
Ezekiel 47
Ezekiel 47 provides a profound vision of a river flowing from the temple, symbolizing life and healing. In this vision, Ezekiel is shown a miraculous river that begins as a trickle but deepens as it flows, ultimately transforming the desert and nourishing everything in its path. This chapter symbolizes the spiritual life and blessings that come from God and the restoration of Israel. The river is a powerful image of God’s life-giving power, bringing transformation, healing, and abundance to all it touches.
Ezekiel 47:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Then he brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar.
2 He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side.
The vision begins with water emerging from the temple’s threshold, emphasizing its divine origin. This water symbolizes the life and blessings that flow from God’s presence. The eastward direction and the path south of the altar reflect the traditional orientation and sacred design of the temple, where God’s presence dwells. This water, flowing out, represents the beginning of God’s life-giving work from His sanctuary, set to extend beyond its physical bounds.
Ezekiel 47:3-5 (NKJV)
3 And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles.
4 Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist.
5 Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed.
As Ezekiel follows, the water gradually deepens, symbolizing the increasing depth and impact of God’s blessings. Starting at ankle height and eventually becoming a river that cannot be crossed, this progressive deepening represents the vast and overwhelming extent of divine life and grace. The river’s unstoppable flow conveys the idea that God’s blessings and transformative power are boundless, reaching far beyond human control.
Ezekiel 47:6-9 (NKJV)
6 He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river.
7 When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other.
8 Then he said to me: “This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed.
9 And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes.
Upon returning to the riverbank, Ezekiel observes abundant trees along the river, symbolizing the flourishing life that accompanies God’s blessings. The river flows into the Dead Sea, transforming its lifeless waters, which represents how God’s presence brings life and healing even to the most barren places. The multitude of fish symbolizes the fullness of life and renewal wherever God’s spirit flows.
Ezekiel 47:10-12 (NKJV)
10 It shall be that fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim; they will be places for spreading their nets. Their fish will be of the same kinds as the fish of the Great Sea, exceedingly many.
11 But its swamps and marshes will not be healed; they will be given over to salt.
12 Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.
The river provides sustenance, enabling fishermen to thrive with abundant fish, signifying prosperity and the spread of God’s blessings. However, the swamps and marshes remain salty, perhaps symbolizing areas that resist the river’s life-giving flow. The trees along the riverbank, which bear fruit continually, represent the ongoing provision and healing from God, with their fruit and leaves meeting both physical and spiritual needs.
Ezekiel 47:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Thus says the Lord God: “These are the borders by which you shall divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions.
14 You shall inherit it equally with one another; for I raised My hand in an oath to give it to your fathers, and this land shall fall to you as your inheritance.
God’s promise to restore the land to Israel is reaffirmed, with the division among the twelve tribes, granting two portions to Joseph. This division of land symbolizes not only restoration but also equality, as each tribe receives a fair inheritance. God’s oath signifies the fulfillment of His covenant and His unwavering commitment to His people.
Ezekiel 47:15-17 (NKJV)
15 This shall be the border of the land on the north: from the Great Sea, by the road to Hethlon, as one goes to Zedad,
16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim (which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath), to Hazar Hatticon (which is on the border of Hauran).
17 Thus the boundary shall be from the Sea to Hazar Enan, the border of Damascus; and as for the north, northward, it is the border of Hamath. This is the north side.
The northern boundary of the land is defined, stretching from the Great Sea (Mediterranean) to areas around Hamath and Damascus. These territorial markers outline the scope of Israel’s inheritance, emphasizing God’s provision of a specific land for His people. This boundary description reflects God’s order and care in establishing a homeland for Israel.
Ezekiel 47:18-21 (NKJV)
18 On the east side you shall mark out the border from between Hauran and Damascus, and between Gilead and the land of Israel, along the Jordan, and along the eastern side of the sea. This is the east side.
19 The south side, toward the South, shall be from Tamar to the waters of Meribah by Kadesh, along the brook to the Great Sea. This is the south side, toward the South.
20 The west side shall be the Great Sea, from the southern boundary until one comes to a point opposite Hamath. This is the west side.
21 Thus you shall divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel.
Each border—east, south, and west—is further delineated, encompassing a vast area that ensures security and stability for the nation of Israel. By defining these borders, God sets a place where His people can live in peace and fulfillment of His promise. The instruction to divide the land among the tribes reinforces unity and communal inheritance, underscoring Israel’s collective identity under God.
Ezekiel 47:22-23 (NKJV)
22 It shall be that you will divide it by lot as an inheritance for yourselves, and for the strangers who dwell among you and who bear children among you. They shall be to you as native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.
23 And it shall be that in whatever tribe the stranger dwells, there you shall give him his inheritance,” says the Lord God.
Inclusivity is highlighted in the final verses, as even non-Israelites dwelling among the people are granted an inheritance. This provision represents the broad embrace of God’s kingdom, where all who live among His people, regardless of origin, are welcomed. This vision aligns with the spirit of God’s compassion, promoting unity and belonging among all who are part of the community.