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Nothing was to be left to chance in the restored or new community. It seemed necessary, then, to lay down new rules so that everything having to do with worship was done correctly so that a sense of God’s holiness was preserved.
When the Israelites settled the land under Joshua, it was divided among the tribes according to divine instructions given in Jos 13-21. No land or territory was given to the tribe of Levi (Jos 13:14). Nor was there any setting apart of crown lands, lands for the king, since there was no king except God. In 45:1-8 and especially in 48:1-7, 23-29, Ezekiel was given specific instructions concerning the redivision of the land. The Levites who were descendants of Zadok were not assigned any lands of their own, for God said, “I am to be the only inheritance the priests have” (44:28). However, certain lands were to be set aside for the Levites who were not Zadokite priests, as well as for the temple complex, the palace area, and the tribes in general. This was to prevent land grabbing, especially by the prince, which had happened in earlier days. In fact, the prince was to be the custodian and example of justice, demonstrating in his own life the principles of divine holiness. It was his responsibility to safeguard the just balance and to guarantee honest weights and measurements.
The three main annual festivals, New Year, Passover, and Tabernacles, were emphasized. But the Day of Atonement is not mentioned. In these festivals as well as the Sabbath and the New Moon festival, the prince was to be a participant and an example for all the people.