Ezekiel 47:22

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide {H5307} it by lot for an inheritance {H5159} unto you, and to the strangers {H1616} that sojourn {H1481} among {H8432} you, which shall beget {H3205} children {H1121} among {H8432} you: and they shall be unto you as born {H249} in the country {H249} among the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; they shall have {H5307} inheritance {H5159} with you among {H8432} the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to divide it by lot as an inheritance both to you and to the foreigners living among you who give birth to children living among you; for you they are to be no different from the native-born among the people of Isra'el - they are to have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners who dwell among you and who have children. You are to treat them as native-born Israelites; along with you, they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you and to the strangers that sojourn among you, who shall beget children among you; and they shall be unto you as the home-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:22 presents a profound vision of future Israel's radical inclusivity, detailing that the land, divinely allocated by lot, will be inherited not only by native-born Israelites but also by the "strangers that sojourn among you," who are to be treated as if they were born in the land. This verse underscores a revolutionary theological principle of equality and full integration within God's restored community, transcending traditional ethnic and national boundaries in the context of the eschatological temple vision.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Ezekiel's grand vision of the restored temple and the re-division of the land (chapters 40-48), following the detailed instructions for the temple's layout and worship. Specifically, chapter 47 describes the miraculous, life-giving river flowing from the temple, transforming the barren landscape, symbolizing spiritual renewal and abundance. Following this, the chapter shifts to delineate the precise boundaries of the land and the method of its division among the twelve tribes. Verse 22 then introduces a groundbreaking stipulation concerning the allocation of land, immediately after the general instructions for tribal inheritance, highlighting its significance as a divine decree for the future community. It stands as a climactic statement on the nature of the restored Israel, emphasizing an unprecedented level of inclusion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel prophesied to a dispirited people who had lost their land, temple, and national identity. In ancient Israel, land inheritance was strictly tied to tribal lineage, a foundational element of their covenant identity established in the wilderness (e.g., [Numbers 26:52-56](/numbers/26-52 "Numbers 26:52-56 - Division of Land by Lot")). While Mosaic Law mandated just and compassionate treatment for resident aliens or "strangers" (Hebrew: *gerim*), they typically did not possess the right to own tribal land (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner")). Ezekiel's vision, therefore, represents a radical departure from established norms, projecting a future where the restored community of Israel would embody a level of inclusion and equality far beyond anything previously experienced or legislated, challenging the ethnocentric tendencies of the past and present.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme in Ezekiel 47:22 is **Radical Inclusion and Equality**. This verse shatters the traditional ethnic barriers to land inheritance, elevating the status of resident aliens to that of native-born Israelites, granting them full rights within the divinely appointed land. This signifies a community where belonging to God's people transcends mere bloodline, emphasizing a spiritual or covenantal identity. Another key theme is **Divine Restoration and Provision**, as the land's division by lot underscores God's sovereign hand in re-establishing His people and ensuring their sustenance and security in the promised land. This act of restoration is not merely physical but also deeply theological, reflecting God's intention to create a truly just and expansive community. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **New Covenant Principles**, foreshadowing a future reality where distinctions based on ethnicity or nationality are transcended, as seen in the New Testament's vision of the Church (e.g., [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strangers (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** From H1616, properly a guest; by implication, a foreigner; alien, sojourner. This term refers to non-Israelites who had settled within Israelite territory, distinct from temporary visitors. The inclusion of the *gêr* in land inheritance is a significant theological shift, indicating a breaking down of traditional ethnic boundaries in the eschatological community.
* **sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** From H1481, a primitive root meaning to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place); also to gather for hostility (as afraid). In this context, it emphasizes the transient or non-native status of these individuals who have taken up residence among the Israelites, highlighting their previous outsider status now being transformed into full insider rights.
* **born (Hebrew, _ʼezrâch'_):** From H249, meaning a spontaneous growth, i.e., native (tree or persons); home-born (in the land), of the (one's own) country (nation). This word directly contrasts with "strangers" and "sojourn," emphasizing the radical equality granted. To be "as born in the country" means they are granted the same rights and privileges as those whose families have been in the land for generations, erasing any distinction in terms of inheritance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you":** This opening clause establishes the divine mandate for the land's distribution and confirms that the native Israelites will receive their allotted portions, maintaining the traditional method of allocation, which emphasized God's sovereign hand in the process.
* **"and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you":** This is the revolutionary addition. It explicitly includes resident aliens who have integrated into the community and established families, marking a profound expansion of God's people beyond ethnic lines. The condition of "begetting children" implies a settled, long-term commitment to the community.
* **"and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel":** This clause elevates the status of these strangers to full equality with native-born Israelites. It signifies not just tolerance or protection, but complete assimilation and equal standing in the eyes of God and the community, dismantling previous legal and social distinctions regarding land rights.
* **"they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel":** This final phrase reiterates and reinforces the core message: these formerly marginalized individuals will receive a full, equal, and permanent share of the land alongside the traditional tribes of Israel, cementing their place as legitimate heirs within the restored nation.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:22 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the "land" representing not just physical territory but the covenant relationship and God's secure provision for His people. The "division by lot" symbolizes divine sovereignty and impartial justice in allocation. The inclusion of "strangers" serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing** of the New Covenant's expansive and inclusive nature, where ethnic distinctions are transcended in God's kingdom. The phrase "as born in the country" is a form of **Simile**, equating the legal and social status of the *gerim* with that of native Israelites, highlighting a radical shift from previous legal codes. This visionary statement also functions as **Idealism**, presenting a perfected future state of Israel that embodies divine justice and universal welcome, a stark contrast to the historical realities of exclusivism and xenophobia often present in ancient societies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:22 is a theological landmark, demonstrating God's expansive and inclusive nature in His eschatological plan. It reveals that God's ultimate vision for His people transcends narrow ethnic or nationalistic boundaries, embracing all who genuinely belong to Him through faith and commitment. This radical inclusion of "strangers" into the inheritance of the land prefigures the universal scope of salvation and the breaking down of dividing walls between peoples, a theme profoundly developed in the New Testament. It underscores that true membership in God's people is not solely determined by physical lineage but by participation in the covenant community, reflecting a divine heart for all nations.

* [Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3 "Isaiah 56:3-7 - Inclusion of Foreigners and Eunuchs")
* [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ")
* [Galatians 3:28-29](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28-29 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:22 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today, particularly regarding the nature of the Church. It calls us to embody the radical inclusivity of God's future kingdom in our present communities. Just as the "strangers" were granted full inheritance and status, so too are all who come to Christ, regardless of their background, race, social standing, or past, made full co-heirs with Him. This truth should compel us to dismantle any barriers of exclusion within our churches, ensuring that our fellowship reflects the boundless grace and welcome of God. It reminds us that God's family is defined by faith and adoption, not by human distinctions. Our communities should be places where the marginalized find belonging, where differences are celebrated within the unity of the Spirit, and where every member is valued and given a share in the spiritual inheritance of Christ. This verse fosters a deep sense of hope for a future where perfect justice and inclusion prevail, motivating us to live out that reality now.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the radical inclusion of "strangers" in Ezekiel's vision challenge our contemporary notions of community and belonging, both within the church and society?**
* **In what ways might we, as individuals or as a church, inadvertently create barriers to inclusion that contradict the spirit of Ezekiel 47:22?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure that all people, regardless of their background, feel truly "as born in the country" within our spiritual communities?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "dividing by lot" in this context?**

Answer: Dividing the land "by lot" (Hebrew: *nâphal*, H5307, meaning to fall, cast lots) signifies that the distribution is not based on human preference, power, or negotiation, but on divine providence and sovereignty. In ancient Israel, casting lots was a common method to ascertain God's will or to make impartial decisions (e.g., [Joshua 18:10](/joshua/18-10 "Joshua 18:10 - Joshua Casts Lots for Land Division")). Here, it underscores that the inclusion of the strangers and the specific allocation of land are God's design, ensuring fairness and preventing disputes, and highlighting the divine origin of this radical new order.

**How does Ezekiel 47:22 compare to earlier Old Testament laws regarding strangers?**

Answer: Earlier Old Testament laws, particularly in the Pentateuch, mandated kindness, justice, and protection for the "stranger" or *ger* (e.g., [Leviticus 19:33-34](/leviticus/19-33 "Leviticus 19:33-34 - Treat the Stranger as Yourself"), [Deuteronomy 24:17](/deuteronomy/24-17 "Deuteronomy 24:17 - Justice for the Sojourner")). They were to be included in certain religious festivals and social provisions. However, these laws did not typically grant them the right to tribal land inheritance, which was reserved for the descendants of Jacob. Ezekiel 47:22 represents a significant theological progression, elevating the *ger*'s status from protected resident to full co-heir in the land, "as born in the country," thereby dismantling the last major legal distinction between native-born Israelites and integrated foreigners concerning the most fundamental aspect of Israelite identity and sustenance—the land.

**Is this prophecy literal or symbolic, and how does it apply to believers today?**

Answer: While the vision of the temple and land division in Ezekiel 40-48 has elements that are difficult to interpret purely literally (e.g., the miraculous river, the precise dimensions), its primary application is often understood symbolically and spiritually. The inclusion of strangers in the land inheritance is a powerful **symbol** of God's expansive grace and the breaking down of barriers in the eschatological kingdom. For believers today, this prophecy finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant, where the Church is the new Israel of God, and all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are united in Christ and share in a spiritual inheritance (e.g., [Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile")). It calls the Church to be a radically inclusive community, reflecting God's heart for all peoples.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 47:22 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant, where the ultimate inheritance is not a physical plot of land but eternal life and co-heirship with Christ in God's spiritual kingdom. The radical inclusion of "strangers" in Ezekiel's vision powerfully foreshadows the breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. As [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Broke Down the Wall") declares, Christ "is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." Through faith in Him, those who were once "strangers and aliens" are now "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")). This means that all believers, regardless of their ethnic or national origin, are equally adopted as sons and daughters of God, receiving the full inheritance of the Spirit and the promise of eternal life ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")). The vision of a unified, inclusive people sharing a common inheritance in Ezekiel 47:22 is thus realized in the Church, the body of Christ, where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "All One in Christ Jesus")).

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

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Ephesians 3:6

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Romans 10:12

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Isaiah 56:6

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

Isaiah 56:7

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Acts 11:18

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Isaiah 14:1

¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.