Ezekiel 47:10

And it shall come to pass, [that] the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a [place] to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

And it shall come to pass, that the fishers {H1728} shall stand {H5975}{H5975} upon it from Engedi {H5872} even unto Eneglaim {H5882}; they shall be a place to spread forth {H4894} nets {H2764}; their fish {H1710} shall be according to their kinds {H4327}, as the fish {H1710} of the great {H1419} sea {H3220}, exceeding {H3966} many {H7227}.

Then fishermen will stand on its shores spreading their nets all the way from 'Ein-Gedi to 'Ein-'Eglayim. There will be as many kinds of fish there as in the Great Sea, [the Mediterranean,] a great variety.

Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea.

And it shall come to pass, that fishers shall stand by it: from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be after their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

Commentary

Ezekiel 47:10 is part of a profound prophetic vision given to the prophet Ezekiel concerning a future temple and the land of Israel. This specific verse highlights the miraculous transformation of the Dead Sea into a vibrant, fertile fishing ground, symbolizing divine restoration and abundance.

Context

This verse is situated within Ezekiel's detailed vision of a new temple and its associated blessings, beginning in Ezekiel chapter 40. Chapter 47 describes a miraculous river originating from the temple's threshold, flowing eastward and deepening as it goes. This river brings life to everything it touches, including the notoriously barren Salt Sea (Dead Sea). Verses 8 and 9 describe how the waters of the sea are healed, making them fresh and teeming with life. Verse 10 specifically paints a picture of intense fishing activity, with "fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim," indicating the vast stretch of the transformed sea that will support abundant marine life. Engedi and Eneglaim were real geographical locations on the western shore of the Dead Sea, emphasizing the literal and extensive nature of this miraculous restoration.

Key Themes

  • Divine Abundance and Fertility: The phrase "exceeding many" fish underscores God's capacity to bring forth immense life and prosperity even from the most desolate places. It's a vision of overflowing blessings.
  • Restoration and Transformation: The central miracle is the healing of the Dead Sea, which is barren and lifeless due to its high salinity. Its transformation into a thriving fishery symbolizes God's power to restore what is dead or barren, whether physically, spiritually, or nationally.
  • Life-Giving Presence of God: The river's origin from the temple signifies that all life and blessing flow directly from God's presence and holy dwelling. This divine source ensures the river's purity and life-giving power.
  • Eschatological Hope: Many commentators view this vision as a prophecy pointing to the blessings of God's future kingdom, whether it refers to the millennial reign of Christ or the ultimate new heaven and new earth where a river of the water of life flows. It represents a future time of unparalleled spiritual and physical flourishing under God's reign.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 47:10 offers profound hope and insight for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • God can bring life to barren areas: Just as the Dead Sea is transformed, God can bring healing, renewal, and fruitfulness to the most desolate areas of our lives, our communities, or even the world.
  • The source of true life is God: The life-giving river flows from the temple, emphasizing that spiritual vitality and blessing originate from God's presence and His Word. Spending time in His presence allows His life to flow through us.
  • We are called to be "fishers": The image of "fishers" in this verse can be spiritually applied to the New Testament concept of being "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). As God's life flows through us, we are equipped to bring others into His kingdom, where they too can experience His abundance.
  • Hope for ultimate restoration: This vision provides a powerful image of God's ultimate plan for creation—a world filled with His life, peace, and abundance, where all barrenness is overcome.
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Cross-References

  • Matthew 4:19 (5 votes)

    And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

  • Numbers 34:6 (4 votes)

    And [as for] the western border, ye shall even have the great sea for a border: this shall be your west border.

  • Psalms 104:25 (4 votes)

    [So is] this great and wide sea, wherein [are] things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

  • Ezekiel 48:28 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:2 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Luke 5:4 (3 votes)

    Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

  • Luke 5:10 (3 votes)

    And so [was] also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.