Ezekiel 47:18

KJV

And the east side ye shall measure from Hauran, and from Damascus, and from Gilead, and from the land of Israel [by] Jordan, from the border unto the east sea. And [this is] the east side.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the east {H6921} side {H6285} ye shall measure {H4058} from {H996} Hauran {H2362}, and from {H996} Damascus {H1834}, and from {H996} Gilead {H1568}, and from {H996} the land {H776} of Israel {H3478} by Jordan {H3383}, from the border {H1366} unto the east {H6931} sea {H3220}. And this is the east {H6921} side {H6285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'On the east side, measure between Havran and Dammesek, Gil'ad and the land of Isra'el by the Yarden, from the border to the eastern sea. This is the east side.

Berean Standard Bible

On the east side the border will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary.

American Standard Version

And the east side, between Hauran and Damascus and Gilead, and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan; from the north border, unto the east sea shall ye measure. This is the east side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:18 provides a meticulously detailed description of the eastern boundary of the divinely re-allotted land of Israel in a future prophetic era. This verse, part of Ezekiel's grand vision of restoration, outlines specific geographical markers—Hauran, Damascus, Gilead, and the Jordan River—culminating at the East Sea (the Dead Sea), emphasizing the precise and expansive nature of God's promised inheritance for His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47 stands as a pivotal chapter within the prophet's concluding visions (chapters 40-48), which describe a new temple, its ordinances, and the re-division of the land of Israel. Immediately preceding this verse, Ezekiel beholds a miraculous river flowing from the temple, increasing in depth and width, bringing life and healing to everything it touches, including the Dead Sea, making its waters fresh and teeming with fish ([Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River of Life")). Following the description of this life-giving river, the focus shifts to the practical details of the land's apportionment among the twelve tribes. Verses 13-23 outline the general principles and specific boundaries for this future inheritance, with verse 18 specifically delineating the eastern frontier, demonstrating the meticulousness of God's redemptive plan for His people and their dwelling place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a time of profound national despair for Israel, as their temple was destroyed and their land devastated. The cultural context was one of displacement and loss, where the very idea of a restored land and temple seemed impossible. The detailed geographical descriptions in this chapter, including places like Hauran and Damascus, which were often outside the traditional borders of Israel or under foreign control, would have signified an unprecedented expansion and secure possession. The mention of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea (East Sea) grounds the vision in the familiar geography of the Promised Land, while simultaneously transcending its historical limitations, offering a comprehensive and divinely ordained territory that would be free from the conflicts and compromises of the past.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Precision and Order**, illustrating God's meticulous attention to detail in His plans for restoration. The specific naming of regions and boundaries highlights that God's promises are not vague but concrete and certain. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Restoration of Inheritance**, fulfilling ancient covenant promises made to Abraham regarding the land ([Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The re-division of the land signifies a complete spiritual and physical renewal for Israel, where they will dwell securely within divinely appointed borders, free from foreign oppression. Lastly, the geographical scope, extending to places like Damascus and incorporating the transformed Dead Sea, emphasizes **Expansive Blessing and Transformation**, demonstrating God's power to bring life and abundance even to historically barren or contested regions, echoing the life-giving river described earlier in [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River from the Temple").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **measure (Hebrew, _mâdad'_ H4058):** This root means "to stretch" or "to measure (as if by stretching a line)." In this context, it conveys the idea of precise demarcation and careful calculation. It emphasizes that the boundaries of the restored land are not arbitrary or humanly determined, but divinely ordained and meticulously set forth by God Himself. This speaks to the certainty and exactness of God's prophetic word and His sovereign plan.
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_ H1366):** Derived from a root meaning "to twist" (like a cord), this term refers to a boundary or limit, and by extension, the territory enclosed by it. Its use here highlights the defined and secure nature of the land. It signifies a clear demarcation that establishes the extent of the inheritance, providing both a sense of identity and protection for the inhabitants. The border is not fluid but fixed by divine decree.
* **east sea (Hebrew, _qadmôwnîy'_ H6931, _yâm'_ H3220):** "Qadmoniy" means "oriental" or "ancient," and "yam" means "sea" or "large body of water." Together, "east sea" universally refers to the Dead Sea (also known as the Salt Sea or Eastern Sea). Its inclusion as the eastern terminus of the boundary is highly significant, especially given the preceding vision of the life-giving river transforming its waters from barren saltiness to fresh, life-sustaining water ([Ezekiel 47:8-9](/ezekiel/47-8 "Ezekiel 47:8-9 - The Healing of the Dead Sea")). This transformation underscores the theme of radical restoration and divine blessing that will permeate the entire land.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the east side ye shall measure":** This opening phrase establishes the divine directive for the survey of the eastern boundary. The passive voice ("ye shall measure") implies that this measurement is either commanded by God or will be carried out under divine guidance, highlighting the authoritative and precise nature of the land's division. It sets the stage for a meticulous geographical description.
* **"from Hauran, and from Damascus, and from Gilead, and from the land of Israel [by] Jordan":** This clause specifies the starting points and key geographical landmarks along the eastern boundary. Hauran (modern Hawran) and Damascus were regions to the northeast, often outside or at the very edge of traditional Israelite control, indicating an expansive territory. Gilead, a fertile region east of the Jordan, was historically part of Israel's inheritance. The phrase "by Jordan" clarifies that the border runs along or near the Jordan River, a central geographical feature of the land. The inclusion of these diverse locations emphasizes the comprehensive and extensive nature of the restored territory.
* **"from the border unto the east sea. And [this is] the east side.":** This final part of the verse defines the eastern terminus of the boundary as the "east sea," which is the Dead Sea. The repetition "And this is the east side" serves as a concluding statement, emphatically confirming the completed definition of this particular boundary. It provides a sense of finality and certainty to the description, reinforcing that this is the divinely appointed and unchangeable eastern limit of the land.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:18 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Precision and Detailing**, evidenced by the exhaustive enumeration of specific geographical locations (Hauran, Damascus, Gilead, Jordan, East Sea). This meticulous listing serves to emphasize the certainty and concreteness of God's prophetic word, assuring the audience that the promised restoration is not a vague hope but a divinely engineered reality. The use of **Repetition** ("And this is the east side") at the end of the verse provides emphasis and a sense of finality, underscoring the importance and definitive nature of this boundary. Furthermore, the verse participates in the broader **Symbolism** of the chapter, where the "east sea" (Dead Sea), once a symbol of barrenness and judgment, is now incorporated into a restored, life-filled land, hinting at the complete transformation and blessing that God will bring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:18 is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate plan for His people. The precise delineation of the eastern border, extending beyond historical Israelite control, speaks volumes about God's sovereign power to fulfill His promises in ways that transcend human limitations and historical setbacks. This vision provides a tangible expression of the Abrahamic Covenant, particularly the promise of a vast land inheritance ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - The Covenant of the Land")). It highlights God's commitment to the physical restoration of Israel, ensuring their secure dwelling in a divinely apportioned territory. The inclusion of the "east sea" (Dead Sea), which the preceding verses describe as being miraculously healed by the temple river, links the land's boundaries directly to the theme of divine life and transformation, signifying that the restored land will be permeated by God's life-giving presence and blessing. This meticulous detail assures believers of God's unwavering faithfulness to His word, both in specific prophecies and in His overarching redemptive plan.

* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")
* [Joshua 13:8-12](/joshua/13-8 "Inheritance East of the Jordan")
* [Zechariah 14:8](/zechariah/14-8 "Living Waters from Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:18, with its precise geographical details, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He meticulously plans and delineates the borders of a physical land, He also has a precise and perfect plan for our lives, our spiritual inheritance, and the future of His kingdom. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and shifting boundaries, this verse provides a stabilizing assurance that God's purposes are fixed and certain. It calls us to trust in His sovereign blueprint, even when we cannot see the full picture. Furthermore, the expansive nature of the promised land, reaching beyond traditional limits and encompassing even the transformed Dead Sea, speaks to God's ability to bring life, healing, and abundance to the most barren or seemingly hopeless areas of our lives and the world. It encourages us to have hope for complete restoration, knowing that God's transforming power can make all things new, just as He promises to do in the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:5](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - God Makes All Things New")). We are invited to rest in the certainty of His promises and to anticipate the full realization of His glorious kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land division in Ezekiel 47:18 deepen your trust in His faithfulness and precision regarding your own life?**
* **Considering the transformation of the Dead Sea, what "barren" or "hopeless" areas in your life or community are you praying for God's life-giving touch?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a divinely appointed and secure inheritance encourage you in your spiritual walk today?**

### FAQ
**What is the "east sea" mentioned in Ezekiel 47:18?**

Answer: The "east sea" (Hebrew: _yam haqqadmoni_) universally refers to the Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea. Its inclusion in this vision is highly significant because, just prior to this verse, Ezekiel describes a miraculous river flowing from the new temple that transforms the Dead Sea's highly saline, lifeless waters into fresh, life-sustaining water teeming with fish ([Ezekiel 47:8-9](/ezekiel/47-8 "Ezekiel 47:8-9 - The Healing of the Dead Sea")). This transformation underscores the theme of radical restoration and divine blessing that will permeate the entire land.

**Why are specific places like Hauran and Damascus mentioned as part of the eastern border?**

Answer: The mention of Hauran (a region in modern Syria) and Damascus (the ancient capital of Syria) as part of the eastern border is significant because these areas were often outside or at the very edge of the traditional, historical boundaries of Israel. Their inclusion in this prophetic vision indicates an unprecedented expansion of the land given to Israel in the future. This highlights the comprehensive and expansive nature of God's promised inheritance, demonstrating that His restoration will exceed any previous historical or geographical limitations, fulfilling the broadest scope of the covenant promises regarding the land ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 47:18 describes a literal, future restoration of the land of Israel, its profound spiritual implications point directly to Christ and His redemptive work. The meticulously defined borders of the promised land foreshadow the secure and eternal inheritance that believers receive in Christ, not merely a physical territory but a spiritual kingdom where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")). The life-giving river flowing from the temple, which transforms the barren Dead Sea and defines the land's extent, is a powerful type of the Holy Spirit, poured out through Christ, bringing spiritual life and healing to all who believe ([John 7:38-39](/john/7-38 "John 7:38-39 - Rivers of Living Water")). Just as the land's boundaries are divinely established, so too is the believer's security and identity found in Christ, who is our ultimate inheritance and the source of our eternal dwelling place ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ")). The expansive nature of the land, reaching beyond traditional limits, speaks to the universal scope of Christ's kingdom, which extends to all nations and peoples, bringing them into the family of God through His atoning sacrifice ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). Ultimately, the vision of a perfectly ordered and blessed land in Ezekiel points to the new heavens and new earth, where Christ reigns supreme, and His people dwell in perfect peace and abundance forever ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

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

Genesis 13:10

¶ And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Numbers 32:1

¶ Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that, behold, the place [was] a place for cattle;

Judges 10:8

And that year they vexed and oppressed the children of Israel: eighteen years, all the children of Israel that [were] on the other side Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which [is] in Gilead.

Genesis 31:47

And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.

Genesis 31:23

And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.

Job 40:23

Behold, he drinketh up a river, [and] hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth.