Ezekiel 47:15

And this [shall be] the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;

And this shall be the border {H1366} of the land {H776} toward the north {H6828} side {H6285}, from the great {H1419} sea {H3220}, the way {H1870} of Hethlon {H2855}, as men go {H935} to Zedad {H6657};

"'The borders of the land will be as follows: on the north, from the Great Sea through Hetlon to the entrance of Tz'dad,

This shall be the boundary of the land:

And this shall be the border of the land: On the north side, from the great sea, by the way of Hethlon, unto the entrance of Zedad;

Commentary

Ezekiel 47:15 describes a specific segment of the northern boundary of the land to be inherited by the tribes of Israel in Ezekiel's prophetic vision of restoration.

Context

This verse is part of a detailed description given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel in the future, post-exilic era. Chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel outline an elaborate vision of a new temple, a life-giving river flowing from it (Ezekiel 47:1-12), and then the precise borders of the Holy Land. Verses 13 through 23 of chapter 47 detail these boundaries, emphasizing God's meticulous plan for the restored nation.

Key Themes and Geographical Significance

Ezekiel 47:15 precisely defines the northern border of the land. It begins "from the great sea," referring to the Mediterranean Sea, which served as the western boundary. The phrase "the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad" points to specific geographical markers or routes in the northernmost reaches of the promised land. While the exact modern locations of Hethlon and Zedad are debated by scholars, their inclusion highlights the extraordinary detail and specificity of God's plan for Israel's inheritance. This meticulous mapping underscores:

  • Divine Order and Precision: God is not vague in His promises; He specifies exact boundaries, demonstrating His sovereignty and meticulous attention to detail in establishing His people's inheritance.
  • Fulfillment of Covenant: This vision reinforces earlier promises of land made to Abraham (Genesis 15:18) and subsequent descriptions of Israel's borders (Numbers 34:7-9).
  • Hope for Restoration: For the exiled Israelites, this detailed prophecy offered tangible hope of a future return and a secure, defined homeland, signifying God's unwavering faithfulness even in judgment.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew text uses standard geographical terms, emphasizing direction and known landmarks. The precision in naming "Hethlon" (ื—ึถืชึฐืœึนืŸ) and "Zedad" (ืฆึฐื“ึธื“ึธื”) indicates real or prophesied locations, not just abstract concepts. There isn't a complex linguistic nuance beyond the careful delineation of borders, which is characteristic of ancient land grants and covenant descriptions, highlighting the prophetic accuracy.

Practical Application

While this verse describes a specific geographical boundary for ancient Israel, its underlying principles offer broader spiritual application. The meticulous detail in God's plan for the land reminds believers today of God's:

  • Faithfulness: He keeps His promises, even those that seem distant or impossible.
  • Orderliness: God is a God of order, not chaos. His plans are precise and purposeful.
  • Provision: Just as He provided a defined inheritance for Israel, He provides for His people today, securing their place in His kingdom and His eternal purposes (John 14:2).
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Cross-References

  • Numbers 34:8

    From mount Hor ye shall point out [your border] unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:

  • Ezekiel 48:1

    ยถ Now these [are] the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east [and] west; a [portion for] Dan.