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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ezekiel 47:13–23.
We are now to pass from the affairs of the sanctuary to those of the state, from the city to the country. 1. The Land of Canaan is here secured to them for an inheritance (Eze 47:14): I lifted up my hand to give it unto your fathers, that is, promised it upon oath to them and their posterity. Though the possession had been a great while discontinued, yet God had not forgotten his oath which he swore to their fathers. Though God's providences may for a time seem to contradict his promises, yet the promise will certainly take place at last, for God will be ever mindful of his covenant. I lifted up my hand to give it, and therefore it shall without fail fall to you for an inheritance. Thus the heavenly Canaan is sure to all the seed, because it is what God, who cannot lie, has promised. 2. It is here circumscribed, and the bounds and limits of it are fixed, which they must not pass over to encroach upon their neighbours and which their neighbours shall not break through to encroach upon them. We had such a draught of the borders of Canaan when Joshua was to put the people in possession of it, Num 34:1, etc. That begins with the salt sea in the south, goes round and ends there. This begins with Hamath about Damascus in the north, and so goes round and ends there, Eze 47:20. Note, It is God that appoints the bounds of our habitation; and his Israel shall always have cause to say that the lines have fallen to them in pleasant places. The lake of Sodom is here called the east sea, for it, being healed by the waters of the sanctuary, it is no more to be called a salt sea, as it was in Numbers. 3. It is here ordered to be divided among the tribes of Israel, reckoning Joseph for two tribes, to make up the number of twelve, when Levi was taken out to attend the sanctuary, and had his lot adjoining to that (Eze 47:13, Eze 47:21): You shall inherit it, one as well as another, Eze 47:14. The tribes shall have an equal share, one as much as another. As the tribes returned out of Babylon, this seems unequal, because some tribes were much more numerous than the other, and indeed the most were of Judah and Benjamin and very few of the other ten tribes; but as the twelve tribes stand, in type and vision, for the gospel-church, the Israel of God, it was very equal, because we find in another vision an equal number of each of the twelve tribes sealed for the living God, just 12,000 of each, Rev 7:5, etc. And to those sealed ones these allotments did belong. It intimates likewise that all the subjects of Christ's kingdom have obtained like precious faith. Male and female, Jew and Gentile, bond and free, are all alike welcome to Christ and made partakers of him. 4. The strangers who sojourn among them, who shall beget children and be built up into families, and so help to people their country, shall have inheritance among the tribes, as if they had been native Israelites (Eze 47:22, Eze 47:23), which was by no means allowed in Joshua's division of the land. This is an act for a general naturalization, which would teach the Jews who was their neighbour, not those only of their own nation and religion, but those, whoever they were, that they had an opportunity of showing kindness to, because from them they would be willing to receive kindness. It would likewise invite strangers to come and settle among them, and put themselves under the wings of the divine Majesty. But it certainly looks at gospel-times, when the partition-wall between Jew and Gentile was taken down, and both one in Christ, in whom there is no difference, Rom 10:12. This land was a type of the heavenly Canaan, that better country (Heb 11:16), in which believing Gentiles shall have a blessed lot, as well as believing Jews, Isa 56:3.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
(Verse 13, 14) Thus says the Lord God: This is the boundary in which you shall possess the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel, for Joseph has a double portion. Each of you shall possess it equally as his brother, to whom I raised my hand to give it to your fathers; and this land shall fall to you as a possession. Because we said that Joseph has a double portion, the Septuagint translated it as an increase of the portion. For indeed Joseph is interpreted as increase; understanding the matter instead of the name, and confusing the mind of the reader. For when the Levite tribe was subtracted and delegated to temple sacrifices, there remained eleven tribes, of which the tribe of Joseph was divided into two, Ephraim and Manasseh, who said to Joshua the son of Nun: Why have you given me the possession of one lot and one portion, since I am of such a great multitude, and the Lord has blessed me? To which Joshua responded: If you are a large population, go up into the forest and clear for yourself the spaces in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaim, because the possession of the mountain of Ephraim is narrow for you (Joshua 17: 14, 15). And again, Joshua said to the house of Ephraim and Manasseh: You are a large and powerful people, you shall not have one portion, but you shall go to the mountain and clear for yourself spaces to dwell, and you will be able to advance further when you have driven out the Canaanite, who you say has iron chariots and is strongest (Ibid., 27). We say this for the following reason: because the Scriptures now mention Joseph, that is, Ephraim and Manasseh, as having a double portion. But each tribe, according to its own multitude, receives equal portions of land, not divided by the will of the divider, but by lot, which is in the power of the Lord. Finally, even Joshua himself, who was the divider of the land, did not separate for himself a particular piece of land, so as not to appear to have chosen the best; but he received from the leaders of all the tribes, Timnath-serah in the mount of Ephraim.
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Summary
Ezekiel 47:13 introduces the divine blueprint for the future division of the promised land among the restored tribes of Israel, following the profound vision of the life-giving river flowing from the temple. This verse authoritatively outlines the precise borders and emphasizes God's meticulous plan for His people's inheritance, specifically granting Joseph a double portion to ensure the symbolic and practical completeness of the twelve tribal allotments. It powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises of restoration, possession, and orderly provision for His people.
Context
Literary Context
Ezekiel 47:13 marks a pivotal transition within Ezekiel's climactic prophetic vision, specifically within chapters 40-48, which meticulously detail the new temple, its sacred ordinances, and the comprehensive re-allotment of the land. The preceding verses Ezekiel 47:1-12 describe the miraculous, life-giving river emanating from the temple, transforming the desolate landscape into a fertile paradise, symbolizing profound spiritual renewal and abundant life. This verse shifts the focus from the spiritual vitality flowing from the temple to the practical, physical inheritance of the land itself. It sets the stage for the highly detailed description of the precise geographical boundaries and tribal divisions that follow in Ezekiel 47:14-23 and Ezekiel 48:1-35, demonstrating the divine order and meticulous planning for the restored community.
Historical & Cultural Context
The visions recorded in Ezekiel were delivered during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The people had lost their land, their cherished temple, and their national identity, scattered among foreign nations. The promise of re-inheriting the land was, therefore, an extraordinarily potent message of hope and restoration, directly addressing their deepest longings and the apparent failure of God's covenant promises. In ancient Israelite culture, land was far more than mere property; it was a sacred inheritance, a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness, and the foundational basis of their tribal identity, social structure, and economic security. The precise demarcation of borders and tribal portions, as detailed in this vision, would have resonated deeply with a people whose ancestral lands had been confiscated and whose tribal lines had been blurred by dispersion and captivity. It affirmed their future as a distinct people, rooted in God's provision.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Authority and Sovereignty, as indicated by the opening phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD," which asserts that this detailed plan for the land's distribution is a direct, authoritative revelation from God, not a human construct or aspiration. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the theme of Restoration and Covenant Fulfillment, assuring Israel that despite their exile and judgment, God's ancient promises of a secure inheritance in the promised land would ultimately be realized. This echoes earlier promises of land made to Abraham in Genesis 12:7 and reiterated throughout the Pentateuch. Thirdly, the reference to "the twelve tribes of Israel" reinforces the theme of National Unity and Continuity in God's eyes, pointing to a future time when the entire nation, united, would participate in this sacred inheritance, reflecting God's comprehensive redemptive plan. Finally, the specific mention of "Joseph shall have two portions" emphasizes God's Meticulous and Equitable Justice, recalling Jacob's adoption of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, in Genesis 48:5, which effectively granted Joseph a double inheritance. This unique arrangement ensures that even with the Levites not receiving a territorial inheritance (as seen in Numbers 18:20-24), the total number of land-inheriting entities remains twelve, maintaining the symbolic completeness of Israel's tribal structure.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term is an emphatic form of ʼâdôn, meaning "master" or "owner." When used as a proper name for God, as it is here in conjunction with Yᵉhôvih (GOD), it emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, mastery, and authority over all creation and His people. It signifies that the following declaration comes from the ultimate ruler and possessor of the land, whose word is final and binding.
This is a specific vocalization of the Tetragrammaton YHWH, the ineffable divine name, often used when YHWH appears alongside ʼĂdônây to avoid repeating the same sound in reading. It represents the covenant-keeping, self-existent God who is eternally faithful to His promises. The combination "Lord GOD" (ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih) powerfully conveys God's supreme authority and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, particularly regarding their land inheritance.
Derived from a root meaning "to twist" (like a cord), this word literally refers to a measuring line or cord, and by implication, a boundary or limit. In this context, it signifies the divinely established and precisely defined boundaries of the land. It implies a fixed, unchangeable demarcation, emphasizing the order, certainty, and divine precision of God's plan for the distribution of the inheritance.
This primitive root means "to inherit" or "to occupy." It carries the connotation of receiving a possession or portion, often as a legacy or through divine allotment. In the context of the land, it signifies not just temporary occupation but a permanent, divinely sanctioned possession, fulfilling the ancient promises made to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan.
Like gᵉbûwl, this word also means "rope" or "measuring line." By extension, it refers to a "district" or "inheritance" that has been measured out. The use of the plural "portions" for Joseph highlights that his inheritance will be measured out as two distinct territories, reflecting the two tribes that sprang from him (Ephraim and Manasseh), thereby maintaining the twelve-tribe allocation of land despite Levi's non-territorial inheritance.
Verse Breakdown
"Thus saith the Lord GOD"
This opening phrase functions as a divine oracle formula, unequivocally declaring that the following words are a direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself. It underscores the absolute certainty and binding nature of the pronouncement, emphasizing God's sovereignty as the ultimate source of the land's distribution and the unalterable nature of His decree.
"This [shall be] the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel"
This clause establishes the central theme of the verse: the divine determination of the land's boundaries and its distribution. The "border" is not arbitrary or subject to human negotiation but divinely ordained, ensuring a just, orderly, and complete inheritance. The phrase "according to the twelve tribes of Israel" affirms the continuity of God's covenant with the entire nation, promising a future restoration where each tribe receives its designated share, reflecting the original tribal divisions in the conquest of Canaan.
"Joseph [shall have two] portions"
This specific directive highlights a unique and significant aspect of the land distribution. Joseph, through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh, is granted a double portion, effectively receiving two distinct tribal inheritances. This arrangement, rooted in Jacob's blessing in Genesis 48:5, ensures that despite the tribe of Levi not receiving a territorial inheritance (as they were scattered among the other tribes and supported by tithes), the total number of land-inheriting entities remains twelve, maintaining the symbolic and practical completeness of the nation's territorial division.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the Divine Oracle Formula ("Thus saith the Lord GOD"), which immediately establishes the absolute authority, divine origin, and unchallengeable nature of the message. This formula is a hallmark of prophetic literature, serving to authenticate the prophet's words as direct revelation from the Almighty. Symbolism is also deeply embedded, with "the land" representing not just physical territory but God's covenant faithfulness, His promise of rest, security, and the tangible manifestation of His presence among His people. The "twelve tribes of Israel" symbolize the restored, unified, and complete nation, emphasizing continuity and the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan despite historical divisions and dispersions. Furthermore, the specific mention of "Joseph's two portions" carries a powerful Allusion to earlier biblical narratives, specifically Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh, linking this future vision to the foundational history and enduring promises of Israel. The meticulous detail concerning borders and portions also functions as Foreshadowing, painting a vivid and precise picture of a future, divinely ordered reality, assuring the exiles of a tangible and exact restoration.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ezekiel 47:13 profoundly speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness, meticulous care, and sovereign authority over His covenant people. It underscores that God's promises, even those seemingly forgotten or delayed through periods of judgment and exile, will ultimately be fulfilled with divine precision and authority. The detailed allocation of land signifies God's commitment to providing a secure, ordered, and abundant inheritance for His people, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation and His specific, redemptive plans for humanity. This vision of a restored Israel receiving its land serves as a powerful testament to God's redemptive purposes, pointing to an ultimate state of peace, order, and flourishing under His divine rule. The meticulous nature of the division also highlights God's justice and equity, ensuring that each tribe receives its rightful portion according to His design, even accommodating unique historical circumstances like Joseph's double portion to maintain the integrity of the twelve-tribe system.
Reflection and Application
Ezekiel 47:13 offers profound assurance that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. For those facing uncertainty, loss, or displacement in their own lives, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God has a detailed and perfect plan for His kingdom and for each of His children. Just as He meticulously planned the inheritance for the tribes of Israel, down to the specific portions and borders, He also orchestrates the circumstances of our lives, ensuring that His promises will be realized in His perfect timing and order. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of trust and security in His sovereign hand, knowing that our ultimate "inheritance" in Him is secure and precisely measured out according to His divine wisdom. It calls us to live with the confidence that God's purposes for us, whether in our earthly pilgrimage or our eternal destiny, are fixed and certain, rooted in His unchangeable character. We are called to patiently await and actively participate in the unfolding of His divine plan, trusting that He will lead us to our designated "portion" in His kingdom, a place of rest, security, and flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is the phrase "Lord GOD" used instead of "LORD God" or simply "God"?
The Hebrew phrase translated "Lord GOD" in Ezekiel 47:13 is ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih (H136 H3069). This specific combination is significant. ʼĂdônây (Lord) means "my Lord" or "my Master" and emphasizes God's sovereignty, authority, and ownership. Yᵉhôvih is a special vocalization of the divine name YHWH (the Tetragrammaton), which is typically pronounced "Yahweh" and signifies God's covenant faithfulness and self-existence. When ʼĂdônây appears immediately before YHWH in the Hebrew text, the Masoretes (Jewish scholars who preserved the Hebrew text) would vocalize YHWH as Yᵉhôvih to avoid the repetition of the same sound (Adonai Adonai) and out of reverence, as they would otherwise pronounce YHWH as ʼĂdônây in their readings. This combination, "Lord GOD," powerfully conveys both God's supreme authority and His unwavering covenant fidelity, reinforcing the divine certainty behind the promises of land distribution.
Why does Joseph receive two portions of the land, while other tribes receive one?
The allocation of "two portions" to Joseph in Ezekiel 47:13 is rooted in a significant historical and patriarchal event. In Genesis 48:5, Jacob (Israel) adopted Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own, declaring, "Ephraim and Manasseh shall be mine, as Reuben and Simeon are mine." This act effectively elevated Joseph to the status of a firstborn son, granting him a double inheritance, which was typically reserved for the firstborn. Consequently, instead of a single "tribe of Joseph," two distinct tribes emerged—Ephraim and Manasseh—each receiving its own territorial inheritance. This arrangement was crucial for maintaining the number of land-inheriting entities at twelve, as the tribe of Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance but was instead dispersed among the other tribes to serve as priests and teachers (as seen in Numbers 18:20-24). Thus, Joseph's double portion ensured the symbolic and practical completeness of Israel's tribal land division, preserving the twelve-tribe structure for the land inheritance.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ezekiel 47:13, with its meticulous detail of land inheritance for a restored Israel, finds its ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the vision speaks to a literal future for Israel, its deeper theological resonance points to the spiritual inheritance available to all who are in Christ. Just as the land was a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, so too is Christ the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, the one through whom we receive our eternal inheritance. In Him, believers become part of the true Israel of God, inheriting not merely a physical plot of land, but the very kingdom of God and eternal life. Colossians 1:12 speaks of being "qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Jesus is the one who grants access to this spiritual "Promised Land," a reality far greater than any earthly territory. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He has secured for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4). The meticulous division of land in Ezekiel foreshadows the perfect order and abundant provision found in God's eternal kingdom, where Christ is the Head and the true dwelling place for His people, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God dwells with His people forever. He is the ultimate "portion" and inheritance for all who believe, transcending the physical to provide spiritual abundance, eternal security, and perfect communion with God (Psalm 16:5).