Ezekiel 48:23

Translation
King James Version
As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
which brings us to the rest of the tribes: "'Binyamin's territory will run from east to west.
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Berean Standard Bible
As for the rest of the tribes: Benjamin will have one portion extending from the east side to the west side.
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American Standard Version
And as for the rest of the tribes: from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin, one portion.
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World English Bible Messianic
As for the rest of the tribes: from the east side to the west side, Benjamin, one portion.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And the rest of the tribes shalbe thus: from the East parte vnto the West parte Beniamin shalbe a portion.
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Young's Literal Translation
`As to the rest of the tribes, from the east side unto the west side, Benjamin one,
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See also
Joshua 18:21Joshua 18:28Ezekiel 48:1Ezekiel 48:7Genesis 35:16Genesis 35:19
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Ezekiel’s Promised Land
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In the KJVVerse 21,726 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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, 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. 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.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Benjamin (Hebrew, Binyâmîyn', H1144): 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', H3499): 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. 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', H3220): 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. 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.

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). 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). 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). 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).

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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Ezekiel
(Vers. 23 seqq.) And the rest of the tribes, from the eastern boundary to the western boundary, belong to Benjamin. And against the boundary of Benjamin, from the eastern boundary to the western boundary, belong to Simeon. And along the boundary of Simeon, from the eastern boundary to the western boundary, belong to Issachar. And along the boundary of Issachar, from the eastern boundary to the western boundary, belong to Zebulun. And along the boundary of Zebulun, from the eastern boundary to the sea, belong to Gad. And the border shall go to Gad towards the south side, and the end shall be at Thamar unto the waters of contradiction of Cades: the inheritance shall be against the great sea. This is the land which you shall divide by lot to the tribes of Israel, and these are their portions, says the Lord God. The portion which is always placed at the end in the numbering of the five and seven tribes is understood either as a part, a possession, or an inheritance: although Aquila and Symmachus interpret it as a neutral gender τὸ ὅριον, which means boundary. And it must be noted briefly that in the last five tribes, the tribe of Gad, which was mentioned earlier as being beyond the Jordan, is placed in the same area that Judas previously held, namely the southern region, and its boundary stretches from Thamar to the waters of contradiction at Kadesh, opposite the Great Sea: Thamar itself, which we have already mentioned, is now called Palmyra, and was built long ago by Solomon; for 'palm' in Hebrew is called Thamar, and some believe that it received this name because there are many palm trees there. And what follows: Even to the waters of contradiction of Cades, the inheritance against the great sea; for which seventy transferred from Theman, and the water of Mariboth, ((also Marimoth)) Cades, the inheritance even to the great sea, it is to be observed in the Hebrew language that the same word, Nehela (), is ambiguous, signifying both inheritance and torrent, and here it should be understood more as a torrent than as an inheritance. For this is the torrent that enters the great sea of Rhinocorura, as we have already mentioned. The place called Kadesh, which is also called Kadesh-Barnea in the book of Joshua, is in the desert, extending to the city of Petra. However, Mariboth, which means contradiction, is not a place name as many think, but a name for the waters in which the people contradicted the Lord and Moses offended God, as the Psalm says: They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that Moses suffered for their sins (Psalm 106:32). The entire inheritance of the Holy Land is bordered to the south by the boundaries of Egypt, Rhinocorura, and the River of Egypt. And because Gad is interpreted as temptation, in his possession we pass from the palm groves to the waters of contradiction, even to Kadesh, which is interpreted as holy, so that we may understand that even after the victory of the world we must be solicitous, and always in fear, and remember that verse: The life of man upon earth is a temptation (Job 7:1); and to attain holiness, resisting adversaries, and thus achieve victory, so that we may contemplate the nearby stream full of rain showers.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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