Ezekiel 47:8

Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: [which being] brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.

Then said {H559} he unto me, These waters {H4325} issue out {H3318} toward the east {H6930} country {H1552}, and go down {H3381} into the desert {H6160}, and go {H935} into the sea {H3220}: which being brought forth {H3318} into the sea {H3220}, the waters {H4325} shall be healed {H7495}.

He said to me, "This water flows toward the eastern region and continues down to the 'Aravah. When it enters the sea, the sea of stagnant water, [the Dead Sea,] its water will become fresh.

And he said to me, β€œThis water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh.

Then said he unto me, These waters issue forth toward the eastern region, and shall go down into the Arabah; and they shall go toward the sea; into the sea shall the waters go which were made to issue forth; and the waters shall be healed.

Commentary

Context of Ezekiel 47:8

Ezekiel 47 describes a profound vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a miraculous river flowing from the threshold of the new temple. This river, initially a trickle, steadily deepens and widens, becoming a mighty, life-giving torrent. Verse 8 specifically details the destination and transformative power of these waters: they flow eastward from Jerusalem, through the arid desert regions, and into "the sea." This "sea" is widely understood to be the Dead Sea (also known as the Salt Sea), notorious for its extreme salinity, which prevents most life from thriving within its waters. The vision contrasts the barrenness of the desert and the lifelessness of the Dead Sea with the abundant life brought by God's presence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Life and Healing: The central message is the restorative power of God's presence. The waters, originating from the temple, symbolize God's life-giving Spirit and His redemptive work. The declaration that "the waters shall be healed" signifies a complete reversal of the Dead Sea's natural, lifeless state, bringing forth vitality where there was none.
  • Transformation and Abundance: This verse beautifully illustrates God's ability to transform the most barren and lifeless areas into flourishing ecosystems. The desert becomes fertile, and the Dead Sea teems with life, demonstrating the boundless abundance that flows from God.
  • Spiritual Significance: Beyond a literal geographical transformation, this vision carries deep spiritual meaning. It points to the spiritual healing and renewal that God brings to individuals and nations through His grace and the living waters of the Holy Spirit.
  • Eschatological Hope: Many commentators view this vision as having eschatological implications, pointing to a future time of complete restoration and blessing under God's reign, as also seen in the New Testament's vision of the river of the water of life in Revelation 22.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "healed" here is rapha (ר׀א), which means to mend, restore, cure, or make healthy. It is the same root used for physical healing and spiritual restoration. Its application to the waters of the Dead Sea emphasizes a supernatural, comprehensive renewal, not just a dilution, but a fundamental change in their nature to support life. This highlights God's power to bring about complete and miraculous transformation.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 47:8 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that no situation is too barren, too dead, or too hopeless for God's transforming power. Just as the waters brought life to the Dead Sea, God can bring healing and fruitfulness to:

  • Personal Lives: Areas of spiritual barrenness, emotional wounds, or past hurts can be touched by God's healing presence.
  • Churches and Communities: Places struggling with spiritual apathy or division can experience renewal and revival when the "living waters" of God's Spirit flow freely.
  • The World: The vision speaks to the ultimate hope of God's redemptive plan for creation, where all things will be made new and healed, pointing towards the promise of God making all things new.

This verse is a powerful testament to God's desire and ability to bring life, healing, and abundance even to the most desolate places.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Joshua 3:16

    That the waters which came down from above stood [and] rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that [is] beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, failed, [and] were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.

  • Deuteronomy 3:17

    The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.

  • Isaiah 44:3

    For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

  • Isaiah 44:5

    One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S; and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD, and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.

  • 2 Kings 2:19

    ΒΆ And the men of the city said unto Elisha, Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city [is] pleasant, as my lord seeth: but the water [is] naught, and the ground barren.

  • 2 Kings 2:22

    So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Elisha which he spake.

  • Isaiah 41:17

    [When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.