Ezekiel 47 17

Ezekiel 47:17 kjv

And the border from the sea shall be Hazarenan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side.

Ezekiel 47:17 nkjv

Thus the boundary shall be from the Sea to Hazar Enan, the border of Damascus; and as for the north, northward, it is the border of Hamath. This is the north side.

Ezekiel 47:17 niv

The boundary will extend from the sea to Hazar Enan, along the northern border of Damascus, with the border of Hamath to the north. This will be the northern boundary.

Ezekiel 47:17 esv

So the boundary shall run from the sea to Hazar-enan, which is on the northern border of Damascus, with the border of Hamath to the north. This shall be the north side.

Ezekiel 47:17 nlt

So the northern border will run from the Mediterranean to Hazar-enan, on the border between Hamath to the north and Damascus to the south.

Ezekiel 47 verses

Ezekiel 47 17 Meaning

Ezekiel 47:17 describes the northern boundary of the promised land flowing from the great sea. This northern boundary extends to the entrance of Hamath, encompassing various regions and cities. The land demarcated is God's inheritance for the tribes of Israel.

Ezekiel 47 17 Context

This verse is part of Ezekiel's vision of a restored Israel, including a new temple and a holy land. Chapter 47 describes a river flowing from the temple that brings life and fertility. The vision then delineates the boundaries of this divinely allocated land for the twelve tribes. This specific verse details the northern limit, emphasizing God's order and His commitment to restoring His people to their inheritance. The inclusion of cities and regions like Zedad and Hamath highlights the geographical extent of this restored territory, connecting it to historically recognized borders relevant to the Israelite people.

Ezekiel 47 17 Word Analysis

• "Your northern boundary":

  • "Your": Refers to Israel.
  • "northern": Denotes the direction from a reference point, in this context, from the perspective of the land being described.
  • "boundary":
    • Hebrew: גְּבוּל (gevul) - boundary, border, limit, territory. Implies a marked off area, a division.

• "from the great sea":

  • "from": Indicates the starting point.
  • "the great sea":
    • Hebrew: הַיָּם הַגָּדֹל (hayyam hagadol) - The Great Sea. Refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which forms the western boundary of the land. Here it is used as a point of reference for determining the northern boundary.

• "you are to mark it out":

  • "you": Refers to those tasked with the demarcation, implying human agency under divine instruction.
  • "are to mark":
    • Hebrew: תְּתָק (t'takh) - This seems to be a textual variation or misinterpretation, as a direct Hebrew word for "mark out" in this context would typically involve concepts of drawing a line, defining, or measuring. Scholars often refer to verbs related to drawing or setting. The instruction is divine and must be executed.

• "to the entrance of Hamath":

  • "to": Indicates the direction and end point.
  • "the entrance of Hamath":
    • Hebrew: לְבֹא חֲמָת (l'vo chamah) - toward the entrance of Hamath. Hamath was an important city in Syria, located on the Orontes River. Its "entrance" refers to the pass or gateway leading into the city and its surrounding region, considered a key northern point of access. This designation of Hamath was a traditional marker for the northern extent of Israel's idealized territory, as seen in Numbers 34:8 and Joshua 13:5.

Ezekiel 47 17 Bonus Section

The concept of divinely ordained boundaries is consistent throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the borders of the promised land were meticulously described by God, signifying ownership and inheritance. This northern border, referencing Hamath, echoes earlier scriptural accounts that define the maximal extent of Israel's territory. The restoration depicted in Ezekiel is not merely a return to pre-exilic conditions but a foretaste of the eternal kingdom where God's people will inhabit a perfect, expanded inheritance. The river flowing from the temple (mentioned in earlier verses of chapter 47) symbolizes God’s presence and life-giving power, extending across this restored land. The vision reinforces that true territory and inheritance are gifts from God, established by His will and promise.

Ezekiel 47 17 Commentary

This verse, within Ezekiel's eschatological vision, establishes the northern perimeter of the land God promises to Israel. The "Great Sea" (Mediterranean) is used as a reference, and the boundary extends toward the vital pass known as the "entrance of Hamath." This northern limit aligns with the land promised in earlier covenants and signifies the full restoration and territorial integrity of God's people. The specificity of the boundary highlights the concrete nature of God's promises and His detailed plan for His inheritance. The inclusion of regions historically associated with Israel's land claims emphasizes continuity and fulfillment of God's covenant promises through the ages, pointing towards an ultimate, complete inheritance.