Ezekiel 48:4

And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a [portion for] Manasseh.

And by the border {H1366} of Naphtali {H5321}, from the east {H6921} side {H6285} unto the west {H3220} side {H6285}, a {H259} portion for Manasseh {H4519}.

"'M'nasheh's territory will run alongside the territory of Naftali from east to west.

Manasseh will have one portion bordering the territory of Naphtali from east to west.

And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, Manasseh, one portion.

Commentary

Ezekiel 48:4 KJV is part of a detailed prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning the restoration of Israel, the division of the land, and the establishment of a new temple.

Context

This verse is found within chapters 40-48 of Ezekiel, which describe an elaborate vision of a new temple, a new Jerusalem, and a meticulously re-divided land for the twelve tribes of Israel. Given during the Babylonian exile, this vision served as a profound message of hope and future restoration for the exiled Jewish people. Ezekiel 47:13-23 sets the stage for the specific tribal allocations, which are presented as parallel strips running from east to west. Verse 4 specifically details the land allocated to the tribe of Manasseh, situated directly south of the border assigned to Naphtali, extending across the entire width of the envisioned land.

Key Themes

  • Divine Order and Meticulous Planning: The precise geographical details for each tribal portion underscore God's sovereign control and His meticulous planning for the future of His people. This level of detail emphasizes a perfect, divine order.
  • Restoration of Inheritance: This vision symbolizes the complete and equitable restoration of Israel's land inheritance, a core promise in the Old Testament. Each tribe receives its specific, God-ordained "portion," or cheleq (Hebrew for 'share' or 'inheritance'). This echoes the original land distribution seen in the book of Joshua.
  • Hope and Future Fulfillment: For the exiled Israelites, this vision offered immense hope, promising a future where God would re-establish their dwelling and worship in perfect order. While some interpret this literally for a future millennial kingdom, others see it as symbolic of God's perfect order in the new covenant or the eternal state, where every believer has a spiritual inheritance.

Linguistic Insights

The term "portion" in Hebrew is cheleq (Χ—Φ΅ΧœΦΆΧ§), which signifies a share, lot, or inheritance. Its usage here emphasizes that each tribe's allocation is a divinely appointed and secure possession, ensuring no one is left out in God's future plan for His people. This idea of a guaranteed inheritance underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 48:4, within its larger context, offers several timeless truths for believers today:

  • God's Faithfulness to His Promises: It reminds us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak or impossible. Just as He promised Israel a future inheritance, He promises believers a spiritual inheritance in Christ (see Ephesians 1:11).
  • Divine Order and Purpose: God is a God of order, not chaos. His plans are precise and purposeful, even when we don't fully understand them. We can trust that His ultimate designs are for our good and His glory.
  • Hope in Ultimate Restoration: This vision offers profound hope for ultimate restoration and perfect peace, pointing beyond earthly circumstances to God's final, glorious plan for humanity and creation, which finds its ultimate fulfillment in the new heaven and new earth.
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Cross-References

  • Joshua 17:1

    ΒΆ There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for he [was] the firstborn of Joseph; [to wit], for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead: because he was a man of war, therefore he had Gilead and Bashan.

  • Joshua 17:11

    And Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Bethshean and her towns, and Ibleam and her towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and her towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and her towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and her towns, [even] three countries.

  • Joshua 13:29

    And Moses gave [inheritance] unto the half tribe of Manasseh: and [this] was [the possession] of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families.

  • Joshua 13:31

    And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, [were pertaining] unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, [even] to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.

  • Genesis 41:51

    And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: For God, [said he], hath made me forget all my toil, and all my father's house.

  • Genesis 30:22

    And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.

  • Genesis 30:24

    And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.