Ezekiel 47:19

KJV

And the south side southward, from Tamar [even] to the waters of strife [in] Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And [this is] the south side southward.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the south {H5045} side {H6285} southward {H8486}, from Tamar {H8559} even to the waters {H4325} of strife {H4808}{H4809} in Kadesh {H6946}, the river {H5158} to the great {H1419} sea {H3220}. And this is the south {H8486} side {H6285} southward {H5045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'On the side of the Negev toward the south it will be from Tamar as far as the waters of M'rivot-Kadesh, then to the Vadi [of Egypt] and on to the Great Sea. This is the south side toward the Negev.

Berean Standard Bible

On the south side it will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, and along the Brook of Egypt to the Great Sea. This will be the southern boundary.

American Standard Version

And the south side southward shall be from Tamar as far as the waters of Meriboth-kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, unto the great sea. This is the south side southward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:19 meticulously delineates the southern boundary of the land to be allotted to the tribes of Israel in the prophet's grand vision of a restored temple and a re-divided Holy Land. This verse, part of a detailed geographical survey, precisely outlines the southern limits, stretching from Tamar in the east to the historically significant Waters of Strife in Kadesh, and then westward along a river to the Mediterranean Sea. It underscores God's meticulous planning and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises regarding the land, providing a tangible framework for the eschatological restoration of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the climactic section of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail an elaborate vision of a new temple, its worship, and the subsequent division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel. Following the awe-inspiring description of the miraculous river flowing from the temple in [Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The River from the Temple"), the narrative shifts to the practical implications of this divine restoration: the precise boundaries and allocation of the land. Verses [Ezekiel 47:13-23](/ezekiel/47-13 "Ezekiel 47:13-23 - Division of the Land") provide the overarching framework for the land's division, with our verse contributing to the detailed description of the southern border. This meticulous outlining emphasizes the tangible reality and divine order of the future kingdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national despair for Israel. The people had lost their temple, their king, and their land, leading to questions about God's faithfulness and the permanence of His covenant promises. In this context, Ezekiel's vision of a new temple and a re-divided land served as a powerful message of hope and restoration. The geographical markers mentioned, such as "Tamar" and "Kadesh," were recognizable points in the ancient Near East, grounding the futuristic vision in real-world geography. "The Waters of Strife in Kadesh" (Meribah-Kadesh) held significant historical weight, recalling Israel's rebellion and God's judgment during the wilderness wanderings, yet here it is incorporated into the sacred boundaries of a restored land, perhaps symbolizing the redemption of past failures. The "great sea" refers to the Mediterranean, the natural western boundary of the land of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 47:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Ezekiel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Order and Sovereignty**, as God meticulously defines the boundaries of the land, demonstrating His absolute control and precise planning for His people's future. This meticulousness also highlights the theme of **Future Restoration and Inheritance**, assuring the exiles that God's ancient covenant promises regarding the land, first made to Abraham in [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham"), would indeed be fulfilled. The inclusion of historically significant, even problematic, locations like the [Waters of Strife](/numbers/20-13 "Numbers 20:13 - Waters of Meribah") within these sacred boundaries subtly hints at God's redemptive power, transforming places of past rebellion into markers of future blessing. This detailed mapping provides a tangible expression of God's faithfulness and the secure nature of Israel's eschatological inheritance, a theme prevalent throughout [Ezekiel 47](/ezekiel/47 "Ezekiel 47 - The River and the Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **south (Hebrew, _negeb'_):** From H5045, meaning "the south (from its drought); specifically, the Negeb or southern district of Judah." This word emphasizes the geographical direction and the specific region known for its arid conditions. Its repetition in the verse underscores the precise definition of this boundary, signifying a clear and unambiguous demarcation.
* **strife (Hebrew, _mᵉrîybâh'_):** From H4808, meaning "quarrel; provocation, strife." This word is directly linked to H4809, "Meribah," the name of two places in the desert where Israel contended with God regarding water. Its inclusion as a boundary marker is highly significant, recalling past instances of Israel's rebellion and lack of faith, yet now it is integrated into the divinely ordained, peaceful future.
* **sea (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** From H3220, meaning "a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the Mediterranean Sea." This term refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which historically formed the western boundary of the land of Israel. Its mention here confirms the traditional geographical scope of the promised land, extending to its natural western limit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the south side southward,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the directional focus of the boundary description. The repetition of "south" (negeb) and "southward" (teyman) emphasizes the precise and unambiguous nature of this border, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding the orientation.
* **"from Tamar [even] to the waters of strife [in] Kadesh,"**: This clause specifies the eastern and central points of the southern boundary. "Tamar" was likely a palm oasis or settlement in the far south-east, serving as the starting point. The boundary then extends westward to "the waters of strife [in] Kadesh" (Meribah-Kadesh), a historically significant location from Israel's wilderness wanderings, known for the Israelites' contention with Moses over water. Its inclusion highlights God's sovereignty over even places of past rebellion.
* **"the river to the great sea."**: This segment describes the westernmost portion of the southern boundary. The "river" here likely refers to the Wadi el-Arish (the "River of Egypt"), which historically served as the southwestern border of Canaan. This river then flows into "the great sea," which is the Mediterranean Sea, marking the ultimate western extent of the divinely allotted territory.
* **"And [this is] the south side southward."**: This concluding phrase reiterates and emphatically confirms the entire description of the southern boundary. The repetition serves as a powerful rhetorical device, sealing the definitive nature of the border and underscoring God's meticulousness and the certainty of His promised inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:19 employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Geographical Specification**, where precise place names and directions are used to delineate the boundaries of the land. This meticulous detail creates a sense of realism and certainty, grounding the prophetic vision in a tangible, understandable framework. The **Repetition** of "south side southward" at the beginning and end of the verse serves as an emphatic inclusio, reinforcing the definitive nature of this particular boundary. Furthermore, the mention of "the waters of strife in Kadesh" introduces a subtle element of **Allusion** or **Symbolism**. This location, historically associated with Israel's rebellion and God's judgment, is now integrated into the blessed, restored land, perhaps symbolizing God's redemptive power to transform even places of past failure into markers of His future blessing and order.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:19, in its precise delineation of the southern border, speaks profoundly to God's unwavering faithfulness and His commitment to His covenant promises. In a time of national despair and exile, this detailed geographical description offered a tangible assurance that God had not forgotten His people or His ancient pledge of land. It illustrates that God's plans are not vague aspirations but meticulously detailed blueprints, reflecting His divine order and sovereignty over all creation and history. The inclusion of historically significant locations, even those tied to Israel's rebellion, within this future inheritance underscores God's redemptive purpose, demonstrating His capacity to incorporate and transform the past into a glorious future.

* [Numbers 34:3-5](/numbers/34-3 "Numbers 34:3-5 - Boundaries of the Land of Canaan")
* [Joshua 15:1-4](/joshua/15-1 "Joshua 15:1-4 - Southern Border of Judah")
* [Isaiah 60:21](/isaiah/60-21 "Isaiah 60:21 - Righteousness and Inheritance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:19, while describing a physical boundary in a prophetic vision, offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. The meticulous detail of God's plan for the land reminds us that God is a God of order, purpose, and unwavering faithfulness. Just as He had a precise inheritance for Israel, He has a divine plan for our lives and for His church. This should instill in us a deep sense of security and trust, knowing that His promises are sure and His purposes will ultimately prevail. Even when life seems chaotic or uncertain, this verse encourages us to anchor our hope in God's sovereign control and His commitment to bringing about His perfect will. It challenges us to seek and live within the "boundaries" of His Word and His Spirit, finding peace and fruitfulness within His divine order, and to look forward with hope to the ultimate restoration He promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in this prophecy encourage your trust in His plans for your own life?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to surrender to God's divine order and established boundaries?**
* **How does the promise of a future, perfectly ordered inheritance in Ezekiel inspire hope in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "the waters of strife in Kadesh" as a boundary marker?**

Answer: "The waters of strife in Kadesh" refers to Meribah-Kadesh, a place significant in Israel's wilderness journey where the Israelites quarreled with Moses and God over water ([Numbers 20:1-13](/numbers/20-1 "Numbers 20:1-13 - Waters of Meribah")). Its inclusion as a boundary marker in this prophetic vision is highly symbolic. It suggests that even places associated with past rebellion, contention, and God's judgment are brought under His sovereign rule and integrated into the future, blessed inheritance. It may symbolize God's redemptive power to transform and sanctify even the most challenging aspects of Israel's history within His perfect eschatological plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 47:19 describes a geographical boundary for a future, earthly Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are found in Christ. The concept of a divinely allotted inheritance, a land flowing with life from God's presence, points forward to the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Jesus declared, "[Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Beatitudes")", expanding the promise of land beyond a physical territory to a spiritual reality encompassing all of creation under His reign. The river flowing from the temple in Ezekiel 47, bringing life and healing, is a powerful foreshadowing of Christ, who is the source of living water ([John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water")) and the true temple from whom all spiritual life flows ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Destroy This Temple")). The precise boundaries, though physical in Ezekiel, find their ultimate security and permanence in the new heavens and new earth, where Christ reigns supreme and His people dwell in perfect, eternal peace within His boundless kingdom ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")). Thus, Ezekiel's vision of a perfectly ordered land ultimately points to the comprehensive and eternal restoration found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true inheritor and giver of all spiritual blessings.

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

Deuteronomy 32:51

Because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because ye sanctified me not in the midst of the children of Israel.

Ezekiel 48:28

And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar [unto] the waters of strife [in] Kadesh, [and] to the river toward the great sea.

Numbers 20:13

This [is] the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the LORD, and he was sanctified in them.

Numbers 34:5

And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

Joshua 12:3

And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah:

Isaiah 27:12

And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the LORD shall beat off from the channel of the river unto the stream of Egypt, and ye shall be gathered one by one, O ye children of Israel.

Deuteronomy 33:8

¶ And of Levi he said, [Let] thy Thummim and thy Urim [be] with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, [and with] whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;