Ezekiel 48:25

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

And by the border {H1366} of Simeon {H8095}, from the east {H6921} side {H6285} unto the west {H3220} side {H6285}, Issachar {H3485} a {H259} portion.

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

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

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

Ezekiel 48:25 is part of the climactic final chapter of the book of Ezekiel, which meticulously details a futuristic, idealized division of the land of Israel among its twelve tribes. This verse specifically describes the portion allotted to the tribe of Issachar, situated by the border of Simeon, extending from the east to the west side.

Context

The book of Ezekiel transitions from prophecies of judgment and exile (chapters 1-39) to powerful visions of restoration and renewal (chapters 40-48). Chapters 40-47 provide an elaborate description of a new temple and its ordinances, while Chapter 48 outlines the precise, orderly re-allotment of the holy land among the tribes of Israel. This vision is highly symbolic, portraying a divine order and perfect communion with God in a future era, often interpreted as the millennial reign of Christ or a spiritual reality of God's presence among His people. The land division here differs significantly from the historical allotments in the book of Joshua, emphasizing a divine blueprint for a future, perfected state.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Precision: The detailed nature of the land division, down to each tribe's specific borders, highlights God's meticulous planning and His sovereign control over all things. It underscores His desire for order and peace among His people.
  • Tribal Inheritance: Each tribe, including Issachar, receives a distinct and secure inheritance. This speaks to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to His people, ensuring every part of Israel has its place and provision. This concept resonates with the original land promises made to Abraham.
  • Future Hope and Restoration: The vision of a perfectly divided land points to a time of complete restoration for Israel, where God's presence (represented by the temple in the midst) brings ultimate blessing and security. It offers a profound message of hope beyond the exile and suffering.
  • God's Faithfulness: Despite Israel's failures, God remains faithful to His covenant. The re-division of the land signifies a new beginning, a renewed relationship, and the ultimate establishment of His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "portion" is cheleq (חֵלֶק), which signifies an allotment, share, or inheritance. Its usage here emphasizes that each tribe's land is a divinely designated and secured possession, not subject to human dispute or conquest. The phrase "from the east side unto the west side" (מִקֵּדֶם עַד־יָמָּה - miqqedem ‘ad-yammah) indicates a full strip of land, stretching across the entire width of the territory, ensuring a complete and unhindered inheritance for Issachar.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 48:25, within its larger context, reminds us that God is a God of order who has a specific plan for His people. While this vision is primarily about physical Israel in a future context, it offers spiritual lessons for believers today:

  • God's Promises are Sure: Just as Issachar received a guaranteed portion, believers have an assured spiritual inheritance in Christ, secured by God's faithfulness.
  • Hope in Divine Order: Even in chaotic times, we can trust that God has a perfect plan unfolding. He brings order out of disorder and fulfills His purposes.
  • Our Place in God's Kingdom: Every believer has a unique place and purpose within God's spiritual "allotment." We are called to live faithfully in the portion He has given us, contributing to the larger body of Christ.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Joshua 19:17

    ¶ [And] the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families.

  • Joshua 19:23

    This [is] the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.

  • Genesis 30:14

    ¶ And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes.

  • Genesis 30:18

    And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

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