Ezekiel 47:17

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Ezekiel 47:17 is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the restoration of Israel and the Holy Land. Following the elaborate description of the new temple and its life-giving river in Ezekiel chapters 40-46, this chapter shifts focus to the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel in a future, millennial kingdom. Verses 13-23 specifically outline the borders of this restored territory. Verse 17 describes the northern boundary, naming key geographical markers that would have been familiar to ancient readers, emphasizing the precision and divine order of God's future plans for His people and their inheritance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The meticulous detailing of borders, naming specific locations like Hazarenan, Damascus, and Hamath, underscores God's absolute control and meticulous planning for the future. It highlights that nothing in His divine economy is left to chance or ambiguity.
  • Restoration of the Land: This verse contributes to the broader theme of the complete restoration of Israel, not just spiritually but also geographically. It speaks to the fulfillment of ancient promises regarding the promised land given to Abraham and his descendants.
  • Future Inheritance: The establishment of clear boundaries signifies a secure and defined inheritance for the tribes of Israel, a stark contrast to their historical periods of dispersion and fluctuating territories. This foreshadows a time of peace and settled dwelling.

Linguistic Insights

The names mentioned in this verse are significant geographical markers of the ancient Near East:

  • Hazarenan: Meaning "enclosure of a fountain" or "village of springs," this location was a known landmark indicating the northernmost extent of the ideal Israelite territory. Its specific mention highlights the detailed knowledge God has of the land.
  • Damascus: A prominent and ancient city, the capital of modern-day Syria, located northeast of the Sea of Galilee. Its inclusion as part of the border signifies a significant expansion or redefinition of the northern limits compared to historical Israelite kingdoms.
  • Hamath: An ancient city on the Orontes River, further north of Damascus, also marking a traditional northern boundary point for the promised land in various biblical contexts.

The phrase "the north northward" emphasizes the direction and the linear progression of this border, reinforcing the precise nature of the description.

Practical Application

While this verse describes a future geographical reality, it offers timeless spiritual insights:

  • God's Faithfulness: The detailed nature of this prophecy reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even those that seem distant or complex. His plans for His people are precise and will be fully realized.
  • Hope in Divine Order: In a world often characterized by chaos and uncertainty, Ezekiel's vision, including these specific border descriptions, offers hope in a future where God's perfect order and justice will prevail.
  • Understanding Prophecy: This passage encourages believers to study and appreciate the prophetic scriptures, recognizing God's meticulous care in outlining future events. It underscores that God has a clear design for the future, culminating in His sovereign rule and the blessing of His people. For further details on the land's division, see Ezekiel 48.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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