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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