Thursday, December 25, 2014

Bible Study Notes in Ezekiel- Chapter 47


Ezekiel 47

 

-Ezekiel was brought back to the door of the house of God by the man, and he beheld water flowing from under the threshold of the house toward the east, from which the house faced. The water flowed from down under, from inside the high mountain (Ezekiel 40:2), and from the right side of the house, from south of the altar (Ezekiel 47:1). Ezekiel was brought out by way of the north gate and was led around on the outside of the walls to the outer gate which faced east towards the Dead Sea. The water was trickling from the south side, and he was told to take particular notice to this. The man went out toward the east with a line in his hand. He measured a thousand cubits (about 1,500 feet or 500 yards), and led Ezekiel through the waters, which were only reaching the ankles. He went another thousand cubits and measured again. Now the water was reaching up to the knees of man. He went another thousand cubits and measured again. Now the water was reaching up to the loin of man. He went another thousand cubits and measured again. Now the water was reaching a level above the head, enough to swim in and to a degree that it could not be forded. Ezekiel was brought back to the bank of this swelling river, and he perceived very many trees on each side of its banks. The man told him, “These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea, being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh. It will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the other become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. And it will come about that fishermen will stand beside it; from Engedi to Eneglaim (to the west side of the modern Dead Sea) there will be a place for the spreading of nets. Their fish will be according to their kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea (Sea of Galilee), very many. But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. By the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear every month because their waters flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing (Ezekiel 47:2-12, Revelation 22:2).” This gives literal meaning to the words of the prophets and Jesus as to His “Living Water (Psalms 1:3, Isaiah 12:3; 35:6-7; 55:1, Jeremiah 17:4, John 4:10-11; 7:38).”

-The boundaries and the division of the Promised Land in the eschaton are established in the remaining verses of this prestigious chapter of Israel’s future glory (Ezekiel 47:13-23). Take careful notice of this as you read the text. One endearing fact is that this land is not only for the Jewish people for an inheritance, but also it is for the aliens who stay in their midst and have families there. This portrays the justice and impartiality of our great God and King. It demonstrates His giving qualities and His welcoming heart.

-*Application* Anyone who wants to come and be a part of Christ’s Kingdom is most certainly welcome (Matthew 18:14, John 3:16, Acts 2:21, 1 Timothy 2:4, 2 Peter 3:9). Come and abide in LORD of the universe! His Living Water will never run dry and gives us the healing we so desperately need and crave.

 

Verse to Memorize: Ezekiel 47:12

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