Ezekiel 47:16

KJV

Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which [is] between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which [is] by the coast of Hauran.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hamath {H2574}, Berothah {H1268}, Sibraim {H5453}, which is between the border {H1366} of Damascus {H1834} and the border {H1366} of Hamath {H2574}; Hazarhatticon {H2694}, which is by the coast {H1366} of Hauran {H2362}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hamat, Berotah, Sibrayim (which is between the border of Dammesek and the border of Hamat), Hatzer-Hatikhon (which is toward the border of Havran).

Berean Standard Bible

On the north side it will extend from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon through Lebo-hamath to Zedad, Berothah, and Sibraim (which is on the border between Damascus and Hamath), as far as Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran.

American Standard Version

Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazer-hatticon, which is by the border of Hauran.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:16 meticulously delineates specific locations that form part of the northern boundary of the restored land of Israel in the prophet's grand vision. This verse, embedded within a detailed description of the future temple and the re-allotment of the land, underscores the divine precision and tangible reality of God's promised inheritance, emphasizing His faithfulness in establishing a secure and perfectly ordered territory for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the final section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which presents a detailed, visionary blueprint for a new temple, its worship, and the re-division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the awe-inspiring vision of the life-giving river flowing from the temple, transforming the desolate land into a lush paradise ([Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple")), the prophetic focus shifts to the precise geographical boundaries of this restored territory. The meticulous enumeration of towns and regions, including those in Ezekiel 47:16, serves to ground the spiritual promises in a tangible, geographically defined reality, highlighting the divine precision and certainty of God's covenant fulfillment. This section contrasts with the historical, often disputed borders of ancient Israel, presenting a divinely ordained, fixed, and secure inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national trauma and despair for the Israelites. Stripped of their land, temple, and sovereignty, they desperately needed a vision of hope and restoration. The detailed geographical descriptions, including the specific towns mentioned in Ezekiel 47:16 like Hamath and Damascus, were significant markers in the ancient Near East. Hamath was a prominent city-state often considered the traditional northern limit of Israelite influence, while Damascus was a powerful Aramaean capital, frequently an adversary to Israel. The inclusion of these well-known, albeit sometimes hostile, regions within the defined borders underscores the expansive and secure nature of the future land, extending beyond historical limitations. Hauran, a fertile region to the east, further defines the easternmost extent, emphasizing a comprehensive and divinely secured territory.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 47:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Foremost among them is the **divine re-establishment of Israel's inheritance** and the **faithfulness of God** to His covenant promises. The precise geographical markers underscore God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His word, even when human circumstances seem hopeless. This vision speaks to a future state of **peace and secure possession**, where God's perfect will is fully realized, contrasting sharply with the instability and loss experienced during the exile. It also reinforces the theme of **divine order and sovereignty**, as God Himself defines and secures the boundaries, ensuring a lasting and undisputed inheritance for His people, echoing the promises of a new heart and spirit found in [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - The New Heart and Spirit") and the national resurrection envisioned in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Vision of the Dry Bones").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hamath (Hebrew, _Chămâth'_):** From a root meaning "walled," this refers to Chamath, a significant ancient city in Syria. In Ezekiel 47:16, its mention as a boundary marker signifies the northernmost extent of the divinely promised land, indicating a vast and secure territory.
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** Properly, "a cord (as twisted)," by implication, "a boundary" or "the territory inclosed." The repeated use of this term throughout Ezekiel 47, and specifically here, emphasizes the divinely established, precise, and unchangeable nature of the land's limits. It signifies a clear, unambiguous demarcation.
* **Hauran (Hebrew, _Chavrân'_):** Apparently from a root meaning "cavernous," this refers to a region located east of the Jordan River, in modern-day southern Syria. Its inclusion in this verse helps define the northeastern extent of the future territory, demonstrating the comprehensive reach of God's promised inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim":** This initial listing identifies three key locations that define the northernmost points of the future Israelite territory. Hamath is a well-known city, while Berothah and Sibraim are less prominent but crucial for the precise delineation of the boundary.
* **"which [is] between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath":** This clause provides a precise geographical triangulation for Sibraim, explicitly placing it as an intermediate point between the powerful city of Damascus to the south and Hamath to the north. This level of detail underscores the meticulousness of the divine plan for the land's boundaries.
* **"Hazarhatticon, which [is] by the coast of Hauran":** This final segment of the verse extends the northern boundary eastward. Hazarhatticon, meaning "village of the middle," is located in proximity to Hauran, a fertile region east of the Jordan. This detail completes the description of the northern and northeastern limits, demonstrating the full scope of the divinely appointed inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:16 primarily employs **Geographical Enumeration** and **Meticulous Detail**. The verse is essentially a list of place names and their precise relative positions, serving to define the boundaries of the future land. This is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, emphasizing the divine authority and certainty behind the promised inheritance. The **Repetition** of "border" (though implied from the surrounding context and the Strong's data, as it appears twice in this verse) highlights the concept of a clearly defined, divinely established demarcation. This detailed mapping transforms an abstract promise into a concrete reality, underscoring God's faithfulness and the tangible nature of His future restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:16, with its precise geographical details, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His meticulous care for His covenant people. It illustrates that God's promises are not vague or ethereal but are grounded in concrete reality, demonstrating His ability to bring about complete restoration and secure inheritance. This vision of a perfectly delineated and secure land speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty and His commitment to establishing a place of peace and blessing for those who belong to Him. It foreshadows a future where divine order prevails, and His people dwell securely under His direct governance, free from the historical conflicts and uncertainties that plagued ancient Israel. The exactness of these boundaries signifies the absolute nature of God's covenant promises and His perfect plan for His people's territory and well-being.

* [Numbers 34:1-12](/numbers/34-1 "Numbers 34:1-12 - Borders of the Promised Land")
* [Joshua 13:1-7](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1-7 - Unconquered Territory and Tribal Allotments")
* [Isaiah 54:2-3](/isaiah/54-2-3 "Isaiah 54:2-3 - Enlarge Your Tent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific geographical details of Ezekiel 47:16 might seem remote to modern believers, this verse offers profound and enduring spiritual insights. It powerfully illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises. If God is so precise and faithful in delineating physical land boundaries for ancient Israel, how much more certain and precise are His spiritual promises for those who trust in Him today? This passage calls us to reflect on the security of our spiritual inheritance in Christ, reminding us that our standing with God is not vague or uncertain but divinely established and eternally secure. It assures us that God's plan for our lives, our salvation, and our future is perfectly ordered and will be fully realized. In a world marked by shifting values, uncertain futures, and constant change, Ezekiel's vision provides a profound sense of hope, reminding us that our ultimate security and inheritance rest in the unchanging faithfulness of God, who is capable of bringing complete healing, restoration, and renewal to every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to geographical detail in this verse strengthen your trust in His faithfulness regarding His promises for your life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's divine order and secure boundaries, rather than human efforts or anxieties?**
* **How does the vision of a perfectly restored and secure land in Ezekiel encourage your hope for God's ultimate restoration in a broken world?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific geographical details so important in Ezekiel's prophecy?**

Answer: The specific geographical details in Ezekiel 47:16 and the surrounding verses are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they underscore the **tangible reality and certainty** of God's promises. In a time of exile and despair, the detailed description of boundaries would have assured the Israelites that God's restoration was not merely spiritual but would involve a concrete, physical return to a divinely ordered land. Secondly, it emphasizes God's **sovereignty and meticulous planning**. Unlike the often shifting and disputed borders of historical Israel, these are divinely appointed and fixed, signifying a perfect, secure, and undisputed inheritance. Finally, it highlights the **expansiveness** of the future territory, reaching beyond previous historical limits, demonstrating the full scope of God's blessing and restoration.

**Is this a literal future land division, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple and land vision, including the boundaries in Ezekiel 47:16, varies among scholars. Some interpret it as a **literal future fulfillment** during a millennial kingdom, where a physical temple will be rebuilt, and the land will be re-divided according to these specifications. Others view it as primarily **symbolic**, representing the spiritual blessings and secure inheritance found in Christ and the New Covenant, or the ideal state of God's people in the new creation. A common approach is to see it as having both literal and symbolic dimensions. The detailed nature suggests a literal intent for God's people in a future era, yet the perfection and ideal nature of the vision also point to spiritual truths about God's presence, provision, and the ultimate security of His people, which find their ultimate expression in the spiritual realities of the New Testament. Regardless of the precise interpretation, the underlying message of God's faithfulness, His meticulous planning, and the secure inheritance for His people remains paramount.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 47:16 meticulously describes the physical boundaries of a restored land for Israel, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment transcends geographical limitations to encompass a spiritual and eternal inheritance. The secure, divinely ordered territory envisioned by Ezekiel points forward to the perfect and everlasting dwelling place God prepares for His people in Christ. Just as the precise boundaries guaranteed a secure possession for ancient Israel, so too does Christ guarantee an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Kept in Heaven")). The "land" in the New Covenant is not merely a physical plot but the very presence of God, the heavenly Jerusalem ([Hebrews 12:22](/hebrews/12-22 "Hebrews 12:22 - Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem")), and ultimately the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Through Christ, believers are brought into a secure, eternal relationship with God, inheriting all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")) and becoming co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). The meticulous detail of Ezekiel's vision thus foreshadows the absolute certainty and comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Christ, who is our true "inheritance" and the one who secures our eternal dwelling with God.

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

2 Samuel 8:8

And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.

Ezekiel 48:1

¶ 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.

Numbers 13:21

¶ So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.

Genesis 14:15

And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which [is] on the left hand of Damascus.

Zechariah 9:2

And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.

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:

1 Kings 8:65

And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven days, [even] fourteen days.