And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon [shall have] a [portion].
And by the border {H1366} of Benjamin {H1144}, from the east {H6921} side {H6285} unto the west {H3220} side {H6285}, Simeon {H8095} shall have a {H259} portion.
"'Shim'on's territory will run alongside the territory of Binyamin from east to west.
Simeon will have one portion bordering the territory of Benjamin from east to west.
And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon, one portion.
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Joshua 19:1
¶ And the second lot came forth to Simeon, [even] for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. -
Joshua 19:9
Out of the portion of the children of Judah [was] the inheritance of the children of Simeon: for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them. -
Genesis 29:33
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I [was] hated, he hath therefore given me this [son] also: and she called his name Simeon. -
Genesis 49:5
¶ Simeon and Levi [are] brethren; instruments of cruelty [are in] their habitations. -
Genesis 49:7
Cursed [be] their anger, for [it was] fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel.
Ezekiel 48:24 is part of the climactic vision in the Book of Ezekiel, detailing the future, idealized division of the land of Israel among the twelve tribes. This verse specifically describes the inheritance allotted to the tribe of Simeon.
Context
Chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel present an elaborate prophetic vision of a new temple, a renewed priesthood, and a meticulously re-divided land, often understood as a blueprint for a future, ideal state of Israel, perhaps in the millennial kingdom. Following the detailed descriptions of the temple and the holy oblation (a sacred district for the temple and priests), Ezekiel 48 outlines the precise boundaries and allocations for each tribe. The land is divided into horizontal strips running from east to west, with the temple and holy portion situated centrally. The tribes are listed in order from north to south, starting with Dan in the north down to Gad in the south. Simeon's portion is described as being situated directly south of Benjamin's territory, extending the full width of the land.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "portion" is cheleq (חֵלֶק), meaning a part, share, or inheritance. Its usage here reinforces the concept of a divinely appointed allotment, ensuring each tribe receives its designated share in the restored land.
Practical Application
Ezekiel's vision, including the specific allocation for Simeon, offers profound encouragement. It underscores God's faithfulness to His promises and His meticulous care for His people. Even tribes that faced historical challenges or diminished status, like Simeon, are fully integrated and blessed in God's ultimate plan of restoration. This teaches us that God remembers all His people and that His future plans are characterized by perfect order, justice, and abundant provision. It points to a time when all things will be set right according to God's perfect will, offering hope for a future free from the imperfections of the present age.