Ezekiel 46:17

But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants, it will belong to that servant until the year of freedom; then it will revert to the prince. His inheritance belongs only to his sons; it shall be theirs.

Study Bible

But if he gives a gift from his inheritance to one of his servants
This phrase addresses the practice of giving gifts from one's inheritance, which was a common practice in ancient Israel. The inheritance refers to the land or property allotted to the prince, a leader or ruler, in the context of Ezekiel's vision of the restored temple and land. The giving of gifts to servants reflects the social hierarchy and the relationship between a master and his servants. Biblically, inheritance is a significant theme, often symbolizing God's promises and blessings to His people, as seen in the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel (Joshua 13-21).

it will belong to that servant until the year of freedom
The "year of freedom" likely refers to the Year of Jubilee, a time prescribed in Leviticus 25:10-13 when all debts were forgiven, and land was returned to its original owners. This practice ensured that no family in Israel would permanently lose their inheritance, reflecting God's provision and mercy. The Jubilee year was a time of liberation and restoration, symbolizing spiritual renewal and foreshadowing the ultimate redemption through Christ.

then it will revert to the prince
This clause indicates that the gift given to the servant is temporary, emphasizing the principle that the land ultimately belongs to the original family or, in this case, the prince. This reversion underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the tribal and familial inheritance, a concept deeply rooted in Israelite law and culture. It also highlights the temporary nature of earthly possessions and the enduring nature of God's promises.

His inheritance belongs only to his sons
The inheritance being reserved for the prince's sons underscores the patrilineal system of inheritance in ancient Israel, where property and titles were passed down through male descendants. This practice ensured the continuity of family lineage and the preservation of tribal identity. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a type of the inheritance believers receive through Christ, as sons and daughters of God (Romans 8:17).

it shall be theirs
The final phrase reaffirms the permanence of the inheritance for the prince's sons, emphasizing the stability and continuity of God's covenant promises. This assurance of inheritance can be seen as a reflection of the eternal inheritance promised to believers in the New Testament, where through faith in Christ, they become heirs of God's kingdom (Ephesians 1:11-14). The concept of inheritance in Scripture often points to the spiritual blessings and eternal life granted through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Prince
A leader or ruler in Israel, possibly representing the Davidic line or a future messianic figure. The prince is responsible for distributing his inheritance.

2. Servants
Individuals who serve the prince. They may receive temporary gifts from the prince's inheritance but do not have permanent ownership.

3. Sons of the Prince
The rightful heirs to the prince's inheritance. They represent the continuity of the prince's lineage and authority.

4. Year of Jubilee
A significant event in Israel's calendar occurring every 50 years, where land and property are returned to their original owners, symbolizing restoration and freedom.

5. Inheritance
The property or possessions passed down from the prince to his sons, signifying the enduring legacy and blessings intended for the rightful heirs.

Teaching Points

Understanding Inheritance in God's Kingdom
The passage highlights the importance of rightful inheritance, symbolizing the spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ. Just as the prince's sons are the rightful heirs, believers are heirs of God's promises.

Temporary vs. Permanent Possessions
The gift to the servant is temporary, reminding us that earthly possessions are fleeting. Our focus should be on eternal treasures and our permanent inheritance in heaven.

The Year of Jubilee: A Time of Restoration
The Year of Jubilee represents God's desire for restoration and freedom. It encourages us to seek spiritual renewal and to extend grace and forgiveness to others.

The Role of Authority and Stewardship
The prince's role in managing his inheritance teaches us about responsible stewardship. We are called to wisely manage the resources and gifts God has entrusted to us.

The Significance of Sonship
The emphasis on the sons as heirs underscores the importance of our identity as children of God. It challenges us to live in a way that reflects our status as heirs of God's kingdom.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of inheritance in Ezekiel 46:17 relate to our spiritual inheritance as believers in Christ?

2. In what ways can the temporary nature of the servant's gift remind us of the transient nature of earthly possessions?

3. How can the principles of the Year of Jubilee inspire us to seek restoration and freedom in our personal lives and communities?

4. What lessons can we learn from the prince's role in managing his inheritance about stewardship and responsibility in our own lives?

5. How does understanding our identity as heirs of God's kingdom influence the way we live and interact with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Leviticus 25
The Year of Jubilee is detailed here, emphasizing the themes of restoration and freedom. It provides the legal and spiritual context for the temporary nature of the servant's gift.

Numbers 36
Discusses inheritance laws in Israel, highlighting the importance of keeping inheritance within the family to preserve tribal boundaries and heritage.

Galatians 4
Paul speaks about believers as heirs through Christ, drawing a parallel to the concept of inheritance and sonship in God's kingdom.