Ezekiel 47:21

KJV

So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

So shall ye divide {H2505} this land {H776} unto you according to the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'This is the territory you are to divide among the tribes of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

You are to divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel.

American Standard Version

So shall ye divide this land unto you according to the tribes of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:21 marks a pivotal moment in the prophet's grand vision of a restored Israel, transitioning from the miraculous, life-giving river flowing from the temple to the practical, divinely mandated distribution of the land. This verse declares God's precise instruction for the allocation of territory to each tribe, underscoring His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, the establishment of perfect order, and the comprehensive restoration of His people within their divinely appointed inheritance. It sets the stage for the detailed geographical and tribal allocations that follow, emphasizing a future era of peace, justice, and divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47:21 is situated within the climactic section of Ezekiel's prophecy (chapters 40-48), which details an elaborate vision of a new temple, a purified priesthood, and a meticulously restored land for Israel. Preceding this verse, [Ezekiel 47:1-12](/ezekiel/47-1-12 "Ezekiel 47:1-12 - The Life-Giving River from the Temple") describes a miraculous river flowing from the temple, bringing life and healing wherever it goes, symbolizing the spiritual vitality and blessings emanating from God's presence. Following this awe-inspiring portrayal of divine life, the narrative shifts in [Ezekiel 47:13-23](/ezekiel/47-13-23 "Ezekiel 47:13-23 - Boundaries and Division of the Land") to the practicalities of the land's boundaries and its equitable division among the tribes. This transition highlights that God's restoration is both spiritual and physical, encompassing every aspect of national life. The instructions for land division here echo earlier Mosaic laws found in [Numbers 34](/numbers/34 "Numbers 34 - Boundaries of the Promised Land") and the historical distribution under Joshua in [Joshua 13-19](/joshua/13-19 "Joshua 13-19 - Land Distribution West of the Jordan"), yet they present unique prophetic modifications, signaling a distinct future fulfillment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national trauma for Israel. The people had lost their land, their temple, and their king, leading to despair and questions about God's faithfulness. In this context, Ezekiel's visions served as a powerful message of hope and assurance. The concept of land inheritance was central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God, representing not just territory but divine blessing, security, and the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham. The meticulous division of the land "according to the tribes of Israel" would have resonated deeply with a people who had experienced dispersion and dispossession, promising a future where every family would have its rightful place and inheritance, re-establishing the foundational structure of their national life under divine order. This vision speaks to a longing for return, re-establishment, and a renewed covenant relationship.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Ezekiel and broader biblical theology. The primary theme is **Divine Inheritance and Restoration**, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to bring His people back to their land and fulfill ancient promises, such as the one found in [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise of Land to Abraham"). The detailed division ensures that each tribe receives its designated portion, signifying a complete and just restoration after periods of exile and dispersion, highlighting God's faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Secondly, it underscores **Order and Justice**. The phrase "according to the tribes of Israel" emphasizes a methodical, equitable, and divinely ordained distribution, reflecting God's character as a God of perfect order and justice. This stands in stark contrast to the chaos, injustice, and arbitrary rule often experienced by Israel in their history and by nations in general. Lastly, it powerfully conveys **Future Hope**. The entire vision, culminating in the precise land division, provides a profound message of hope, pointing to a future time when Israel will dwell securely in their land under God's direct rule, with the temple and its life-giving presence at the very center, fulfilling prophetic expectations of a new covenant and a glorious kingdom, as seen in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **divide (Hebrew, _châlaq'_):** This primitive root signifies "to be smooth" and, by implication (as smooth stones were used for lots), "to apportion or separate." It conveys the idea of a precise, equitable, and orderly distribution, not a random or arbitrary one. In this context, it emphasizes a divinely mandated act of assigning portions, ensuring fairness and order in the land's allocation.
* **land (Hebrew, _ʼerets'_):** From an unused root probably meaning "to be firm," this term refers to the earth at large or, more specifically, a particular land or country. Here, it denotes the divinely promised territory of Israel, which in this prophetic vision is re-established with new, expansive boundaries and a unique distribution method, underscoring its significance as the inheritance given by God.
* **tribes (Hebrew, _shêbeṭ'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to branch off," refers to a scion or, figuratively, a clan or tribe. It can also mean a rod or scepter, implying authority and distinct identity. In Ezekiel 47:21, it refers to the traditional twelve tribes of Israel (though the specific list and order of inheritance in Ezekiel's vision have unique aspects compared to earlier historical distributions), underscoring the distinct, divinely ordained family units that constitute the nation and receive their specific portions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So shall ye divide this land unto you":** This opening clause functions as a divine command and mandate. The "ye" refers to the responsible parties (likely the leadership or designated individuals, as implied in subsequent verses like [Ezekiel 48:1](/ezekiel/48-1 "Ezekiel 48:1 - Tribal Portions")), who are to carry out God's will. The act of "dividing" signifies a methodical and precise apportionment, reflecting God's orderly character. The "land" is the divinely promised territory, now restored and ready for occupation, emphasizing its status as an inheritance.
* **"according to the tribes of Israel":** This phrase specifies the method and recipients of the division. The land is not to be divided arbitrarily but systematically, with each of the traditional tribes of Israel receiving a designated portion. This highlights the re-establishment of the national structure and identity, ensuring that every family unit within the nation has a place and an inheritance, thereby fulfilling ancient covenant promises and establishing divine justice.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:21 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. Primarily, it functions as **Prophecy**, detailing a future event—the division of the land—as part of God's comprehensive restoration plan for Israel. The meticulous nature of the command ("So shall ye divide... according to the tribes") imbues it with the weight of a **Divine Mandate**, emphasizing God's sovereign will and authority over the land and His people. The act of "dividing the land" itself is rich in **Symbolism**, representing not just a geographical allocation but the re-establishment of divine order, justice, and the fulfillment of covenant promises. The land, as a symbol, signifies security, inheritance, and the place of God's dwelling among His people. The phrase "tribes of Israel" acts as a **Metonymy** for the entire nation, emphasizing the restoration of Israel's unique identity and the inclusion of all its constituent parts in the future kingdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:21 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land and the restoration of Israel. It underscores the principle that God's word is reliable, and His plans for His people, though seemingly delayed or impossible from a human perspective, will ultimately come to pass. This meticulous division of the land signifies not only a physical restoration but also the establishment of divine order and justice, where every individual and family within the nation receives their rightful inheritance. It points to a future era of perfect peace and security under God's direct rule, where the chaos of exile and dispersion is replaced by a divinely ordained structure. The theological implication is that God's redemptive work is comprehensive, addressing both spiritual and physical dimensions of His people's well-being.

* [Ezekiel 47:22-23](/ezekiel/47-22-23 "Inheritance for Resident Aliens")
* [Isaiah 56:6-7](/isaiah/56-6-7 "Foreigners Joining the Lord")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Fellow Citizens with the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:21, though rooted in a specific prophetic vision for Israel, offers profound insights for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute faithfulness to His promises. In a world often marked by broken pledges and unfulfilled expectations, this verse declares that what God has purposed, He will bring to pass, regardless of the circumstances. This should instill deep trust and confidence in His character and His ultimate plan for redemption. Furthermore, the meticulous division of the land highlights God's nature as a God of order, justice, and peace. He brings structure out of chaos, and His kingdom is characterized by equity and righteousness. We are called to reflect this divine order in our own lives, seeking justice, promoting peace, and living in harmony within our communities. Finally, this vision provides immense future hope. While its primary fulfillment is for Israel, it serves as a powerful symbol of the ultimate restoration and perfect order that God will establish, whether in the literal millennial kingdom or in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - The New Heaven and New Earth"). It encourages us to look forward to God's ultimate plan with anticipation, trusting that His perfect will shall prevail, bringing complete wholeness and divine presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Ezekiel 47:21 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness to His promises?**
* **In what ways can you, as a believer, seek to embody God's character of order and justice in your daily life and community?**
* **How does the detailed nature of this prophecy encourage you to trust in God's comprehensive plan for the future, even when details are unclear?**
* **What does the concept of "inheritance" in this verse teach us about our own spiritual inheritance in Christ?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the land division in Ezekiel 47:21, and is it literal or symbolic?**

Answer: The significance of the land division in [Ezekiel 47:21](/ezekiel/47-21 "Ezekiel 47:21 - Division of the Land") is multifaceted. It primarily signifies God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises to Israel, particularly the promise of a land inheritance (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Promise of Land to Abraham")). It also represents the establishment of perfect divine order and justice in a restored Israel, where every tribe receives its rightful portion, ensuring security and identity. The question of whether it is literal or symbolic is debated among scholars. Many dispensationalists interpret it as a literal, future division of the land during a millennial kingdom, based on the highly specific geographical details given in [Ezekiel 47-48](/ezekiel/47-48 "Ezekiel 47 - The River from the Temple and Land Boundaries"). Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual blessings, order, and inheritance that believers receive in Christ, or a general picture of God's ultimate restoration. However, the meticulous detail provided by Ezekiel suggests a literal fulfillment, even if its ultimate spiritual implications extend to all believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 47:21 speaks directly to a future restoration and land division for Israel, its deepest Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the expansive, inclusive, and spiritual inheritance offered through Jesus Christ. The meticulous division of the land "according to the tribes of Israel" foreshadows the perfect order and just distribution of God's blessings in the new covenant. In Christ, the ultimate "land" or inheritance is not merely a physical territory but participation in God's eternal kingdom and the spiritual blessings of salvation. Jesus, as the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), inaugurates a new covenant where the boundaries of God's people are no longer defined by physical lineage or geographical location but by faith in Him. The radical inclusion of "strangers" or resident aliens receiving an inheritance (as mentioned in [Ezekiel 47:22](/ezekiel/47-22 "Ezekiel 47:22 - Inheritance for Resident Aliens")) finds its ultimate expression in the church, where Gentiles are made "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")) through Christ's atoning work. He is the one who truly divides and distributes the spiritual inheritance, granting every believer a place in God's eternal family and a share in the "unsearchable riches of Christ" ([Ephesians 3:8](/ephesians/3-8 "Ephesians 3:8 - Unsearchable Riches of Christ")). Thus, the vision of a perfectly ordered and inherited land points forward to the perfect rest and inheritance found in Christ, the one who brings all things into divine order and secures an everlasting dwelling for His people in the [new heavens and new earth](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - 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.