Ezekiel 48:23

KJV

As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin [shall have] a [portion].

KJV (with Strong's)

As for the rest {H3499} of the tribes {H7626}, from the east {H6921} side {H6285} unto the west {H3220} side {H6285}, Benjamin {H1144} shall have a {H259} portion.

Complete Jewish Bible

which brings us to the rest of the tribes: "'Binyamin's territory will run from east to west.

Berean Standard Bible

As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin will have one portion extending from the east side to the west side.

American Standard Version

And as for the rest of the tribes: from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin, one portion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:23 is a pivotal verse within Ezekiel's grand, eschatological vision of a restored Israel, meticulously detailing the equitable division of the promised land among the twelve tribes. It specifically highlights the allocation of a distinct "portion" to the tribe of Benjamin, affirming God's comprehensive provision and the re-establishment of the nation's inheritance, stretching "from the east side unto the west side." This prophetic declaration underscores divine order, perfect justice, and the secure future of God's people in a renewed covenant relationship, portraying an ideal state of complete restoration and divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:23 is situated at the climax of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically within chapters 40-48, which unveil a detailed, visionary blueprint for a restored Israel. This section describes a new temple, its intricate ordinances, and the meticulous re-allotment of the land. Following the extensive architectural and ritualistic descriptions of the temple (chapters 40-47), chapter 48 meticulously outlines the precise boundaries and portions for each of the twelve tribes. This particular verse, therefore, is an integral part of this final, comprehensive distribution plan, demonstrating the orderly and complete re-establishment of Israel's national life and inheritance. The careful enumeration of each tribe's share, including Benjamin's, underscores the divine precision and the anticipated fulfillment of God's covenant promises in this idealized future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was written during the Babylonian exile, a period of profound national despair and displacement for the Israelites. The loss of their land, the destruction of the temple, and the subjugation of their sovereignty were devastating blows to their identity and faith. In this context, Ezekiel's elaborate visions of restoration served as a powerful message of hope, divine faithfulness, and a future beyond their current suffering. For an agrarian society like ancient Israel, land was intrinsically linked to identity, inheritance, and covenant blessings. The detailed re-division of the land in Ezekiel 48, contrasting with the original, often imperfect, divisions described in [Joshua 13](/joshua/13 "Joshua 13 - Division of Land West of Jordan"), speaks to a future ideal where God's promises of land and security would be perfectly realized. It addressed the deep longing of the exiles for return, re-possession, and a renewed, perfect relationship with God in their ancestral territory.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within its broader context, contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel. Firstly, **Divine Order and Justice** are paramount; the meticulous allocation of land to every tribe, "from the east side unto the west side," signifies God's absolute sovereignty and His commitment to perfect equity, ensuring no tribe is overlooked or disadvantaged. Secondly, the theme of **Restoration and Inheritance** is central. After the devastation of exile, the promise of a secure land inheritance symbolizes the complete spiritual and physical restoration of Israel, reflecting God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, a theme powerfully echoed in the promise of a [new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31 - The New Covenant"). Finally, the detailed assignment to all tribes, including Benjamin, emphasizes **Completeness and Unity**. The vision portrays a unified nation, dwelling securely within God-given boundaries, where every part, regardless of its historical prominence or size (like Benjamin), receives a full and comprehensive portion, signifying a holistic and inclusive divine provision that culminates in God's presence among His people, as seen in [Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Lord is There").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From the root meaning "son of (the) right hand," Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the progenitor of one of Israel's twelve tribes. Historically, Benjamin's territory was strategically located between Judah and Ephraim, often playing a crucial role in Israel's history (e.g., the first king, Saul, was a Benjaminite). In Ezekiel's vision, the specific mention of Benjamin receiving a portion underscores the comprehensive nature of God's restoration, ensuring that every tribe, even those historically smaller or less prominent, is included and provided for in the future ideal state of the renewed Israel.
* **Rest (Hebrew, _yether'_):** Properly meaning "an overhanging," and by implication "an excess, superiority, or remainder." In this context, "the rest of the tribes" refers to the remaining tribal allocations, following the initial, specific descriptions of the sanctuary's portion, the Levites' portion, and the prince's portion in the preceding verses of [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The Division of the Land"). This word highlights that the divine plan is exhaustive; every last tribe will receive its designated share, leaving no one out of God's meticulously ordered provision for the restored community.
* **West (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** Literally meaning "sea" (referring to the Mediterranean Sea), but locally used to denote the west, as the sea lay to the west of Israel. The phrase "from the east side unto the west side" (Hebrew: _miqqedem el-yam_) is a common Hebrew idiom, a merism, signifying the entire breadth or width of the land. It emphasizes that each tribal portion is a full strip of territory extending across the whole land, from its eastern boundary to the western sea, ensuring a complete and unhindered inheritance for every tribe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As for the rest of the tribes,"**: This introductory phrase signals a transition in the detailed land distribution, shifting focus to the remaining tribes whose specific allocations have not yet been explicitly detailed in the preceding verses of [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The Division of the Land"). It emphasizes the systematic and comprehensive nature of God's plan, ensuring that all of Israel's tribal families are accounted for and included in the divine provision.
* **"from the east side unto the west side,"**: This idiomatic expression, a **merism**, denotes the full width of the land, stretching from the eastern border (likely the Jordan River or beyond) to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. It underscores that each tribal portion is a complete, uninterrupted strip of territory, ensuring a full and unhindered inheritance for every tribe. This detail highlights the generosity, completeness, and perfect order of God's provision for His people.
* **"Benjamin shall have a portion."**: This declarative statement confirms that Benjamin, like all other tribes, is guaranteed a specific, allocated share of the land. The simplicity and directness of the declaration highlight the certainty and divine authority behind this distribution, ensuring Benjamin's secure and permanent place within the restored community and its inheritance. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant people, providing for each one.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:23 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message of divine restoration and order. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the meticulously divided land represents not merely physical territory but the spiritual restoration, security, and renewed covenant relationship between God and His people. The "portion" allocated to Benjamin, and indeed to all tribes, symbolizes God's faithfulness in providing a secure inheritance and a place of belonging for every member of His redeemed community. Furthermore, the phrase "from the east side unto the west side" is a classic example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts represent the whole. Here, "east" and "west" encompass the entire breadth of the land, emphasizing the completeness and totality of the divine allocation. This detailed, almost architectural, description of the land division also leans into **Idealism** and **Prophetic Vision**, portraying a perfect future state that transcends historical realities, serving as a blueprint for God's ultimate eschatological kingdom rather than a literal map for immediate historical implementation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:23, in its declaration of Benjamin's guaranteed portion, powerfully encapsulates core theological truths about God's character and His redemptive plan. It speaks to God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly concerning the land and the inheritance of His people, even after periods of judgment and exile. The meticulous division signifies divine order, perfect justice, and comprehensive provision, assuring that no tribe is forgotten or left without its promised share. This vision points to a future where God's people dwell in perfect security and harmony under His direct rule, a state of complete restoration that anticipates the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. It underscores that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure but are brought to fruition through His sovereign will, culminating in a renewed community living securely in His presence.

* [Joshua 13:7](/joshua/13-7 "Joshua 13:7 - Original Division of Land")
* [Psalm 78:55](/psalm/78-55 "Psalm 78:55 - God's Allotment of Inheritance")
* [Romans 11:29](/romans/11-29 "Romans 11:29 - God's Gifts and Calling Are Irrevocable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 48:23, though situated in a highly symbolic prophetic vision, offers profound assurance and practical application for believers today. Just as Benjamin was guaranteed a precise portion in the restored land, we are reminded of God's meticulous care and unfailing faithfulness to His promises. In Christ, we are assured of an eternal inheritance that is far more glorious and secure than any earthly territory. This verse invites us to trust in God's perfect order and justice, even when our circumstances seem chaotic or uncertain. It encourages us to find our identity and security not in transient possessions or worldly status, but in our belonging to God's redeemed family and the spiritual inheritance we have in Him. We are part of a larger, unified body, the Church, and God has a specific, secure, and invaluable place for each of us within His eternal purposes, ensuring that no one who trusts in Him is overlooked or forgotten.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land division in Ezekiel 48, including Benjamin's specific portion, deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness and attention to detail in your own life?**
* **In what ways does the concept of a guaranteed "portion" or "inheritance" in God's kingdom bring you hope and security amidst life's uncertainties and the impermanence of earthly things?**
* **How does the vision of a unified, restored Israel, where every tribe receives its place, inform your understanding of the church as God's diverse yet unified people today, and your place within it?**

### FAQ

**Is the land division in Ezekiel 48 a literal prophecy to be fulfilled geographically?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel 40-48, including the land division, is complex and debated among scholars. Some dispensationalists interpret it as a literal, future re-division of the land of Israel during a millennial kingdom, often pointing to the detailed measurements and tribal allocations as evidence for a physical fulfillment. However, many other scholars view this vision as highly symbolic and idealistic, representing the spiritual restoration, perfect order, and divine presence in a future, perfected community of God's people. The dimensions and details often do not align perfectly with historical or geographical realities, suggesting a symbolic blueprint for a renewed covenant relationship and a spiritual inheritance rather than a literal map. It points to the ultimate dwelling of God with His people in a state of perfect peace and justice, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Covenant and the Church.

**Why is Benjamin specifically mentioned in Ezekiel 48:23?**

Answer: Benjamin is mentioned as one of the "rest of the tribes" because Ezekiel 48 systematically lists the portions for all twelve tribes, ensuring a comprehensive and equitable distribution. While some tribes might have received more detailed descriptions or occupied more prominent historical roles, Benjamin's specific mention ensures that the comprehensive nature of God's provision and the inclusion of every tribal family is explicitly stated. It underscores the divine principle that every part of God's people, regardless of historical size or prominence, is valued and receives a secure inheritance in the restored community. This emphasizes God's meticulous care and equitable distribution to all His covenant people, affirming that none are forgotten in His perfect plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel's grand vision of a restored Israel, with its meticulously divided land and the assured portion for Benjamin, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament vision speaks of a physical land and a tribal inheritance, the New Testament reveals that the true and eternal inheritance for God's people is found not in earthly territory, but in Christ Himself and His spiritual kingdom. Through His atoning sacrifice and glorious resurrection, Jesus inaugurated the new covenant, making possible a spiritual restoration far grander than any earthly re-division of land. Believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are now united in Christ, becoming part of the spiritual Israel, the Church, which inherits the promises made to Abraham through faith (as articulated in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). The "portion" that Benjamin receives is a powerful shadow of the glorious inheritance we have in Christ, which is described as imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (as beautifully detailed in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). In Him, we receive not just a piece of land, but the fullness of God's presence, eternal life, and a secure place in the New Jerusalem, where God dwells with His people in perfect harmony and everlasting peace, a vision powerfully depicted in [Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heavens, New Earth, and New Jerusalem")). The divine order, perfect justice, and comprehensive provision promised in Ezekiel are perfectly realized in the reign of Christ, who is our true "rest" and eternal inheritance (as seen in [Hebrews 4:9](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9 - The Sabbath Rest for God's People")).

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

Joshua 18:21

Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Bethhoglah, and the valley of Keziz,

Joshua 18:28

And Zelah, Eleph, and Jebusi, which [is] Jerusalem, Gibeath, [and] Kirjath; fourteen cities with their villages. This [is] the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

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.

Ezekiel 48:7

And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a [portion for] Judah.

Genesis 35:16

¶ And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.

Genesis 35:19

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which [is] Bethlehem.