 2:9; Heb. 12:23) Accordingly, the “city” pictures, not the heavenly government of Jesus Christ and his 144,000 associate kings and priests, but, instead, an earthly, visible seat of administration over the affairs of redeemed mankind.