On the south side it will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, and along the Brook of Egypt to the Great Sea. This will be the southern boundary. The southern boundaryThe phrase "the southern boundary" refers to the demarcation line that defines the southernmost limits of the land allotted to the tribes of Israel. In the Hebrew context, boundaries were significant as they represented God's promise and provision for His people. The establishment of boundaries was a divine act, symbolizing order, inheritance, and identity. Historically, boundaries were essential for maintaining peace and clarity among tribes and nations. will run from Tamar
"Tamar" is a location whose exact identification is debated among scholars, but it is generally considered to be in the southern region of ancient Israel. The name "Tamar" means "palm tree" in Hebrew, which could indicate a place of fertility and life in an otherwise arid region. This location marks the starting point of the southern boundary, emphasizing the extent of the land God promised to His people. to the waters of Meribah-kadesh
"Meribah-kadesh" is a significant site in Israel's history, known for the Israelites' rebellion and Moses striking the rock to bring forth water (Numbers 20:13). The name "Meribah" means "quarreling" or "strife," and "Kadesh" means "holy." This site serves as a reminder of both God's provision and the consequences of disobedience. It is a place where God's holiness and the people's need for faith intersected. then along the Brook of Egypt
The "Brook of Egypt" is traditionally identified with Wadi El-Arish, a seasonal river in the Sinai Peninsula. This brook served as a natural boundary between Egypt and Canaan. In the biblical context, it represents the edge of the Promised Land, a place where God's people would be distinct from the nations around them. The brook symbolizes a transition from the known world into the land of divine promise. to the Great Sea
The "Great Sea" refers to the Mediterranean Sea, a vast body of water that formed the western boundary of the Promised Land. In biblical symbolism, the sea often represents chaos and the unknown, yet here it is a boundary set by God, indicating His control over creation. The Great Sea as a boundary underscores the vastness and richness of the land God provided for Israel. This will be the southern boundary
The repetition of "This will be the southern boundary" emphasizes the certainty and authority of God's decree. It is a divine affirmation of the land's limits, ensuring that the Israelites understood the extent of their inheritance. This boundary is not just a physical demarcation but a spiritual one, reminding the people of their unique identity and calling as God's chosen nation. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the vision of the new temple and the division of the land. 2. TamarA location mentioned as a starting point for the southern boundary of the land. Its exact historical location is debated, but it is significant in marking territorial boundaries. 3. Meribah-kadeshA place associated with the Israelites' wilderness wanderings, where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water. It symbolizes God's provision and the people's rebellion. 4. Brook of EgyptOften identified with the Wadi El-Arish, it serves as a geographical marker for the southern boundary of the Promised Land. 5. The Great SeaKnown today as the Mediterranean Sea, it forms the western boundary of the land described in Ezekiel's vision. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in BoundariesThe specific boundaries described in Ezekiel 47:19 remind us of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Just as He set boundaries for Israel, He sets spiritual boundaries for our lives to guide and protect us. Symbolism of WaterThe mention of Meribah-kadesh and the Brook of Egypt highlights the importance of water as a symbol of life and sustenance. In our spiritual journey, Jesus is the living water, providing for our deepest needs. Historical and Prophetic SignificanceUnderstanding the historical context of these boundaries helps us appreciate the prophetic nature of Ezekiel's vision. It points to a future hope and restoration for God's people. God's Provision and Human RebellionThe reference to Meribah-kadesh serves as a reminder of human rebellion and God's continued provision. It challenges us to trust in God's provision and avoid the pitfalls of doubt and disobedience. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of the southern boundary in Ezekiel 47:19 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. In what ways does the symbolism of water in the Bible, as seen in Meribah-kadesh, apply to our spiritual lives today? 3. How can understanding the historical context of biblical boundaries enhance our appreciation of God's Word? 4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' experience at Meribah-kadesh about trusting in God's provision? 5. How do the boundaries described in Ezekiel 47:19 connect to the broader biblical account of God's covenant with His people? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 20The events at Meribah-kadesh are detailed, highlighting the Israelites' complaints and God's provision of water, which connects to the theme of God's faithfulness despite human rebellion. Genesis 15God's covenant with Abraham includes promises about the land, which are echoed in Ezekiel's vision of the land's boundaries. Joshua 15The description of the tribal allotments in Joshua provides a historical context for the boundaries described in Ezekiel. People Amos, Enan, Ezekiel, Israelites, Joseph, TamarPlaces Arabah, Berothah, Brook of Egypt, Damascus, Eneglaim, Engedi, Gilead, Great Sea, Hamath, Hauran, Hazar-enan, Hazer-hatticon, Hethlon, Jordan River, Lebo-hamath, Meribah-kadesh, Most Holy Place, Sibraim, Tamar, ZedadTopics Along, Boundary, Brook, Egypt, Extend, Kadesh, Meribah, Meribah-kadesh, Meribath-kadesh, Meribath-ka'desh, Meriboth, Meriboth-kadesh, Quarter, River, Run, South, Southward, Stream, Strife, Tamar, Thence, Torrent, Wadi, WatersDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 47:15-20 5235 boundary Library The River of Life
Waters issued out from under the threshold of the house ... EZEKIEL xlvii. 1. Unlike most great cities, Jerusalem was not situated on a great river. True, the inconsiderable waters of Siloam--'which flow softly' because they were so inconsiderable--rose from a crevice in the Temple rock, and beneath that rock stretched the valley of the Kedron, dry and bleached in the summer, and a rainy torrent during the rainy seasons; but that was all. So, many of the prophets, who looked forward to the better …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
Isaiah lix. 20.--"And the Redeemer shall come unto Zion, and unto them that turn," &c. Doctrines, as things, have their seasons and times. Every thing is beautiful in its season. So there is no word of truth, but it hath a season and time in which it is beautiful. And indeed that is a great part of wisdom, to bring forth everything in its season, to discern when and where, and to whom it is pertinent and edifying, to speak such and such truths. But there is one doctrine that is never out of season, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Fresh Supplies of Power.
"As the Dew." There is another very important bit needed to complete the circle of truth we are going over together in these quiet talks. Namely, the daily life after the act of surrender and all that comes with that act. The steady pull day by day. After the eagle-flight up into highest air, and the hundred yards dash, or even the mile run, comes the steady, steady walking mile after mile. The real test of life is here. And the highest victories are here, too. I recall the remark made by a friend …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665 …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezekiel 47:19 NIVEzekiel 47:19 NLTEzekiel 47:19 ESVEzekiel 47:19 NASBEzekiel 47:19 KJV
Ezekiel 47:19 Commentaries
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