Ezekiel 47:17

KJV

And the border from the sea shall be Hazarenan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And [this is] the north side.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the border {H1366} from the sea {H3220} shall be Hazarenan {H2703}, the border {H1366} of Damascus {H1834}, and the north {H6828} northward {H6828}, and the border {H1366} of Hamath {H2574}. And this is the north {H6828} side {H6285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The border from the sea will be Hatzar-'Einon (at the border of Dammesek); while on the north, northward, is the border of Hamat. This is the north side.

Berean Standard Bible

So the border will run from the Sea to Hazar-enan, along the northern border of Damascus, with the territory of Hamath to the north. This will be the northern boundary.

American Standard Version

And the border from the sea, shall be Hazar-enon at the border of Damascus; and on the north northward is the border of Hamath. This is the north side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:17 meticulously details a segment of the northern boundary of the restored land of Israel in the prophet's vision. It describes the precise geographical markers from the Mediterranean Sea eastward, encompassing Hazarenan, Damascus, and Hamath, thereby emphasizing God's meticulous plan for the future inheritance of His people and the secure, divinely ordered nature of the promised territory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47 is situated within the final major section of the book (chapters 40-48), which presents a comprehensive prophetic vision of Israel's restoration. Following the elaborate description of the new temple and its ordinances in [Ezekiel 40-46](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-46 - Vision of the New Temple"), chapter 47 introduces the miraculous, life-giving river flowing from the temple, symbolizing spiritual healing and abundance. Verses 13-23 then transition to outlining the precise boundaries and division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel in this future, millennial kingdom. Verse 17 specifically defines the northern border, following the general outline of the land's extent given in [Ezekiel 47:13-14](/ezekiel/47-13 "Ezekiel 47:13-14 - The Inheritance of the Land"). This detailed geographical specification grounds the visionary spiritual realities in a tangible, albeit future, physical inheritance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), a period of profound national crisis where the people of Israel had lost their land, their temple, and their national identity. The meticulous description of the land's future boundaries, including specific geographical markers like Hazarenan, Damascus, and Hamath, would have offered immense hope and reassurance to a dispossessed people. These locations were significant geopolitical points in the ancient Near East, familiar as northern limits of influence or traditional boundaries of the "promised land" (cf. [Numbers 34:7-9](/numbers/34-7 "Numbers 34:7-9 - Northern Border of Canaan")). Damascus was a powerful Aramean city-state, often an adversary of Israel, and Hamath was a prominent city on the Orontes River, further north. Their inclusion within the new border signifies a divinely ordained expansion and secure possession beyond any historical Israelite control, reflecting a future era of unparalleled peace and dominion under God's sovereign rule.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several key themes within the book of Ezekiel and the broader prophetic tradition. It highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating God's meticulous sovereignty in mapping out the future inheritance, leaving no detail to chance. This level of specificity underscores His absolute control and the certainty of His plans. It speaks to the **Restoration of the Land**, a central promise throughout the Old Testament, assuring Israel of their return to a secure and expanded territory, fulfilling ancient covenants like that with Abraham regarding the land's boundaries in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"). The establishment of these clear boundaries also underscores the theme of **Future Inheritance and Security**, contrasting sharply with the historical instability and loss of land experienced by Israel. This detailed vision provides a concrete picture of God's ultimate faithfulness to His covenant promises, culminating in a divinely ordered and blessed existence for His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** From a root meaning "to twist," this word properly refers to a cord, which by implication marks a boundary. It signifies a defined limit, a demarcation, or the territory enclosed by such a limit. In Ezekiel 47:17, its repeated use emphasizes the precise, divinely ordained lines of the future land, highlighting God's meticulous planning and the secure, non-negotiable nature of the inheritance. This is not a vague suggestion but a divinely established frontier.
* **sea (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to roar," this term refers to a large body of water, specifically the Mediterranean Sea in this context. Its mention establishes the westernmost point of the northern border, grounding the prophetic vision in recognizable geography and indicating the vast extent of the restored territory from west to east. This detail provides a tangible starting point for the boundary description.
* **north (Hebrew, _tsâphôwn'_):** From a root meaning "hidden" or "dark," this word refers to the north as a quarter, often associated with gloom or the unknown. In this verse, the emphatic phrase "the north northward" underscores the directionality and the full extent of this boundary, clearly defining the northernmost reach of the land. Its repetition highlights the precision and certainty of the divine blueprint, leaving no ambiguity about the direction or the finality of this border.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the border from the sea shall be Hazarenan":** This initial clause establishes the western starting point of the northern boundary, originating from the Mediterranean Sea ("the sea") and extending eastward to Hazarenan. Hazarenan, meaning "village of springs," was a recognized geographical landmark in the ancient Near East, indicating a specific point on the northern frontier. This detail immediately grounds the prophetic vision in tangible, identifiable geography, even as it describes a future reality.
* **"the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath.":** This continues the eastward delineation of the northern border. Damascus, a prominent Aramean city, and Hamath, a city further north on the Orontes River, are named as significant points along this boundary. The phrase "the north northward" serves as an emphatic directional marker, reinforcing that this line extends distinctly and unequivocally in the northern direction, reaching its defined limits. The repetition of "border" emphasizes the distinct and defined nature of these limits, signifying a divinely expanded and secured inheritance that encompasses historically non-Israelite territories.
* **"And [this is] the north side.":** This concluding phrase serves as a summary statement, confirming that the preceding description precisely defines the entire northern extent of the restored land. It reiterates the clarity and completeness of the divine revelation regarding the future territorial division, leaving no doubt about the scope of God's meticulous plan.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message with precision and emphasis. **Topographical Detail** is paramount, as the meticulous naming of specific geographical locations (Hazarenan, Damascus, Hamath) provides a sense of concrete reality and divine precision to the visionary landscape. This detail serves to ground the prophecy, making it tangible and reassuring for the audience, especially those dispossessed during the exile. The repetition of "border" and the emphatic phrase "the north northward" exemplify **Emphasis** and **Repetition**, underscoring the exactness and certainty of God's plan for the land's division. This reiteration highlights the divine order and the secure, non-negotiable nature of the future inheritance. Furthermore, the entire section functions as a form of **Prophetic Blueprint**, laying out a detailed map of a future reality, which serves to instill hope and demonstrate God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:17, by meticulously detailing the northern boundary of the restored land, powerfully reinforces the biblical theme of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those concerning the land given to Abraham and his descendants. This precision underscores divine sovereignty and the certainty of future fulfillment, assuring a dispossessed people that their inheritance is not forgotten but meticulously planned. The inclusion of historically non-Israelite territories like Damascus and Hamath within these borders suggests a future expansion and security far beyond any historical precedent, indicative of a comprehensive restoration under divine rule. This vision of a perfectly ordered land reflects God's ultimate desire for His people to dwell securely under His blessing, free from the chaos and instability of their past, ultimately pointing to the eschatological peace and order of God's kingdom.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Numbers 34:7-9](/numbers/34-7 "Northern Border of Canaan")
* [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "The Mountain of the Lord's House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Ezekiel 47:17 describes a future geographical reality, its profound implications resonate with believers today, offering timeless spiritual insights. The meticulous detail of God's plan for the land serves as a powerful reminder of His faithfulness and precision in all His dealings. In a world often characterized by uncertainty and chaos, this passage offers immense hope, demonstrating that God has a clear, sovereign blueprint for the future, culminating in His perfect order and justice. It encourages us to trust in His comprehensive plans, even when we cannot fully grasp their scope or timing. Furthermore, it invites us to ponder the nature of our own spiritual inheritance in Christ, which is equally secure and divinely appointed, far surpassing any earthly boundaries. This verse calls us to embrace a vision of God's meticulous care, not only for a physical land but for the spiritual well-being and ultimate destiny of His people, reminding us that His promises are always "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan for the land in Ezekiel 47:17 strengthen your faith in His faithfulness concerning your own life and future?**
* **In what ways can recognizing God's divine order and precision in prophecy bring comfort and hope amidst personal or global uncertainties and chaos?**
* **How might understanding the secure and expanded nature of Israel's future inheritance inform your understanding of your own spiritual inheritance and security in Christ?**

### FAQ

**Why is so much detail given to geographical borders in a prophetic book like Ezekiel?**

Answer: The detailed geographical descriptions in Ezekiel, including those in [Ezekiel 47:17](/ezekiel/47-17 "Ezekiel 47:17 - Northern Border of the Land"), serve several crucial purposes. First, for a people dispossessed and exiled, the precise delineation of future boundaries offered tangible hope and reassurance that God had not forgotten His covenant promises regarding the land. It grounded the spiritual vision in a concrete, understandable reality. Second, it emphasizes God's meticulous sovereignty and divine order; nothing in His plans is left to chance or ambiguity. The precision underscores His faithfulness in fulfilling His word. Third, these details highlight the comprehensive nature of the restoration—not just spiritual, but physical and territorial, signifying a complete renewal for Israel.

**Does this prophecy mean that modern-day Damascus and Hamath will be part of Israel?**

Answer: Interpreting prophetic passages like [Ezekiel 47:17](/ezekiel/47-17 "Ezekiel 47:17 - Northern Border of the Land") requires careful theological consideration, as there are various eschatological viewpoints. Some dispensational interpreters understand these borders to be literally fulfilled in a future millennial kingdom, implying a significant expansion of Israel's territory beyond its modern-day boundaries to include areas like Damascus and Hamath. Other interpretations view these geographical markers as symbolic of a vastly expanded and secure inheritance under God's ultimate rule, perhaps not strictly defined by current political maps but by the spiritual dominion of Christ. Regardless of the precise literal or symbolic interpretation, the passage universally points to a future era of divine order, peace, and the complete fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

**How does the phrase "the north northward" contribute to the meaning of the verse?**

Answer: The phrase "the north northward" (Hebrew: _tsâphôwn tsâphôwnâh_) is a literary device known as a cognate accusative or an emphatic repetition. It serves to intensify the directionality and certainty of the boundary. Instead of simply stating "to the north," the repetition emphasizes that the border extends distinctly and unequivocally in the northern direction, reaching its defined limits. This adds to the overall theme of divine precision and the absolute clarity of God's plan for the future land division, leaving no room for ambiguity regarding its northern extent. It underscores the meticulous detail of the prophetic vision and the non-negotiable nature of God's blueprint.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 47:17 describes the physical boundaries of a restored Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest spiritual significance are found in Christ. The secure and divinely ordered inheritance envisioned for Israel points forward to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ, which is boundless and eternal. Just as the land was a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, Christ Himself is the ultimate embodiment of God's promises, providing a spiritual "land" of rest, peace, and abundant life for all who believe ([Hebrews 4:9-11](/hebrews/4-9 "The Rest of God")). The expansion of Israel's borders to include historically Gentile territories like Damascus and Hamath foreshadows the inclusion of all nations into God's spiritual kingdom through Christ, breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). The life-giving river flowing from the temple in [Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple") finds its ultimate reality in Jesus, who proclaimed Himself the source of living water ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "Jesus Cries Out in the Temple")). Thus, the meticulous detail of Ezekiel's vision, far from being merely a geographical curiosity, becomes a powerful testament to God's precise and comprehensive plan of redemption, culminating in the reign of Christ, where all His people find their true and eternal inheritance in Him ([Colossians 1:12-14](/colossians/1-12 "Our Inheritance in Christ")) and dwell securely in His everlasting kingdom.

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 48:1

¶ 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 34:9

And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazarenan: this shall be your north border.