Ezekiel 47:20

KJV

The west side also [shall be] the great sea from the border, till a man come over against Hamath. This [is] the west side.

KJV (with Strong's)

The west {H3220} side {H6285} also shall be the great {H1419} sea {H3220} from the border {H1366}, till a man come {H935} over against {H5227} Hamath {H2574}. This is the west {H3220} side {H6285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The west side will be the Great Sea, as far as across from the entrance to Hamat. This is the west side.

Berean Standard Bible

And on the west side, the Great Sea will be the boundary up to a point opposite Lebo-hamath. This will be the western boundary.

American Standard Version

And the west side shall be the great sea, from the south border as far as over against the entrance of Hamath. This is the west side.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:20 meticulously defines a segment of the western boundary of the divinely promised land in the prophet's vision of Israel's restoration. This verse specifies that the western border will be marked by "the great sea" (the Mediterranean) extending northward to the region "over against Hamath," thereby establishing a precise geographical limit for the future inheritance of the twelve tribes. It underscores God's detailed plan for His people and the tangible nature of His covenant promises regarding their homeland.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47:20 is situated within the climactic section of Ezekiel's prophecy, chapters 40-48, which describes a visionary new temple, its worship, and the re-allotment of the land to the tribes of Israel. Specifically, chapter 47 focuses on the life-giving river flowing from the temple, symbolizing spiritual renewal and blessing, and then transitions into a detailed description of the land's boundaries (Ezekiel 47:13-23). This verse, along with its surrounding verses, provides the precise geographical parameters for the western extent of this restored territory, emphasizing the meticulous nature of God's restoration plan following the Babylonian exile. The inclusion of such specific geographical details grounds the eschatological vision in a tangible reality, assuring the exiles of a concrete future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The mention of "the great sea" unequivocally refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which formed the natural western boundary of the ancient Near East and the land of Canaan. "Hamath" (modern Hama in Syria) was a prominent city-state located far to the north of Israel's historical borders, often serving as a traditional northern marker for the ideal or maximal extent of the Promised Land, as seen in other biblical texts like [Numbers 34:8](/numbers/34-8 "Numbers 34:8 - Northern Border of Israel") and [1 Kings 8:65](/1_kings/8-65 "1 Kings 8:65 - Solomon's Kingdom Extent"). For the exiled Israelites, these geographical markers would have resonated deeply, reminding them of the covenant promises of a land that God had sworn to their ancestors. The emphasis on precise boundaries was crucial in ancient land deeds and treaties, signifying clear ownership and divine allocation, reinforcing the idea that this land was a sacred inheritance, not merely conquered territory.
* **Key Themes:** The detailed geographical description in Ezekiel 47:20 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Allocation and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute authority over the land and His meticulous care in its distribution. The land is not merely returned but precisely measured and apportioned by divine decree, underscoring that it is a gift and an inheritance. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Restoration and Covenant Fulfillment**. After the devastation of exile, this vision promises a complete and thorough restoration of Israel, not just spiritually but physically, with a defined and secure homeland. This echoes earlier covenant promises made to Abraham regarding the land, as found in passages like [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land"). Finally, the delineation of the "ideal" boundaries, extending to Hamath, speaks to the theme of **God's Maximal Blessing**. It portrays the full, ideal scope of the Promised Land, often referenced in other biblical texts as the ultimate extent of Israel's inheritance, such as in [Numbers 34:6](/numbers/34-6 "Numbers 34:6 - Western Border of the Promised Land").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sea (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** From an unused root meaning "to roar," this term primarily refers to a sea or large body of water. Specifically, when used with the definite article, as it is here ("the great sea"), it almost invariably refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which lay to the west of Israel. Its inclusion firmly anchors the prophetic vision in recognizable geography, emphasizing the tangible nature of the future restoration and God's precise plan for His people. It also encompasses the local direction of "west," which is explicitly stated in the verse.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective signifies "great" in any sense, including size, importance, or extent. When paired with "sea," it serves to emphasize the vastness and significance of the Mediterranean as a natural and prominent boundary. Its presence highlights the grandeur of the divinely appointed territory and the magnitude of God's promised inheritance.
* **Hamath (Hebrew, _Chămâth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "walled," Hamath was a significant ancient city in Syria, located far north of the traditional Israelite settlement. In biblical geography, Hamath frequently served as a conventional northern marker for the ideal or maximal extent of the Promised Land, signifying the full scope of the territory God intended for Israel. Its mention here solidifies the extensive reach of the restored land's western border.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The west side also [shall be] the great sea from the border":** This clause establishes the primary western boundary of the land. "The west side" (literally "the side of the sea") is defined by "the great sea," which is the Mediterranean. The phrase "from the border" indicates that this vast body of water itself forms the initial and fundamental line of demarcation for the western extent of the territory, starting from a defined point.
* **"till a man come over against Hamath":** This phrase specifies the northern reach of this western boundary. It indicates that the border, defined by the Mediterranean Sea, extends northward "until one comes opposite Hamath." Hamath, a city far to the north, serves as a well-known geographical landmark, signifying the maximal northern extent of the western coastline that belongs to the restored Israel. This detail emphasizes the expansive nature of the promised inheritance.
* **"This [is] the west side":** This concluding statement serves as a reiteration and emphatic confirmation of the preceding description. It succinctly summarizes and validates the defined western boundary, leaving no ambiguity about its precise location and extent. The repetition underscores the divine authority and certainty behind this geographical allocation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:20 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. **Precision** is paramount, as the verse meticulously details geographical markers like "the great sea" and "Hamath," leaving no room for ambiguity about the western boundary. This precise language underscores the tangible and certain nature of God's promises. **Repetition** is also evident in the phrase "This is the west side," which reiterates and confirms the preceding description, reinforcing the divine decree regarding the land's allocation. Furthermore, the entire vision, including this verse, utilizes **Symbolism**. While describing a literal land, the meticulous detail of the boundaries can symbolize the comprehensive and perfect nature of God's restoration and the security He provides for His people. The "great sea" itself, a vast and powerful natural feature, symbolizes a divinely established and unalterable boundary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:20, with its precise delineation of the western border, powerfully illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous care for His people. The emphasis on a divinely allocated land, measured with such specificity, underscores that God's plans are not vague or arbitrary, but are rooted in His unchanging character and sovereign will. This vision of a restored, perfectly bounded land serves as a tangible expression of God's commitment to bring His people into a place of security, blessing, and flourishing. It speaks to the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, where every detail is orchestrated by His divine wisdom.

* [Numbers 34:6](/numbers/34-6 "Numbers 34:6 - The Western Border of Canaan")
* [Joshua 1:4](/joshua/1-4 "Joshua 1:4 - The Promised Land's Boundaries")
* [Isaiah 54:2-3](/isaiah/54-2 "Isaiah 54:2-3 - Enlarge Your Tent")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:20, while a specific geographical description, offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and faithfulness, meticulously fulfilling every promise He makes. Just as He had a detailed plan for the physical restoration and boundaries of Israel, He has an equally precise and perfect plan for our lives and for the ultimate destiny of His church. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign design, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. It assures us that our spiritual inheritance in Christ is as real and as divinely secured as the land promised to Israel. We can find immense hope and security in knowing that God's promises are not vague hopes but are grounded in His unchanging character and will be perfectly realized, culminating in the ultimate restoration of all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan for the land in Ezekiel 47:20 encourage your trust in His plans for your own life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a divinely "bounded" and "allocated" inheritance relate to your understanding of spiritual blessings and boundaries in Christ?**
* **What does this verse teach you about God's faithfulness to His promises, even across long periods of time or exile?**

### FAQ
**Why is the precise geographical detail in Ezekiel 47:20 so important?**

Answer: The precise geographical detail in Ezekiel 47:20 is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it grounds the prophetic vision in a tangible reality, assuring the exiles that God's promises of restoration are not abstract but concrete. Secondly, it emphasizes God's meticulousness and sovereignty over the land, demonstrating that the future inheritance is divinely allocated and perfectly measured. This precision underscores the certainty and faithfulness of God's covenant promises, particularly those related to the land given to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham Regarding the Land")). It also serves to define the ideal, maximal extent of the Promised Land, a vision of complete restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 47:20 literally describes the western boundary of a future earthly inheritance for Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are found in Christ. The concept of a divinely allotted and perfectly bounded land foreshadows the far greater spiritual inheritance and eternal dwelling place secured for believers through Jesus. Just as the land was a gift of grace to Israel, so too is our salvation and eternal life a gift through Christ's atoning work. The meticulous boundaries of the land can be seen as a type of the secure and boundless inheritance we have in Christ, where we are "blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")). The ultimate "place" of God's dwelling and His people's inheritance is not merely an earthly territory but the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people, and there is no longer any curse ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21 - The New Heaven and New Earth")). Christ Himself is our true "land" and "rest," the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises, providing an eternal, secure, and perfectly defined spiritual reality that transcends any earthly boundary, as He is the one who leads us into the true promised land of God's presence ([Hebrews 4:8-11](/hebrews/4-8 "Hebrews 4:8-11 - The True Rest")).

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 34:6

And [as for] the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.