Ezekiel 47:14

And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another: [concerning] the which I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance.

And ye shall inherit {H5157} it, one {H376} as well as another {H251}: concerning the which I lifted up {H5375} mine hand {H3027} to give {H5414} it unto your fathers {H1}: and this land {H776} shall fall {H5307} unto you for inheritance {H5159}.

For inheritance you will each have equal shares. I swore to your ancestors that I would give them this land, and now it falls to you to inherit it.

You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with an uplifted hand to give it to your forefathers, this land will fall to you as an inheritance.

And ye shall inherit it, one as well as another; for I sware to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall unto you for inheritance.

Commentary

Ezekiel 47:14 is a pivotal verse within Ezekiel's grand vision of a restored Israel and a new temple. Following the description of the life-giving river flowing from the temple, this verse shifts focus to the equitable division and inheritance of the land among the tribes of Israel.

Context

This verse is found at the conclusion of Ezekiel's detailed prophecy concerning the future temple and the land's restoration. Chapters 40-48 outline a meticulous plan for a renewed Jerusalem, a new temple, and the division of the land. Specifically, Ezekiel 47 describes a miraculous river that brings life and healing, transforming the desolate areas into fertile ground. Verses 13-23 then detail the boundaries and the method of distributing this renewed land, emphasizing that it will be an inheritance for all the tribes, including resident aliens.

Key Themes

  • Divine Promise and Faithfulness: The phrase "I lifted up mine hand to give it unto your fathers" refers to God's solemn oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning the Promised Land. This verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His ancient covenants, ensuring their ultimate fulfillment in a future restoration.
  • Equitable Inheritance: The declaration "one as well as another" highlights God's justice and provision for all His people. In this future inheritance, there will be no favoritism or exclusion; every tribe will receive an equal portion, contrasting with past historical inequalities.
  • Restoration and Possession: The repeated emphasis that "this land shall fall unto you for inheritance" reaffirms the certainty of Israel's return to and possession of their divinely appointed territory. This speaks to a complete national restoration, not just spiritual, but also territorial.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "lifted up mine hand" (Hebrew: nasa'ti yadi) is a powerful idiomatic expression signifying a solemn oath or a sworn promise. It's used in the Old Testament to convey God's absolute commitment and the unchangeable nature of His word. When God "lifts up His hand," it is an unshakeable guarantee, as seen in Exodus 6:8 regarding the giving of the land.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 47:14 offers profound comfort and hope. It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even across generations and through periods of judgment or exile. For believers today, while the immediate context refers to a literal land for Israel, it also points to the broader truth of our spiritual inheritance in Christ. Just as the land was promised and secured for Israel, so too are the blessings and eternal life secured for those who are in Christ. God's provision is abundant and His distribution is just. We can trust that His plans for our future, both individually and corporately, will come to fruition.

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Cross-References

  • Ezekiel 20:5

    ¶ And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I [am] the LORD your God;

  • Ezekiel 20:6

    In the day [that] I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which [is] the glory of all lands:

  • Genesis 12:7

    And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

  • Ezekiel 48:29

    This [is] the land which ye shall divide by lot unto the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these [are] their portions, saith the Lord GOD.

  • Proverbs 16:33

    ¶ The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof [is] of the LORD.

  • Genesis 26:3

    Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

  • Numbers 14:16

    Because the LORD was not able to bring this people into the land which he sware unto them, therefore he hath slain them in the wilderness.