Ezekiel 47:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:13 introduces the divine mandate for the future distribution of the promised land among the restored tribes of Israel, following the vision of the life-giving river flowing from the temple. This verse establishes the authoritative nature of the land's borders and emphasizes God's meticulous plan for His people's inheritance, notably granting Joseph a double portion to ensure the symbolic completeness of the twelve tribal allotments. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises of restoration and possession.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47:13 marks a significant transition within Ezekiel's grand prophetic vision, specifically within chapters 40-48, which detail the new temple, its ordinances, and the re-allotment of the land. The preceding verses (Ezekiel 47:1-12) describe the miraculous, life-giving river flowing from the temple, transforming the desolate landscape into a fertile paradise, symbolizing spiritual renewal and abundant life. This verse shifts the focus from the spiritual vitality emanating from the temple to the practical, physical inheritance of the land. It sets the stage for the highly detailed description of the precise boundaries and tribal divisions that follow in Ezekiel 47:14 through Ezekiel 48:35, demonstrating God's meticulous planning for the restored community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision in Ezekiel was given during the Babylonian exile, a time when the people of Israel had lost their land, their temple, and their national identity. The promise of re-inheriting the land was therefore a profound 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 not merely property; it was a sacred inheritance, a tangible sign of God's covenant faithfulness and the basis of their tribal identity 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.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Authority and Sovereignty**, as indicated by the opening phrase "Thus saith the Lord GOD," asserting that this detailed plan for the land's distribution is a direct, authoritative revelation from God, not a human construct. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Restoration and Covenant Fulfillment**, assuring Israel that despite their exile, God's promises of a secure inheritance in the promised land would ultimately be realized. This echoes earlier promises of land from [Abraham](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - The Promise of Land to Abraham") onwards. 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 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](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh"), 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](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")), the total number of land-inheriting entities remains twelve, maintaining the symbolic completeness of Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây'_):** This term is an emphatic form of "Adon," meaning "master" or "owner." When used as a proper name for God, as it is here in conjunction with "GOD" (YHWH), 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.
* **GOD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvih'_):** This is a specific vocalization of the Tetragrammaton YHWH, often used when YHWH appears alongside `ʼĂdônây` to avoid repeating the same sound. It represents the covenant-keeping, self-existent God who is faithful to His promises. The combination "Lord GOD" (Adonai YHWH) powerfully conveys God's supreme authority and His unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, particularly regarding their land inheritance.
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** 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 and certainty of God's plan for the distribution of the inheritance.
* **inherit (Hebrew, _nâchal'_):** 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.
* **portions (Hebrew, _chebel'_):** 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.
* **"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 but divinely ordained, ensuring a just and orderly 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 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](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh"), 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. The most prominent is the **Divine Oracle Formula** ("Thus saith the Lord GOD"), which immediately establishes the absolute authority and divine origin of the message. This formula is common throughout prophetic literature and serves to authenticate the prophet's words as direct revelation from God. **Symbolism** is also at play, with "the land" representing not just physical territory but God's covenant faithfulness, His promise of rest, and the security He provides for His people. The "twelve tribes of Israel" symbolize the restored and unified nation, emphasizing continuity despite historical divisions. Furthermore, the specific mention of "Joseph's two portions" carries **Allusion** to earlier biblical narratives, specifically Jacob's blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh, linking this future vision to the foundational history and promises of Israel. The meticulous detail concerning borders and portions also functions as **Foreshadowing**, painting a vivid picture of a future, divinely ordered reality, assuring the exiles of a tangible and precise restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:13 profoundly speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness and meticulous care for 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 and ordered inheritance for His people, demonstrating His sovereignty over all creation and His specific 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.

* [Joshua 13:7](/joshua/13-7 "Joshua 13:7 - Land Division by Lot") - This verse from Joshua highlights the original divine command to divide the land by lot among the tribes, establishing the precedent for God's direct involvement in Israel's inheritance.
* [Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant") - Jeremiah's prophecy of a new covenant, where God's law is written on the heart, provides a spiritual parallel to the physical restoration and inheritance promised in Ezekiel, pointing to a deeper, internal transformation.
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - New Heavens and New Earth") - The vision of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation speaks to the ultimate, eternal inheritance for God's people, where righteousness dwells and God's presence is fully realized, transcending the physical boundaries of the earthly promised land.

### 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, this verse reminds us 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, He also orchestrates the circumstances of our lives, ensuring that His promises will be realized in His perfect timing and order. This 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. 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.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan for the land's division in Ezekiel 47:13 encourage your trust in His plans for your own life, even when circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain?**
* **In what ways can you identify with the concept of "inheriting the land" in a spiritual sense, considering your identity as a child of God and an heir with Christ?**
* **What does "Joseph's two portions" teach you about God's justice and His ability to uniquely bless individuals within His broader covenant community?**

### FAQ

**Why is the phrase "Lord GOD" used instead of "LORD God" or simply "God"?**

Answer: 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 and authority. `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?**

Answer: The allocation of "two portions" to Joseph in Ezekiel 47:13 is rooted in a significant historical and patriarchal event. In [Genesis 48:5](/genesis/48-5 "Genesis 48:5 - Jacob Adopts Ephraim and Manasseh"), 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](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20-24 - The Levites' Inheritance")). Thus, Joseph's double portion ensured the symbolic and practical completeness of Israel's tribal land division.

### 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](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Inheriting the Kingdom") 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, He has secured for us an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). The meticulous division of land in Ezekiel foreshadows the perfect order and 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](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - 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 and eternal security ([Psalm 16:5](/psalm/16-5 "Psalm 16:5 - The LORD is My Chosen Portion")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.