Ezekiel 48 25

Ezekiel 48:25 kjv

And by the border of Simeon, from the east side unto the west side, Issachar a portion.

Ezekiel 48:25 nkjv

by the border of Simeon, from the east side to the west, Issachar shall have one section;

Ezekiel 48:25 niv

"Issachar will have one portion; it will border the territory of Simeon from east to west.

Ezekiel 48:25 esv

Adjoining the territory of Simeon, from the east side to the west, Issachar, one portion.

Ezekiel 48:25 nlt

Next is the territory of Issachar with the same eastern and western boundaries.

Ezekiel 48 verses

Ezekiel 48 25 Meaning

This verse describes the final northern gate of the millennial temple complex, dedicated to Naphtali. It serves as a boundary marker within the divinely appointed measurements for the land and the sanctuary.

Ezekiel 48 25 Context

Ezekiel chapter 48 concludes the prophet's extensive vision of a restored Israel, centered around a new temple and city. The preceding verses meticulously detail the tribal allotments in the promised land and the sacred portion set aside for the priests, Levites, and the prince. This final verse names the northern gate of the new city's temple precinct, dedicating it to the tribe of Naphtali. This imagery builds upon previous descriptions of temple architecture and city layout, symbolizing divine order and holiness. Historically, the tribe of Naphtali was known for its territory in the northern part of Canaan, often a frontier region. The placement of this gate, named after this tribe, contributes to the symbolic geography of God's presence and sovereignty over all His people and land.

Ezekiel 48 25 Word Analysis

• And (Hebrew: וְ - və)
  • A conjunction indicating continuation, addition, or connection. Connects this verse to the preceding descriptions of gates and tribal assignments.
• the (Hebrew: הַ — ha)
  • The definite article. Specifies "gate of the sanctuary" as a particular, known entity within the vision.
• gate (Hebrew: שַׁעַר — sha'ar)
  • An entrance or opening, particularly one in a wall or fortification. Refers to one of the gates of the inner court of the temple or the city itself, as part of the overall complex.
• of (Implied connection)
  • Shows possession or relationship.
• the (Hebrew: הַ — ha)
  • Definite article.
• sanctuary (Hebrew: הַקֹּדֶשׁ — haq·qo·deš)
  • Means "the holy place," referring to the inner parts of the temple complex, set apart for divine worship and service. The gates led into or formed part of this holy precinct.
• shall be (Hebrew: יִהְיֶה — yih·yeh)
  • Future tense verb, indicating its future status or naming.
• Naphtali (Hebrew: נַפְתָּלִי — nap̄·tāl·lî)
  • The name of the seventh son of Jacob, born to Rachel's maid Bilhah. Refers to the tribe descended from him.
  • Meaning of Naphtali: "my wrestling," "my struggles," or "my conflicts." Derived from Leah’s sister Rachel’s comment to Zilpah when she bore Naphtali: "With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed" (Genesis 30:8).
  • The name itself hints at the tribe's history, which was situated in a strategically important but often contested region of Israel.
• the name thereof (Hebrew: שְׁמָהּ — šə·māh)
  • "its name." Refers back to the gate.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "the gate of the sanctuary shall be Naphtali": This phrase personifies or designates the gate with the name of the tribe of Naphtali. It signifies divine allocation and honor given to this tribe by associating them with a specific entrance to the sacred space. It implies that Naphtali, and by extension all Israel, will have access and participation in God's holy presence in the new era.

Ezekiel 48 25 Bonus Section

The repetition of the number twelve, representing the twelve tribes and twelve gates, reinforces the concept of a complete and unified Israel. The dedication of gates to each tribe in the outer boundary, and then the inner courts with specific gates for priestly tribes and the prince, illustrates a divinely ordered society with distinct roles, yet all connected to the sanctuary. The ultimate renaming of the city itself as "The LORD is there" encapsulates the entire vision as a fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with His people in perfect holiness and peace, a theme echoed in the New Testament with the concept of the Church as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16).

Ezekiel 48 25 Commentary

Ezekiel 48:35 concludes the detailed vision of the new Jerusalem and temple. The final gate described is named for the tribe of Naphtali. This northern gate is explicitly stated as "The LORD is there." This renaming is profoundly significant, as it shifts the focus from the geographical or tribal designation to the ultimate reality of God's dwelling. While the preceding verses describe gates named after the twelve tribes for the city and the innermost court, this specific gate’s renaming is unique. It highlights that the essence of this future sanctuary and city is not merely its structure or its inhabitants, but God's immediate and constant presence among His people. The inclusion of Naphtali, a tribe whose territory in the north was an area of Gentile encroachment and later, biblical events such as Jesus' ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:13-16), points to the inclusivity and the redemption from historical difficulties. The name "The LORD is there" is the ultimate blessing, a complete fulfillment of God's covenantal promises.