Ezekiel 48:24

KJV

And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon [shall have] a [portion].

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Shim'on's territory will run alongside the territory of Binyamin from east to west.

Berean Standard Bible

Simeon will have one portion bordering the territory of Benjamin from east to west.

American Standard Version

And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side unto the west side, Simeon, one portion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:24 is a precise and pivotal verse within Ezekiel's climactic vision of the restored Israel, specifically detailing the geographical allocation for the tribe of Simeon. It describes Simeon's inheritance as a distinct, horizontally-oriented strip of land, stretching from the eastern to the western boundaries of the promised land, situated immediately south of the territory assigned to Benjamin. This meticulous division underscores God's sovereign plan for a perfectly ordered and equitable restoration of His people, ensuring every tribe receives its full and independent share in the future, idealized kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:24 is situated within the final section of the Book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which presents an elaborate prophetic vision of a new temple, a renewed priesthood, and a meticulously re-divided land. This entire section serves as a blueprint for a future, ideal state of Israel, often interpreted as a depiction of the millennial kingdom or a symbolic representation of God's ultimate restoration. Following the detailed descriptions of the temple and the "holy oblation"—a sacred district designated for the temple, priests, and Levites (as seen in [Ezekiel 45:1-8](/ezekiel/45-1-8 "Ezekiel 45:1-8 - The Holy Oblation"))—Ezekiel 48 outlines the precise boundaries and allocations for each of the twelve tribes. The land is envisioned as being divided into horizontal strips, each extending from the east to the west, with the centrally located holy portion. The tribes are listed in a specific order from north to south, starting with Dan (as seen in [Ezekiel 48:1](/ezekiel/48-1 "Ezekiel 48:1 - Dan's Allotment")) and concluding with Gad (as described in [Ezekiel 48:27](/ezekiel/48-27 "Ezekiel 48:27 - Gad's Allotment")). Simeon's portion, as described in this verse, is strategically placed directly south of Benjamin's territory, emphasizing a contiguous and orderly distribution within this divinely orchestrated plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the initial division of the land under Joshua saw the tribe of Simeon receiving its inheritance *within* the territory of Judah (as recorded in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance")). This unique arrangement was likely due to their smaller size and perhaps a consequence of Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon and Levi, who were to be "divided in Jacob and scattered in Israel" because of their violent actions (see [Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5-7 "Genesis 49:5-7 - Jacob's Prophecy Against Simeon and Levi")). By the time of the divided monarchy and the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, the tribal distinctions had largely blurred, and the land lay desolate. Ezekiel's vision, delivered to the exiles in Babylon, offered a profound message of hope and restoration. Culturally, land inheritance was paramount in ancient Israel, signifying identity, security, and a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). The meticulous detail of this re-division would have resonated deeply with a people who had lost their land and their sense of national identity, promising a future where God's promises would be perfectly realized, and every tribe would have its rightful, independent place.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, along with the entire land division in [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The Division of the Land"), contributes to several major theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Divine Order and Restoration**. The precise allocation for each tribe, including Simeon, highlights God's meticulous and sovereign plan to restore and reorder His people, providing each with a secure and distinct inheritance. This speaks to a future era of peace, stability, and perfect justice under God's rule, ensuring Israel's complete restoration after exile (a theme also prominent in [Ezekiel 36:24-28](/ezekiel/36-24-28 "Ezekiel 36:24-28 - Restoration and New Heart")). Secondly, the inclusion of Simeon with its own independent strip of land, rather than being subsumed within Judah as historically, emphasizes **Simeon's Included Inheritance and Reversal of Judgment**. This signifies a complete and equitable restoration for all tribes, regardless of past circumstances, numerical strength, or historical judgments. It points to a fulfillment of God's covenant promises in a way that transcends historical limitations, demonstrating God's grace and faithfulness to all His people. Finally, the recurring phrase "from the east side unto the west side" for each tribal portion, including Simeon's, conveys **Completeness and Wholeness**. It signifies a full and complete inheritance, emphasizing that every tribe receives its full share across the breadth of the land, reflecting the comprehensiveness and abundance of God's future blessings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Benjamin (Hebrew, _Binyâmîyn'_):** From the Hebrew for "son of (the) right hand," Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, and the progenitor of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Ezekiel's vision, Benjamin's territory is situated immediately north of Simeon's, indicating a specific and ordered placement within the restored land. The tribe of Benjamin was historically significant, known for its fierce warriors and for producing Israel's first king, Saul. Its placement here emphasizes the re-establishment of all tribal identities.
* **Border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** Properly meaning "a cord (as twisted)," this word refers to a boundary or, by implication, the territory enclosed by such a boundary. Its usage here highlights the precise and defined nature of the tribal allotments in Ezekiel's vision. It signifies order, demarcation, and the secure possession of land, contrasting with the chaotic and dispossessed state of the exilic period. The "border" defines the limits of each tribe's divinely appointed inheritance.
* **Simeon (Hebrew, _Shimʻôwn'_):** Derived from the Hebrew root meaning "hearing," Simeon was the second son of Jacob and Leah. Historically, the tribe of Simeon faced challenges, including a reduced population and an inheritance within Judah's territory. Its explicit mention here receiving a distinct, independent "portion" underscores the theme of complete restoration and God's meticulous care for every part of His people, ensuring that none are forgotten or diminished in the final, ideal state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by the border of Benjamin":** This clause precisely locates Simeon's future inheritance. It indicates that Simeon's allotted territory will immediately adjoin the southern boundary of the land assigned to the tribe of Benjamin, establishing a clear and orderly geographical relationship between these two tribes within the restored land. This proximity highlights the meticulous and systematic nature of God's re-division.
* **"from the east side unto the west side":** This phrase describes the full breadth of Simeon's portion. It signifies that Simeon's territory, like those of the other tribes in this vision, will extend completely across the land, from its easternmost boundary to its westernmost boundary. This emphasizes a full, complete, and unhindered inheritance, reflecting the comprehensiveness of God's provision and the secure nature of the land.
* **"Simeon [shall have] a [portion].":** This final clause declares the specific recipient and nature of the allotment. It explicitly states that the tribe of Simeon will receive a distinct "portion" or share of the land. The inclusion of Simeon, despite its historical challenges and diminished status, highlights God's faithfulness to all His covenant people and His plan for a perfectly equitable distribution in the restored kingdom, ensuring no tribe is overlooked.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Symbolism**, where the meticulously detailed division of the land for each tribe, including Simeon, symbolizes God's perfect order, justice, and faithfulness in the eschatological age. It represents not merely a physical reallocation of territory but a spiritual restoration of identity, security, and covenant blessing for all Israel. The phrase "from the east side unto the west side" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, signifying the entirety and completeness of the inheritance, emphasizing that each tribe receives its full, unhindered share across the entire breadth of the land. This reinforces the theme of God's abundant provision and the boundless nature of the future kingdom. Furthermore, the very act of listing and specifying each tribe's portion, particularly Simeon's, which had a historically complicated inheritance, serves as a powerful **Reversal** motif, demonstrating God's capacity to overturn past judgments and fulfill His promises beyond human expectation, showcasing His transformative grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:24, by detailing Simeon's distinct inheritance, powerfully affirms God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and His meticulous care for every segment of His people. The vision of a perfectly ordered land, where every tribe, regardless of past status or historical challenges, receives its full and independent share, speaks to a divine justice that transcends human failings and historical circumstances. It underscores the theme of comprehensive restoration, not merely of land, but of identity, dignity, and purpose for the entire nation of Israel. This future state, characterized by divine order and equitable provision, serves as a profound theological statement about God's ultimate intention to bring about perfect shalom and complete His redemptive plan for His chosen people, ensuring all are included and fully blessed.

* [Jeremiah 30:3](/jeremiah/30-3 "Jeremiah 30:3 - Restoration of Israel and Judah")
* [Isaiah 65:17-19](/isaiah/65-17-19 "Isaiah 65:17-19 - New Heavens and New Earth")
* [Revelation 21:12](/revelation/21-12 "Revelation 21:12 - The Twelve Tribes on the Gates of New Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision of the land's re-division, with Simeon receiving a full and distinct portion, offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of meticulous order, perfect justice, and unwavering faithfulness. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or when past failures appear to diminish our standing, God's ultimate plan is one of complete restoration and abundant provision. Just as Simeon, a tribe historically integrated into Judah and associated with Jacob's curse, is given a full and independent inheritance, so too does God remember and restore all who are His. This vision invites us to trust in God's sovereign blueprint for our lives and for the world, knowing that His future is characterized by perfect equity and comprehensive blessing, far beyond what we can imagine or deserve. It calls us to live with hope, confident that God will ultimately set all things right and fulfill every promise, ensuring that no one truly belonging to Him will be forgotten or left without their full inheritance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's plan for Simeon's inheritance encourage you about God's care for every individual and group within His people?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to feel "less than" or overlooked, and how does Ezekiel 48:24 challenge that perspective?**
* **How does the concept of a complete and unhindered "portion" from "east side unto west side" speak to the comprehensiveness of God's blessings in your own life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Simeon receiving its own independent portion in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The significance lies in the profound theme of complete and equitable restoration. Historically, the tribe of Simeon had a unique and somewhat diminished inheritance, receiving its territory *within* the larger tribal allotment of Judah (as detailed in [Joshua 19:1-9](/joshua/19-1-9 "Joshua 19:1-9 - Simeon's Inheritance")). This was likely due to its smaller size and perhaps related to Jacob's prophecy concerning Simeon and Levi being "scattered in Israel" (see [Genesis 49:5-7](/genesis/49-5-7 "Genesis 49:5-7 - Jacob's Prophecy Against Simeon and Levi")). In Ezekiel's idealized vision, Simeon is granted its own distinct, independent strip of land, equal in breadth to the other tribes. This signifies a reversal of any historical judgments or diminishment, highlighting God's grace and faithfulness to ensure that *every* tribe, without exception, receives a full and secure inheritance in the restored kingdom. It underscores that God's ultimate plan is one of perfect justice, order, and comprehensive blessing for all His covenant people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezekiel 48:24 describes a literal land division for the twelve tribes of Israel, its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual significance are profoundly realized in Christ. The meticulous and equitable distribution of land, ensuring every tribe receives a full and secure inheritance, foreshadows the spiritual inheritance believers receive in Christ. Just as Simeon, historically marginalized, receives a full portion, so too in Christ are all believers, regardless of their past or origin, granted full access to the blessings of God's kingdom. The "border" and "portion" in Ezekiel point to the secure and eternal dwelling place prepared for God's people, not merely in a physical land, but in the new heavens and new earth, where Christ is the center. Through His atoning work, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), has secured for His followers an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven (as described in [1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - Living Hope and Inheritance")). The promise of a full "east to west" portion finds its spiritual parallel in the boundless and comprehensive grace and glory that believers inherit as co-heirs with Christ (see [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Ultimately, the perfectly ordered community in Ezekiel's vision anticipates the church, the spiritual Israel, where Jew and Gentile are united in Christ, each having a place and a portion in God's eternal kingdom (as seen in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The final vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21](/revelation/21 "Revelation 21 - The New Jerusalem"), with its twelve gates named for the tribes of Israel and its twelve foundations for the apostles, beautifully synthesizes these Old Testament promises into their ultimate Christ-centered reality, where all God's people find their complete and eternal inheritance in Him.

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 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.