So the border will run from the Sea to Hazar-enan, along the northern border of Damascus, with the territory of Hamath to the north. This will be the northern boundary. So the border will extendThe phrase "the border will extend" indicates a demarcation or boundary that is being set. In the Hebrew context, the word for "border" is "גְּבוּל" (gevul), which often signifies a limit or territory. This is not just a physical boundary but also a spiritual and covenantal one, as God is defining the land He is giving to His people. The extension of the border signifies the expansion of God's promise and the fulfillment of His covenant with Israel. from the sea
The "sea" referred to here is likely the Mediterranean Sea, which was a significant geographical marker for the Israelites. In biblical symbolism, the sea often represents chaos and the unknown, yet here it is a boundary of the Promised Land, indicating God's sovereignty over all creation, including the chaotic and unknown. to Hazar-enan
Hazar-enan is a location whose exact historical and archaeological identification remains uncertain. However, it is mentioned as a northern boundary point. The name "Hazar-enan" can be translated as "village of springs," suggesting a place of life and sustenance. This reflects God's provision and the life-giving nature of His promises. along the northern border of Damascus
Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was a significant city in ancient times. The mention of Damascus as a border point highlights the extent of the land promised to Israel. Historically, Damascus was a center of trade and culture, and its inclusion in the boundary signifies the influence and reach of God's people. with the border of Hamath to the north
Hamath was an ancient city-state located in what is now modern-day Syria. It was known for its strategic location and influence. The inclusion of Hamath in the northern border emphasizes the breadth of the land God is granting to Israel. It also serves as a reminder of God's power to grant His people territory that was once foreign and influential. This will be the northern border
The repetition of the phrase "northern border" underscores the importance of this demarcation. In biblical terms, the north often symbolizes judgment and power. By establishing this as the northern border, God is not only defining the physical territory but also asserting His authority and protection over His people. This boundary is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. The SeaRefers to the Mediterranean Sea, which is a significant geographical marker in the biblical land of Israel. 2. Hazar-enanA location mentioned as a boundary point, possibly meaning "village of springs" in Hebrew, indicating a place of sustenance and life. 3. DamascusThe capital of modern-day Syria, historically a significant city in the Near East, often mentioned in biblical prophecies and accounts. 4. HamathAn ancient city-state located in modern-day Syria, often associated with the northern boundaries of Israel in biblical texts. 5. Northern BoundaryThis refers to the delineation of the land promised to Israel, emphasizing God's covenant and the restoration of Israel's territorial integrity. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesThe delineation of boundaries in Ezekiel 47:17 reflects God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. Despite Israel's past unfaithfulness, God remains faithful to His promises. The Importance of BoundariesBoundaries are essential for identity and security. In a spiritual sense, Christians are called to establish boundaries in their lives that align with God's Word, ensuring spiritual health and growth. Restoration and HopeThe restoration of Israel's boundaries symbolizes hope and renewal. In our lives, God offers restoration and hope, no matter how far we have strayed. God's Sovereignty Over NationsThe mention of cities like Damascus and Hamath underscores God's sovereignty over all nations. Believers can trust that God is in control of world events and history. Spiritual InheritanceJust as Israel was promised a physical inheritance, Christians are promised a spiritual inheritance in Christ. This passage encourages believers to live in the reality of their spiritual blessings. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the description of Israel's northern boundary in Ezekiel 47:17 reflect God's faithfulness to His covenant promises? 2. In what ways can establishing spiritual boundaries in our lives lead to greater spiritual health and growth? 3. How does the restoration of Israel's boundaries in Ezekiel 47:17 provide hope for personal restoration in our lives today? 4. What does the mention of cities like Damascus and Hamath teach us about God's sovereignty over nations and history? 5. How can we apply the concept of a spiritual inheritance, as seen in the physical inheritance of Israel, to our daily walk with Christ? Connections to Other Scriptures Numbers 34:7-9This passage outlines the northern boundary of the land of Israel as described during the time of Moses, providing a historical context for Ezekiel's vision. Isaiah 17:1-3Prophecies concerning Damascus, highlighting its significance and future in biblical prophecy. Amos 6:14Mentions Hamath as a boundary, reinforcing the territorial promises and judgments concerning Israel. People Amos, Enan, Ezekiel, Israelites, Joseph, TamarPlaces Arabah, Berothah, Brook of Egypt, Damascus, Eneglaim, Engedi, Gilead, Great Sea, Hamath, Hauran, Hazar-enan, Hazer-hatticon, Hethlon, Jordan River, Lebo-hamath, Meribah-kadesh, Most Holy Place, Sibraim, Tamar, ZedadTopics Along, Border, Boundary, Damascus, Direction, Enan, Enon, Extend, Hamath, Hazar, Hazarenan, Hazar-enan, Hazar-enon, Hazar-e'non, Limit, North, Northern, Northward, Quarter, Run, ZaphonDictionary of Bible Themes Ezekiel 47:15-20 5235 boundary Library The River of Life
Waters issued out from under the threshold of the house ... EZEKIEL xlvii. 1. Unlike most great cities, Jerusalem was not situated on a great river. True, the inconsiderable waters of Siloam--'which flow softly' because they were so inconsiderable--rose from a crevice in the Temple rock, and beneath that rock stretched the valley of the Kedron, dry and bleached in the summer, and a rainy torrent during the rainy seasons; but that was all. So, many of the prophets, who looked forward to the better …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"And the Redeemer Shall Come unto Zion, and unto them that Turn,"
Isaiah lix. 20.--"And the Redeemer shall come unto Zion, and unto them that turn," &c. Doctrines, as things, have their seasons and times. Every thing is beautiful in its season. So there is no word of truth, but it hath a season and time in which it is beautiful. And indeed that is a great part of wisdom, to bring forth everything in its season, to discern when and where, and to whom it is pertinent and edifying, to speak such and such truths. But there is one doctrine that is never out of season, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Coast of the Asphaltites, the Essenes. En-Gedi.
"On the western shore" (of the Asphaltites) "dwell the Essenes; whom persons, guilty of any crimes, fly from on every side. A nation it is that lives alone, and of all other nations in the whole world, most to be admired; they are without any woman; all lust banished, &c. Below these, was the town Engadda, the next to Jerusalem for fruitfulness, and groves of palm-trees, now another burying-place. From thence stands Massada, a castle in a rock, and this castle not far from the Asphaltites." Solinus, …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Fresh Supplies of Power.
"As the Dew." There is another very important bit needed to complete the circle of truth we are going over together in these quiet talks. Namely, the daily life after the act of surrender and all that comes with that act. The steady pull day by day. After the eagle-flight up into highest air, and the hundred yards dash, or even the mile run, comes the steady, steady walking mile after mile. The real test of life is here. And the highest victories are here, too. I recall the remark made by a friend …
S.D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on Power The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
WHEREIN ITS GOODLY LIGHT, WALLS, GATES, ANGELS, AND THE MANNER OF THEIR STANDING, ARE EXPOUNDED: ALSO HER LENGTH AND BREADTH, TOGETHER WITH THE GOLDEN MEASURING-REED EXPLAINED: AND THE GLORY OF ALL UNFOLDED. AS ALSO THE NUMEROUSNESS OF ITS INHABITANTS; AND WHAT THE TREE AND WATER OF LIFE ARE, BY WHICH THEY ARE SUSTAINED. 'Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God.'-Psalm 87:3 'And the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.'-Ezekiel 48:35 London: Printed in the year 1665 …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 The Iranian Conquest
Drawn by Boudier, from the engraving in Coste and Flandin. The vignette, drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a statuette in terra-cotta, found in Southern Russia, represents a young Scythian. The Iranian religions--Cyrus in Lydia and at Babylon: Cambyses in Egypt --Darius and the organisation of the empire. The Median empire is the least known of all those which held sway for a time over the destinies of a portion of Western Asia. The reason of this is not to be ascribed to the shortness of its duration: …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Kadesh. Rekam, and that Double. Inquiry is Made, Whether the Doubling it in the Maps is Well Done.
The readers of the eastern interpreters will observe, that Kadesh is rendered by all Rekam, or in a sound very near it. In the Chaldee, it is 'Rekam': in the Syriac, 'Rekem': in the Arabic, 'Rakim'... There are two places noted by the name Rekam in the very bounds of the land,--to wit, the southern and eastern: that is, a double Kadesh. I. Of Kadesh, or Rekam, in the south part, there is no doubt. II. Of it, in the eastern part, there is this mention: "From Rekam to the east, and Rekam is as the …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Ezekiel
To a modern taste, Ezekiel does not appeal anything like so powerfully as Isaiah or Jeremiah. He has neither the majesty of the one nor the tenderness and passion of the other. There is much in him that is fantastic, and much that is ritualistic. His imaginations border sometimes on the grotesque and sometimes on the mechanical. Yet he is a historical figure of the first importance; it was very largely from him that Judaism received the ecclesiastical impulse by which for centuries it was powerfully …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezekiel 47:17 NIVEzekiel 47:17 NLTEzekiel 47:17 ESVEzekiel 47:17 NASBEzekiel 47:17 KJV
Ezekiel 47:17 Commentaries
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