Ezekiel 47:23

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give [him] his inheritance, saith the Lord GOD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe {H7626} the stranger {H1616} sojourneth {H1481}, there shall ye give {H5414} him his inheritance {H5159}, saith {H5002} the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You are to give the foreigner an inheritance in the territory of the tribe with whom he is living,' says Adonai ELOHIM.

Berean Standard Bible

In whatever tribe a foreigner dwells, you are to assign his inheritance there,” declares the Lord GOD.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth, there shall ye give him his inheritance, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 47:23 delivers a revolutionary divine decree within the context of the restored land of Israel, mandating that resident foreigners, or "strangers," who sojourn among the tribes are to be granted a full and equal inheritance of land. This command radically departs from traditional Israelite land tenure laws, which typically restricted inheritance to native-born Israelites by tribal and familial lineage, thereby highlighting God's expansive justice and profound inclusivity in the eschatological vision of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 47:23 concludes a detailed prophetic vision concerning the division of the promised land among the twelve tribes of Israel (Ezekiel 47:13-22). This allocation follows the miraculous outpouring of the life-giving river from the new temple (Ezekiel 47:1-12), symbolizing divine blessing and restoration. The preceding verses specify the boundaries and the equitable distribution of the land, emphasizing that each tribe is to receive an equal portion. Verse 22 already introduces the concept of including "strangers" (resident aliens) in the land, but verse 23 specifically elevates their status by granting them an *inheritance* within the tribe where they reside, placing them on par with the native-born Israelites in terms of land rights. This climactic instruction underscores the radical nature of God's future kingdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land inheritance was sacrosanct and strictly tied to tribal and family lineage, established during the initial conquest and division of Canaan under Joshua (e.g., [Joshua 13-21](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13-21 - Division of the Land")). Foreigners, or "sojourners" (Hebrew: *ger*), were a recognized class within Israelite society. While Mosaic Law consistently commanded kindness, protection, and justice for the *ger* (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner"), [Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Treat the Sojourner as a Native")), they were generally not eligible for land inheritance, which was reserved for the twelve tribes. Ezekiel's decree thus represents a profound departure from established norms, projecting an idealized future where the traditional barriers of ethnicity and birthright are transcended in the distribution of God's blessings.
* **Key Themes:** The most prominent theme is **Radical Inclusivity**, demonstrating God's boundless grace extending beyond ethnic Israel to embrace all who commit to dwelling among His people. This challenges the conventional understanding of covenant membership and privilege. Closely related is the theme of **Divine Justice and Equity**, as God ensures that even those who are not ethnically Israelite are granted full and equal rights to a portion of the land, reflecting a perfect, equitable society under divine rule. This vision also speaks to **Eschatological Restoration**, portraying a future state of perfect peace, order, and divine blessing where the divisions and injustices of the past are rectified. Furthermore, many interpret this as a **Foreshadowing of New Covenant Inclusion**, where the spiritual inheritance in Christ transcends all ethnic and national boundaries, as beautifully articulated in passages like [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints") and [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stranger (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** From H1481 (gûwr), this term refers to a "guest" or, by implication, a "foreigner," "alien," or "sojourner." In the Old Testament, the *ger* was a non-Israelite who had left their native land to reside permanently or semi-permanently within Israelite territory. While they were to be treated with justice and kindness, they typically did not possess the same rights as native Israelites, particularly concerning land ownership. Ezekiel's decree fundamentally redefines the status of the *ger* by granting them full inheritance rights, elevating them to the level of native-born Israelites in this future vision.
* **sojourneth (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** A primitive root meaning "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e. sojourn (as a guest)." It implies a temporary or resident dwelling in a place that is not one's native home. The use of this verb highlights the *ger*'s status as one who has chosen to live among God's people, implying a commitment to that community, which is then divinely rewarded with permanent belonging through inheritance.
* **inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** From H5159, this word signifies "something inherited," "occupancy," "heirloom," "estate," "patrimony," or "portion." In Israelite law, *nachălâh* was the inalienable, divinely allotted portion of land passed down through generations within a tribe and family. Granting this to a *ger* was unprecedented and signifies full integration and permanent belonging within the tribal structure, not merely temporary residence or protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass, that in what tribe the stranger sojourneth,"**: This opening clause sets the condition for the divine decree. It identifies the recipient of the inheritance—the "stranger" or resident alien—and specifies the context of their dwelling: within a particular tribe. The phrase "it shall come to pass" emphasizes the certainty and divine origin of this future event, marking it as a definitive aspect of God's restored order.
* **"there shall ye give him his inheritance,"**: This is the core command, a direct instruction to the leaders or the community ("ye") to allocate a permanent land portion ("his inheritance") to the sojourning foreigner. The term "inheritance" is crucial, as it implies not merely temporary use but full, permanent ownership and inclusion within the tribal land distribution, a right previously reserved exclusively for native Israelites. This radical inclusion underscores God's expansive grace.
* **"saith the Lord GOD."**: This concluding phrase functions as a divine oracle formula, emphatically affirming the absolute authority and certainty of the preceding decree. It leaves no room for human questioning or deviation, declaring that this revolutionary act of inclusion is not a human innovation but a direct command from the sovereign God, Yahweh, the ultimate source of justice and order.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 47:23 is a powerful example of **Prophecy** and **Divine Oracle**, explicitly marked by the concluding phrase "saith the Lord GOD," which authenticates the message as a direct revelation from God. The entire vision of the restored temple and land (Ezekiel 40-48) functions as an **Eschatological Vision**, presenting an idealized future state under God's perfect rule, where the limitations and injustices of the past are overcome. The concept of "inheritance" here carries significant **Symbolism**, representing not just physical land but also full belonging, security, and participation in the blessings of God's covenant people. The decree itself embodies a profound **Inversion of Norms** or **Radical Inclusivity**, as it overturns established Israelite land laws to demonstrate God's expansive grace and justice, extending full rights to those previously considered outsiders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 47:23 offers a profound theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom and His redemptive purposes. It reveals a God whose justice is not limited by human ethnic or national boundaries, but rather extends to all who genuinely choose to dwell among His people. This radical inclusivity challenges the narrow, exclusive interpretations of covenant blessings, demonstrating that in God's ultimate plan, belonging is based on relationship and commitment, not solely on birthright. The granting of an inheritance to the *ger* foreshadows a universal scope for God's saving work, where all who come to Him find a place and a portion in His divine economy, reflecting a deep desire for unity and equity within His people.

* [Isaiah 56:3-7](/isaiah/56-3 "Isaiah 56:3-7 - Foreigners Joining the Lord")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Gentiles as Fellow Citizens")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 47:23 serves as a timeless challenge to believers and the church today, calling us to embody the expansive love and justice of God in our communities. It compels us to move beyond superficial inclusivity to a radical embrace of all people, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social standing. This verse reminds us that true spiritual inheritance in Christ transcends all human-made divisions, urging us to actively welcome, affirm, and integrate those who might otherwise be considered "outsiders." It champions the cause of the marginalized and vulnerable, prompting us to seek equity and fairness in all spheres, reflecting God's heart for justice. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to cultivate church environments where every individual who seeks God finds not just a temporary welcome, but a permanent, cherished place and a full share in the blessings of God's family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the radical inclusivity of Ezekiel 47:23 challenge my own preconceived notions of who belongs in God's family or community?**
* **In what practical ways can my church or community of faith move beyond mere welcome to truly integrate and empower those who are "strangers" or marginalized?**
* **What does "inheritance" mean in a spiritual sense for believers today, and how does this verse deepen my understanding of that inheritance?**
* **How can I champion justice and equity for those who are considered "outsiders" in my contemporary society, reflecting God's heart as revealed in this verse?**

### FAQ
**Is this prophecy regarding land inheritance for strangers literal or symbolic?**

Answer: Biblical scholars hold various views. Some interpret Ezekiel's vision, including this verse, as a literal blueprint for a future, millennial kingdom, where the land will be physically redivided, and resident aliens will indeed receive a literal inheritance. Others view it as primarily symbolic, representing the spiritual realities of God's New Covenant kingdom, where all believers, regardless of ethnic background, receive a spiritual inheritance in Christ. A balanced approach often sees it as both: a literal vision that also carries profound symbolic and spiritual truths about God's inclusive nature and the breaking down of barriers in the eschatological age. The emphasis on "inheritance" (Hebrew: *nachălâh*) points to a concrete, tangible blessing, whether understood physically or spiritually.

**How does Ezekiel 47:23 relate to earlier Old Testament laws concerning foreigners or sojourners?**

Answer: This verse represents a significant progression, if not a radical departure, from earlier Old Testament laws. While the Mosaic Law consistently commanded kindness, protection, and justice for the "stranger" or "sojourner" (*ger*) (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner"); [Leviticus 19:34](/leviticus/19-34 "Leviticus 19:34 - Treat the Sojourner as a Native")), it did not grant them land inheritance. Land was strictly apportioned by tribal and family lineage to native Israelites (e.g., [Numbers 26](/numbers/26 "Numbers 26 - Census and Land Division")). Ezekiel 47:23 elevates the status of the *ger* to full equality with native Israelites in terms of land rights, signifying a future era of unprecedented inclusion and equity under God's perfect rule.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 47:23 finds its ultimate and profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Covenant, where the radical inclusivity envisioned for the restored land of Israel is realized in the spiritual kingdom established by Jesus Christ. The dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, which once separated people from the covenant blessings and the "commonwealth of Israel," has been broken down by Christ's sacrifice on the cross, making "both one" (as powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). Through faith in Him, all believers, regardless of their ethnic or national origin, are no longer "strangers and aliens, but 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")). The "inheritance" promised to the stranger in Ezekiel's vision is spiritually fulfilled in Christ, as believers are "heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ" ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), receiving an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Imperishable Inheritance")). Thus, the prophetic vision of a land where all are welcomed and given a portion culminates in the reality of the Church, where Christ is the head, and every believer, from every tribe and tongue, shares equally in the boundless spiritual blessings and eternal heritage secured by His atoning work ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Tribe")).

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.