Eze 38:12 | JFB | STEP | 12. midst of the land-- literally, "the navel" of the land ( , Margin). So, in , Israel is said to be set "in the midst of the nations"; not physically, but morally, a central position for being a blessing to the world: so (as the favored or "beloved city," ) an object of envy. Grotius translates, "In the height of the land" (so ), "the mountains of Israel," Israel being morally elevated above the rest of the world.

‏ Ezekiel 38:12

12. midst of the land--literally, "the navel" of the land (Jud 9:37, Margin). So, in Eze 5:5, Israel is said to be set "in the midst of the nations"; not physically, but morally, a central position for being a blessing to the world: so (as the favored or "beloved city," Re 20:9) an object of envy. Grotius translates, "In the height of the land" (so Eze 38:8), "the mountains of Israel," Israel being morally elevated above the rest of the world.