This is what the Lord GOD says: "These are the boundaries by which you are to divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel; Joseph shall receive two portions. This is what the Lord GOD saysThis phrase underscores the divine authority and origin of the message. The Hebrew term for "Lord GOD" is "Adonai Yahweh," emphasizing both the sovereignty and covenantal relationship God has with Israel. This introduction serves as a reminder that the instructions are not merely human decisions but are divinely ordained, carrying the weight and authority of God Himself. This is the boundary
The term "boundary" refers to the specific geographical limits set by God for the land of Israel. In the Hebrew context, boundaries were significant as they defined the inheritance and identity of the tribes. This demarcation is not just a physical description but a divine allocation, reflecting God's sovereign plan for His people. It signifies order, structure, and divine intention in the distribution of the land. by which you are to divide the land
The act of dividing the land is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Hebrew word for "divide" (חָלַק, "chalak") implies an equitable distribution, ensuring that each tribe receives its rightful inheritance. This division is not arbitrary but is guided by divine wisdom and justice, reflecting God's faithfulness to His covenant. as an inheritance
The concept of "inheritance" (נַחֲלָה, "nachalah") is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of God's promises. It signifies a permanent possession, a gift from God that is to be cherished and preserved. This inheritance is not just a physical territory but a spiritual legacy, symbolizing the enduring relationship between God and His people. among the twelve tribes of Israel
The mention of the "twelve tribes" highlights the unity and diversity within the nation of Israel. Each tribe, descending from the sons of Jacob, has a unique role and identity within the collective whole. This allocation reaffirms the covenantal promises made to the patriarchs and underscores the continuity of God's plan for His chosen people. with Joseph having two portions
Joseph receiving "two portions" is a reference to the double blessing given to him, which is fulfilled through his sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. This allocation reflects the special favor and blessing Joseph received from Jacob, as recorded in Genesis. It also serves as a reminder of God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, even through the complexities of human history. This double portion signifies abundance and the continuation of God's faithfulness to His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzekielA prophet during the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel receives visions from God, including the vision of the restored land of Israel. 2. The Twelve Tribes of IsraelDescendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, each tribe is to receive a portion of the land. 3. JosephOne of Jacob's sons, whose two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, each receive a portion, effectively giving Joseph a double portion. 4. The Land of IsraelThe promised land that God is restoring to the Israelites, symbolizing God's faithfulness and covenant. 5. The Lord GODThe sovereign God who speaks through Ezekiel, emphasizing His authority and the fulfillment of His promises. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesGod remains faithful to His covenant with Israel, ensuring the land is divided as promised. This reminds us of His unchanging nature and reliability. The Importance of InheritanceThe division of the land signifies the importance of spiritual inheritance. Believers are encouraged to value their spiritual heritage and pass it on to future generations. Unity and Diversity in God's PlanWhile each tribe receives a distinct portion, they collectively form the nation of Israel. This reflects the unity and diversity within the body of Christ. The Role of Leadership and ObedienceEzekiel's role as a prophet highlights the importance of leadership in guiding God's people according to His word. Believers are called to follow godly leadership and obey God's commands. Hope for RestorationThe vision of the restored land offers hope for restoration and renewal. In Christ, believers have the promise of spiritual restoration and eternal inheritance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the division of the land among the twelve tribes reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. In what ways can we apply the concept of spiritual inheritance in our lives today? 3. How does the unity and diversity among the tribes of Israel relate to the church as the body of Christ? 4. What can we learn from Ezekiel's role as a prophet about the importance of leadership and obedience in our spiritual journey? 5. How does the promise of restoration in Ezekiel 47:13 encourage us in our personal walk with God and in the hope of eternal life? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 48Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, granting them inheritance rights as his own sons, which explains why Joseph receives two portions. Joshua 13-19The division of the land among the tribes of Israel, providing historical context for the allocation of land. Revelation 21The vision of the New Jerusalem, where the twelve tribes are symbolically represented, connecting the restoration of Israel to the ultimate fulfillment in the new creation. 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 Allot, Border, Boundaries, Boundary, Divide, Heritage, Inherit, Inheritance, Joseph, Limits, Portions, Receiving, Says, Thus, Tribes, Twelve, WherebyDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 47:13 7631 Twelve, calling of Ezekiel 47:13-14 7266 tribes of Israel 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 47:13 NIVEzekiel 47:13 NLTEzekiel 47:13 ESVEzekiel 47:13 NASBEzekiel 47:13 KJV
Ezekiel 47:13 Commentaries
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