In whatever tribe a foreigner dwells, you are to assign his inheritance there," declares the Lord GOD. In whatever tribeThis phrase indicates a sense of inclusivity and universality within the tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word for "tribe" is "שֵׁבֶט" (shevet), which not only refers to a division of the nation but also carries the connotation of a staff or scepter, symbolizing authority and governance. Historically, the twelve tribes of Israel were distinct entities with their own territories and leadership. This directive to include foreigners within these tribes suggests a breaking down of barriers and an expansion of community boundaries, reflecting God's heart for unity and acceptance. a foreigner dwells
The term "foreigner" is translated from the Hebrew "גֵּר" (ger), which refers to a sojourner or resident alien. In ancient Israel, foreigners were often marginalized and lacked the rights and privileges of native-born Israelites. However, this verse emphasizes the importance of integrating these individuals into the community. The act of dwelling implies a sense of permanence and belonging, suggesting that God's covenant community is open to all who choose to reside within it, regardless of their origin. you are to assign his inheritance
The concept of inheritance in Hebrew, "נַחֲלָה" (nachalah), is deeply rooted in the idea of a permanent possession or heritage. In the context of Israel, land inheritance was a critical aspect of identity and security. By commanding the Israelites to assign inheritance to foreigners, God is extending the promise of stability and blessing to those who were traditionally excluded. This act of assigning inheritance is a powerful symbol of God's grace and the breaking down of societal barriers. there
The word "there" signifies a specific location within the tribal lands. It underscores the idea that the foreigner is not to be given a separate or lesser portion but is to be integrated fully into the existing tribal structure. This reflects the biblical principle of equality before God and the dismantling of divisions that separate people based on ethnicity or origin. declares the Lord GOD
This phrase is a solemn affirmation of divine authority and intention. The Hebrew "נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה" (ne'um Adonai Yahweh) is often used to emphasize the certainty and seriousness of God's pronouncements. It serves as a reminder that these instructions are not merely human ideals but are rooted in the divine will. The use of both "Adonai" (Lord) and "Yahweh" (GOD) highlights the covenantal relationship between God and His people, reinforcing the idea that this inclusive vision is an integral part of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel is known for his visions and prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel and the coming of God's kingdom. 2. ForeignerIn the context of ancient Israel, a foreigner (Hebrew: "ger") was someone who lived among the Israelites but was not originally part of the Israelite tribes. This verse emphasizes the inclusion of foreigners in the inheritance of the land. 3. Tribes of IsraelThe twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob, each of which was allocated a portion of the Promised Land. This verse indicates that foreigners residing among these tribes should also receive an inheritance. 4. InheritanceRefers to the allocation of land and blessings that God promised to the Israelites. The inclusion of foreigners in this inheritance signifies a broader understanding of God's covenant. 5. The Lord GODThe sovereign and covenant-keeping God of Israel, who declares His will and ensures the fulfillment of His promises. Teaching Points God's Inclusive CovenantGod's covenant extends beyond ethnic and national boundaries, inviting all who dwell among His people to share in His promises. The Role of the ChurchThe Church today is called to reflect God's inclusive nature by welcoming and integrating people from all backgrounds into the community of faith. Justice and EquityGod's command to assign inheritance to foreigners underscores His commitment to justice and equity, challenging believers to advocate for fair treatment of all people. Spiritual InheritanceBelievers are reminded of their spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is available to all who believe, regardless of their background. Living as a CommunityThe passage encourages believers to live as a unified community, recognizing the value and contributions of each member, including those who may be considered outsiders. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezekiel 47:23 challenge our understanding of community and inclusion within the Church today? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of assigning inheritance to foreigners in our modern context, particularly in our local church or community? 3. How do the teachings in Leviticus 19:34 and Isaiah 56:6-8 reinforce the message of Ezekiel 47:23? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our church community reflects God's inclusive love as demonstrated in this passage? 5. How does the New Testament teaching in Acts 10:34-35 relate to the principles found in Ezekiel 47:23, and how can this shape our approach to evangelism and discipleship? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 19:34This verse commands the Israelites to love the foreigner living among them as themselves, highlighting God's inclusive love and justice. Isaiah 56:6-8These verses speak of God's house being a house of prayer for all nations, emphasizing the inclusion of foreigners in worship and community. Acts 10:34-35Peter's realization that God shows no favoritism and accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right, reflecting the New Testament fulfillment of this inclusive principle. 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 Affirmation, Alien, Assign, Declares, Heritage, Inheritance, Pass, Resides, Says, Settles, Sojourner, Sojourneth, Sojourns, Sovereign, Stays, Strange, Stranger, Tribe, WhateverDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 47:22-23 6604 acceptance, human 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 47:23 NIVEzekiel 47:23 NLTEzekiel 47:23 ESVEzekiel 47:23 NASBEzekiel 47:23 KJV
Ezekiel 47:23 Commentaries
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