Ezekiel 47:13

¶ Thus saith the Lord GOD; This [shall be] the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph [shall have two] portions.

Thus saith {H559} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}; This {H1454} shall be the border {H1366}, whereby ye shall inherit {H5157} the land {H776} according to the twelve {H8147}{H6240} tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}: Joseph {H3130} shall have two portions {H2256}.

"Adonai ELOHIM says this: 'These are the borders of the land you are to distribute for inheritance by the twelve tribes of Isra'el, with Yosef receiving two portions.

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.

Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: This shall be the border, whereby ye shall divide the land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.

Context

Ezekiel 47:13 introduces the detailed description of the borders and division of the land among the tribes of Israel in a grand prophetic vision. This chapter is part of a larger section in Ezekiel (chapters 40-48) that outlines a highly detailed vision of a new temple, its ordinances, and the eventual re-allotment of the land. Following the vision of the life-giving river flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47:1-12), this verse shifts focus to the practicalities of the future inheritance, emphasizing God's meticulous plan for His people after their return from exile.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority and Promise: The introductory phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD" underscores that this detailed plan for the land's distribution is not a human invention but a direct, authoritative revelation from God. It signifies His absolute sovereignty and unwavering commitment to His covenant promises regarding the land of Israel.
  • Restoration and Inheritance: This verse speaks powerfully to the ultimate restoration of Israel and their secure inheritance of the promised land. Even after periods of exile and dispersion, God’s plan ensures each tribe receives its designated portion, highlighting the faithfulness of God to His people and His covenants.
  • The Twelve Tribes of Israel: The reference to "the twelve tribes of Israel" reinforces the unity and continuity of the nation in God's eyes, despite historical divisions. It points to a future time when the entire nation will participate in this sacred inheritance, reflecting God's comprehensive redemptive plan.
  • Joseph's Double Portion: The specific mention that "Joseph shall have two portions" is highly significant. This arrangement harks back to Jacob's adoption of Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, as his own (Genesis 48:5-6). This act effectively elevated Joseph to receive a double inheritance, equivalent to two distinct tribal portions. This unique distribution ensures that while the tribe of Levi did not receive a territorial inheritance, but rather cities and tithes (see Numbers 18:20-24), the total number of land-inheriting entities remains twelve, maintaining the symbolic completeness of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "Lord GOD" is Adonai Yahweh (אֲדֹנָי יְהֹוִה), a profound combination that emphasizes God's sovereign mastery (Adonai) and His covenant faithfulness as the self-existent and eternal one (Yahweh). This powerful naming convention reinforces the divine certainty and authority behind the promises of land distribution and the future of Israel.

Practical Application and Significance

Ezekiel's vision, including this verse, serves as a profound testament to God's incredible faithfulness and meticulous care for His people. It assures us that God's promises, even those that seem forgotten or delayed through history, will ultimately be fulfilled with divine precision. For believers today, this can be understood as a powerful illustration of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with His people, whether referring to a literal future restoration of Israel or a symbolic assurance of the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells. It reminds us that God has a detailed and perfect plan for His kingdom and for each of His children, ensuring that every promise will be realized in His perfect timing and order.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ezekiel 48:4

    And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a [portion for] Manasseh.

  • Ezekiel 48:6

    And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a [portion for] Reuben.

  • Jeremiah 3:18

    In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.

  • Genesis 48:5

    And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, [are] mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.

  • Numbers 34:2

    Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land of Canaan; (this [is] the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, [even] the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)

  • Numbers 34:12

    And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.

  • Jeremiah 31:1

    ¶ At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

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