Borders of the Land
May 6, 2022
Commentary
We are now to pass from the affairs of the sanctuary to those of the state, from the city to the country (vv. 13-20). The land had originally been divided amongst the people following their initial settlement in the promised land. Now, the prophet envisions a new return from exile and a new division of territory amongst the chosen people. Although the boundaries are similar to those of other geographical accounts (Num. 34:1-12), the allocation of land to the tribes is quite different.
In the summary comments concerning the allocation of the land (vv. 21-23), a further new note is added. Formerly land had only been allocated to the tribes, and then subdivided amongst the other Hebrew members. But in the restored land, even aliens (immigrants) would be entitled to hold land and participate fully in life with their fellow countrymen. In reading this passage it is important to remember the context. The vision of a restored land is seen by one in exile; the prophet has no land and is cut off from the land to which he once belonged. Without permanent residence, he environs a time when all his people will live permanently once again in a God-given land. But Ezekiel is not only an exile, but also an alien. And as an alien in captivity, he has no special privileges and no right to hold land. But in the restored land of Israel, even aliens would have rights and privileges, provided by God.
Anyone who accepts the standards and is willing to obey may enjoy the blessings of God’s rule. It was this vision of a restored and better land that was to sustain the prophet and his companions in exile. But the deeper desire was not the land itself, of which the boundaries are described here in such detail, but rather it was the presence of God in the land.
Application
More important than what I accumulate in this life or in the life to come is the presence of God in the land and just being in His presence.
Ezekiel 47:13– 23 (NET)
13 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Here are the borders you will observe as you allot the land to the twelve tribes of Israel. (Joseph will have two portions.) 14 You must divide it equally just as I vowed to give it to your forefathers; this land will be assigned as your inheritance.
15 “This will be the border of the land: On the north side, from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon to the entrance of Zedad; 16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath, as far as Hazer Hattikon, which is on the border of Hauran. 17 The border will run from the sea to Hazar Enan, at the border of Damascus, and on the north is the border of Hamath. This is the north side. 18 On the east side, between Hauran and Damascus, and between Gilead and the land of Israel, will be the Jordan. You will measure from the border to the eastern sea. This is the east side. 19 On the south side it will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribah Kadesh, the river, to the Great Sea. This is the south side. 20 On the west side the Great Sea will be the boundary to a point opposite Lebo Hamath. This is the west side.
21 “This is how you will divide this land for yourselves among the tribes of Israel. 22 You must allot it as an inheritance among yourselves and for the resident foreigners who live among you, who have fathered sons among you. You must treat them as native-born among the people of Israel; they will be allotted an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe the resident foreigner lives, there you will give him his inheritance,” declares the Sovereign Lord.