You are to divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. You are to divideThe phrase "You are to divide" indicates a command or directive given by God through the prophet Ezekiel. The Hebrew root for "divide" is "חָלַק" (chalak), which means to apportion or distribute. This command reflects God's sovereign authority over the land and His intention for orderly distribution among His people. Historically, this directive echoes the division of the Promised Land under Joshua, emphasizing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It also symbolizes the restoration and renewal of Israel, pointing to a future hope where God's people are settled in peace and prosperity. this land
The term "this land" refers specifically to the land of Israel, a central theme in the biblical narrative. The land is not just a physical territory but a symbol of God's covenant with His people. In the Hebrew context, "אֶרֶץ" (eretz) is often used to denote the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. This promise is foundational to Israel's identity and mission. Archaeologically, the land of Israel is rich with evidence of ancient settlements, underscoring its historical significance. Spiritually, "this land" represents God's provision and blessing, a place where His presence dwells among His people. among yourselves
The phrase "among yourselves" highlights the communal aspect of the division. It implies a shared inheritance and responsibility among the tribes of Israel. The Hebrew word "בֵּינֵיכֶם" (beyneichem) suggests a sense of unity and cooperation. This communal distribution is a reminder of the interconnectedness of God's people and their collective identity as His chosen nation. It also serves as a call to live in harmony and justice, reflecting God's character in their relationships with one another. according to the tribes of Israel
The phrase "according to the tribes of Israel" specifies the method of division, rooted in the tribal system established by God. The Hebrew word for "tribes" is "שְׁבָטִים" (shevatim), referring to the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. This tribal identity is crucial in understanding Israel's social and religious structure. Historically, each tribe had its own territory, leaders, and responsibilities, contributing to the nation's overall function. Scripturally, the tribes represent the fullness of God's people, each with a unique role in His redemptive plan. This division underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant and His desire for each tribe to flourish in their God-given inheritance. 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 Tribes of IsraelThe descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob, representing the nation of Israel, who are to inherit the land. 3. The Promised LandThe land of Canaan, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants, symbolizing God's covenant and faithfulness. 4. The Division of the LandA prophetic vision of the future allocation of the land among the tribes, signifying restoration and fulfillment of God's promises. 5. The ExileThe historical context of the Babylonian captivity, during which Ezekiel prophesied, highlighting themes of judgment and hope. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod's promises are sure and steadfast. Just as He promised the land to Israel, He fulfills His promises to us today. Restoration and HopeEven in times of exile or difficulty, God has a plan for restoration. We can trust in His timing and purpose. Inheritance in ChristAs believers, we have a spiritual inheritance through Christ, which is secure and eternal. Unity Among BelieversThe division of the land among the tribes symbolizes unity and shared inheritance. In Christ, we are one body, called to live in harmony. Obedience to God's CommandsThe allocation of the land required obedience to God's instructions. We are called to follow God's Word in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the division of the land among the tribes of Israel reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 2. In what ways can the vision of restoration in Ezekiel 47 inspire hope in our current circumstances? 3. How does the concept of inheritance in Ezekiel relate to our spiritual inheritance in Christ? 4. What lessons can we learn about unity and cooperation from the division of the land among the tribes? 5. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, as seen in the allocation of the land? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12God's promise to Abraham about the land, establishing the covenant that is being fulfilled in Ezekiel's vision. Joshua 13-21The initial division of the land among the tribes under Joshua, providing a historical precedent for Ezekiel's vision. Revelation 21The vision of the New Jerusalem, drawing parallels to the restoration and perfect fulfillment of God's promises. Isaiah 11The prophecy of the gathering of Israel, which aligns with the theme of restoration in Ezekiel. Acts 2The outpouring of the Holy Spirit, symbolizing the new covenant and the spiritual inheritance of believers. 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 Divide, Divided, Division, Tribe, Tribes, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 47:21 7968 spiritual gifts, nature of 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 47:21 NIVEzekiel 47:21 NLTEzekiel 47:21 ESVEzekiel 47:21 NASBEzekiel 47:21 KJV
Ezekiel 47:21 Commentaries
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