Ezekiel 47:22

And it shall come to pass, [that] ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.

And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide {H5307} it by lot for an inheritance {H5159} unto you, and to the strangers {H1616} that sojourn {H1481} among {H8432} you, which shall beget {H3205} children {H1121} among {H8432} you: and they shall be unto you as born {H249} in the country {H249} among the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}; they shall have {H5307} inheritance {H5159} with you among {H8432} the tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}.

You are to divide it by lot as an inheritance both to you and to the foreigners living among you who give birth to children living among you; for you they are to be no different from the native-born among the people of Isra'el - they are to have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Isra'el.

You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners who dwell among you and who have children. You are to treat them as native-born Israelites; along with you, they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.

And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you and to the strangers that sojourn among you, who shall beget children among you; and they shall be unto you as the home-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.

Commentary

Ezekiel 47:22 is a remarkable verse found within Ezekiel’s grand vision of the restored temple and the re-division of the land of Israel. This particular verse highlights a radical and inclusive aspect of God's future kingdom: the equal inheritance of strangers among the native-born Israelites.

Context

The book of Ezekiel describes the prophet's visions during the Babylonian exile. Chapters 40-48 detail a comprehensive vision of a new temple, its worship, and the re-allocation of the land to the twelve tribes. Chapter 47 specifically focuses on the miraculous, life-giving river flowing from the temple, transforming the barren land, and then moves to the boundaries and division of the land for inheritance. This verse follows the detailed instructions for tribal allotments, emphasizing that the land is not solely for the descendants of Jacob but also for those who have integrated into the community.

Key Themes

  • Radical Inclusion and Equality: The most striking theme is the unprecedented inclusion of "strangers that sojourn among you." In previous Israelite law, while resident aliens (gerim) were to be treated justly and protected, they did not typically receive a tribal land inheritance. This vision elevates their status, granting them full and equal rights to the land, "as born in the country." This signifies a community where ethnic origin is less important than belonging to God's people.
  • Divine Provision and Inheritance: The division of the land by lot underscores God's sovereign hand in providing for His people. It's a divine act of restoration, ensuring that all who are part of the true Israel, including adopted members, receive their portion.
  • Foreshadowing the New Covenant: This verse beautifully foreshadows the expansive nature of God's kingdom under the new covenant, where distinctions of race or nationality are transcended. It points to a time when all believers, regardless of their background, become fellowcitizens with the saints and members of God's household.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strangers that sojourn among you" is ger (גֵּר). A ger was a resident alien, a non-Israelite who had settled permanently or semi-permanently within Israelite territory. Historically, while the Mosaic Law mandated kindness and protection for the ger (e.g., Leviticus 19:34), granting them tribal land inheritance was a significant departure. Ezekiel's vision presents a future reality where these distinctions are abolished in the context of land distribution, signifying a deep and full integration into the community of Israel.

Practical Application

Ezekiel 47:22 carries profound implications for believers today:

  • Inclusivity in the Church: This verse serves as a powerful reminder for the Christian Church to be a welcoming and inclusive community. Just as strangers are given full inheritance rights in Ezekiel's vision, so too are all believers, regardless of their background, race, or social status, equal members of God's family and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
  • God's Expansive Grace: It highlights the boundless nature of God's grace, which extends beyond ethnic or national boundaries. God's plan for salvation has always been global, embracing all who turn to Him.
  • Future Hope: The vision points to a future where God's ultimate kingdom will be one of perfect harmony, justice, and complete inclusion, a foretaste of the nations walking in the light of the New Jerusalem.

This verse challenges any form of spiritual or social exclusivism, affirming that God's people are defined by faith and belonging to Him, not by earthly heritage alone.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 3:11 (8 votes)

    Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

  • Ephesians 3:6 (8 votes)

    That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

  • Romans 10:12 (7 votes)

    ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

  • Isaiah 56:6 (6 votes)

    Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

  • Isaiah 56:7 (6 votes)

    Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

  • Acts 11:18 (6 votes)

    When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

  • Isaiah 14:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ For the LORD will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob.