Ezekiel 48:28

KJV

And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar [unto] the waters of strife [in] Kadesh, [and] to the river toward the great sea.

KJV (with Strong's)

And by the border {H1366} of Gad {H1410}, at the south {H5045} side {H6285} southward {H8486}, the border {H1366} shall be even from Tamar {H8559} unto the waters {H4325} of strife {H4808}{H4809} in Kadesh {H6946}, and to the river {H5158} toward the great {H1419} sea {H3220}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Alongside the territory of Gad, from the Negev southward, the border will run from Tamar to the water at M'rivat-Kadesh, then to the Vadi [of Egypt], and on to the Great Sea.

Berean Standard Bible

The southern border of Gad will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, then along the Brook of Egypt and out to the Great Sea.

American Standard Version

And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar unto the waters of Meribath-kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, unto the great sea.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 48:28 meticulously describes a segment of the southern boundary for the tribe of Gad's allotted territory in the prophet's grand vision of a restored Israel. This verse, part of the final chapters of Ezekiel, delineates the precise geographical markers from Tamar to the Waters of Strife in Kadesh, extending to the river that flows toward the Great Sea. It underscores God's divine precision and faithfulness in fulfilling His ancient promises regarding the land and the re-establishment of His people within a divinely ordered commonwealth, emphasizing meticulous detail in the blueprint for future restoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 48:28 is situated within the climactic section of Ezekiel's prophecy, specifically chapters 40-48, which detail a visionary blueprint for the restored temple and the re-allotment of the land to the twelve tribes of Israel. Following an exhaustive description of the new temple's architecture and the holy district (chapters 40-47), Ezekiel shifts to the division of the land. Chapters 47 and 48 meticulously lay out the tribal inheritances, moving from north to south, with specific boundaries for each tribe. This particular verse concludes the description of Gad's territory, which is positioned towards the southern end of the tribal allotments, just north of the holy district. The meticulous geographical detail serves to underscore the certainty and precision of God's future restoration plan, contrasting sharply with the chaos and destruction previously prophesied and experienced during the exile. The vision culminates in the declaration "The LORD is there" as found in [Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Name of the City"), signifying God's permanent dwelling among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ezekiel prophesied during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national despair and displacement for the Israelites. The loss of the temple, Jerusalem, and the promised land shattered their sense of identity and covenant. In this context, Ezekiel's vision offered a powerful message of hope and restoration, promising a future return to the land, a rebuilt temple, and a renewed covenant relationship with God. The concept of land inheritance was foundational to Israelite identity, rooted in God's promises to Abraham in passages like [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - The Abrahamic Covenant"), Isaac, and Jacob. The detailed boundaries in Ezekiel's vision would have resonated deeply with a people who had lost their physical connection to their ancestral inheritance. Geographically, the "Great Sea" refers to the Mediterranean, and "Kadesh" (likely Kadesh-Barnea) was a historically significant location in the wilderness wanderings, often associated with rebellion and divine judgment, as seen in [Numbers 20:13](/numbers/20-13 "Numbers 20:13 - The Waters of Meribah"). The inclusion of such a place within the restored boundaries suggests a redemptive reincorporation of even sites of past failure into God's ultimate plan.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader vision in Ezekiel 40-48, highlights several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Order and Precision** is paramount; God's plan for restoration is not vague but is meticulously detailed, down to specific geographical markers, demonstrating His sovereignty and intentionality. Secondly, the **Restoration of Israel's Inheritance** is central, as each tribe receives a defined portion of the land, signifying the fulfillment of ancient covenant promises and the re-establishment of their national identity. This is a physical manifestation of God's faithfulness to His people, ensuring their secure dwelling. Thirdly, the theme of **Reconciliation and Redemption** is subtly present, particularly with the inclusion of "the waters of strife in Kadesh." This place, historically linked to Israel's disobedience, is now integrated into the sacred geography of the restored land, suggesting that God's redemptive plan encompasses and transforms even the painful memories of past failures, bringing them under the umbrella of His ultimate blessing and reconciliation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **border (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwl'_):** This word, appearing twice in the verse, signifies a defined boundary or limit, often marked by a cord or line. In Ezekiel's vision, it emphasizes the precise and unalterable nature of the land division. It conveys divine order and the certainty of God's allocation, ensuring each tribe's distinct and secure inheritance. The repetition underscores the fixed and unchangeable nature of these divinely ordained lines.
* **waters of strife (Hebrew, _mayim mᵉrîybâh'_):** This phrase refers to the "waters" (_mayim_) associated with "strife" or "quarrel" (_mᵉrîybâh_). This is a direct allusion to Meribah, the site where the Israelites quarreled with God and Moses, leading to Moses striking the rock rather than speaking to it, as recounted in [Numbers 20:13](/numbers/20-13 "Numbers 20:13 - The Waters of Meribah"). Its inclusion in the future boundaries of the holy land is highly significant, suggesting that even places marked by past rebellion and judgment are incorporated into God's comprehensive plan of restoration, not erased but transformed and redeemed within the new order.
* **great sea (Hebrew, _gâdôwl yâm'_):** The term "great" (_gâdôwl_) denotes magnitude, while "sea" (_yâm_) refers to a large body of water, specifically the Mediterranean Sea in this context. This phrase marks the westernmost extent of the border, providing a clear and universally recognized geographical landmark. Its inclusion grounds the visionary geography in tangible reality, emphasizing the concrete nature of the promised restoration and the vastness of the territory God is allocating.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward":** This clause establishes the specific location of the boundary being described – it is the southern border of the territory allocated to the tribe of Gad. The repetition of "south" (Hebrew _negeb_ and _têymân_) emphasizes the precise directional orientation, ensuring no ambiguity in the divine allotment. It sets the stage for the detailed description of this particular segment of the tribal inheritance.
* **"the border shall be even from Tamar":** This identifies the starting point of this segment of Gad's southern boundary. Tamar was an oasis city, often associated with the southern reaches of Judah, providing a fixed and recognizable landmark. The phrase "shall be even" (or "shall be straight") implies a direct and unswerving line, further highlighting the precision and order of God's design for the land.
* **"unto the waters of strife in Kadesh":** This specifies an intermediate, yet highly significant, point along the border. Kadesh, likely Kadesh-Barnea, and its associated "waters of strife" (Meribah) evoke a profound historical memory of Israel's rebellion and God's judgment in the wilderness. Its inclusion here means that this place, once a symbol of disobedience, is now part of the divinely ordained and blessed territory, signaling God's redemptive power to incorporate even past failures into His perfect future.
* **"and to the river toward the great sea.":** This clause describes the final segment of the border, extending westward from Kadesh. The "river" (Hebrew _nachal_), likely referring to the Brook of Egypt (Wadi El-Arish), was a traditional southern boundary of the land of Israel. Its course "toward the great sea" (the Mediterranean) indicates the ultimate western terminus of this southern border, providing a comprehensive and geographically sound description of the extent of Gad's inheritance.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 48:28 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Geographical Precision**, where the prophet meticulously lists specific landmarks like Tamar, Kadesh, the Waters of Strife, and the Great Sea. This detailed mapping serves not only to delineate physical boundaries but also to convey the absolute certainty and divine order of God's future plan. It grounds the visionary, spiritual reality in tangible, recognizable locations, emphasizing that God's promises are concrete and will be fulfilled with exactness. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** embedded in the mention of "the waters of strife in Kadesh." This location, historically associated with Israel's rebellion and God's judgment, is now integrated into the sacred geography of the restored land. This symbolizes God's redemptive power, indicating that even past failures and places of disobedience are brought under His sovereign plan and transformed within the new covenant order. It suggests that God's restoration is so complete that it reclaims and sanctifies even the painful memories of the past. Finally, the overall vision, of which this verse is a part, functions as **Typology**, foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual reality of God dwelling among His people in the new heavens and new earth, where perfect order and peace prevail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 48:28, with its meticulous delineation of Gad's southern border, profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly the ancient pledge of land to Israel. This detailed geographical blueprint is not merely a topographical exercise but a theological statement: God's word is precise, reliable, and will be fulfilled down to the smallest detail. The inclusion of "the waters of strife in Kadesh" is a powerful testament to divine grace, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan is so vast that it can encompass and transform even places associated with past rebellion and judgment. It speaks to a future where divine order reigns, and God's people are securely established in their inheritance, a theme that resonates throughout biblical history and points toward the ultimate restoration found in Christ.

* [Joshua 1:4](/joshua/1-4 "Joshua 1:4 - God's Promise of Land to Joshua")
* [Isaiah 65:17](/isaiah/65-17 "Isaiah 65:17 - New Heavens and a New Earth")
* [Revelation 21:1](/revelation/21-1 "Revelation 21:1 - A New Heaven and a New Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel's vision, culminating in the precise boundaries of the land, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and broken promises, this passage assures us that God's plans for His people are meticulously laid out and will come to pass. The inclusion of "the waters of strife in Kadesh" within the blessed inheritance is particularly poignant, teaching us that God's redemptive power is so complete that He can integrate even our past failures, struggles, and places of rebellion into His grand design for our future. It encourages us to trust in God's detailed providence, knowing that He is actively working out His perfect will, bringing order out of our personal and collective chaos, and ultimately leading us into a secure and blessed inheritance. This vision compels us to live with hope, confidence, and a deep appreciation for the certainty of God's promises, even when circumstances seem to contradict them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's land distribution in Ezekiel 48:28 speak to His character and His relationship with His people?**
* **What significance do you find in the inclusion of "the waters of strife in Kadesh" within the boundaries of the restored land, and how might this apply to your own life's past struggles?**
* **In what ways does this vision of a divinely ordered future encourage your faith and trust in God's providence today?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "the waters of strife in Kadesh" being part of the border?**

Answer: The "waters of strife" (Hebrew: Meribah) refer to a specific location near Kadesh-Barnea where the Israelites quarreled with God and Moses, leading to Moses striking the rock rather than speaking to it, resulting in him being barred from entering the Promised Land, as described in [Numbers 20:1-13](/numbers/20-1-13 "Numbers 20:1-13 - The Waters of Meribah"). Its inclusion in the meticulously described boundaries of the restored land in Ezekiel's vision is highly significant. It symbolizes God's profound redemptive power. Instead of erasing this site of past rebellion and judgment, God incorporates it into the sacred geography of the future, demonstrating that His restoration plan is so complete that it transforms and reclaims even the painful memories and consequences of past failures. It underscores that God's grace triumphs over sin, weaving all aspects of history into His perfect, sovereign design.

**Why are the geographical details so precise in Ezekiel's vision?**

Answer: The extreme precision in Ezekiel's geographical descriptions, as seen in [Ezekiel 48:28](/ezekiel/48-28 "Ezekiel 48:28 - Gad's Southern Border"), serves multiple purposes. Theologically, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty, intentionality, and faithfulness. It shows that God's promises are not vague or uncertain but are concrete and will be fulfilled with exactness. For the exiles who had lost their land, this precision offered immense hope and assurance that their inheritance was secure and divinely guaranteed. It also emphasizes the divine order that will characterize the restored community, contrasting with the chaos of their present reality. Furthermore, it provides a tangible, earthly framework for a vision that has profound spiritual and eschatological implications, grounding the future hope in a recognizable reality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 48:28, with its detailed delineation of earthly boundaries, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a literal re-drawing of maps, but in the spiritual inheritance and new creation inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The meticulous precision of the land division in Ezekiel's vision foreshadows the perfect order and secure dwelling that believers find in Christ. Just as the tribes received their allotted portions, so too do believers receive an "inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you," as promised in [1 Peter 1:4](/1_peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - Our Heavenly Inheritance"). The inclusion of "the waters of strife in Kadesh" within the blessed land points powerfully to Christ's redemptive work. He is the one who takes our past rebellions, our "waters of strife," and incorporates them into His glorious plan, transforming our history of sin into a testimony of His grace. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ has reconciled us to God, making us citizens of a heavenly kingdom, as described in [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship in Heaven"), and heirs of God's promises. The "great sea" and the "river" that define the boundaries ultimately point to the boundless and life-giving presence of God in the New Jerusalem, where the "river of the water of life" flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb, as seen in [Revelation 22:1](/revelation/22-1 "Revelation 22:1 - The River of Life"). Thus, the physical land inheritance in Ezekiel's vision becomes a type and shadow of the spiritual and eternal dwelling God provides for His people through Christ, where He truly is "The LORD is there" in fullness, echoing the name of the city in [Ezekiel 48:35](/ezekiel/48-35 "Ezekiel 48:35 - The Name of the City").

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

Ezekiel 47:19

And the south side southward, from Tamar [even] to the waters of strife [in] Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And [this is] the south side southward.

Ezekiel 47:20

The west side also [shall be] the great sea from the border, till a man come over against Hamath. This [is] the west side.

2 Chronicles 20:2

Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they [be] in Hazazontamar, which [is] Engedi.

Ezekiel 47:15

And this [shall be] the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;

Numbers 34:5

And the border shall fetch a compass from Azmon unto the river of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

Psalms 106:32

They angered [him] also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:

Genesis 15:18

In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: