I. Summary
Yahweh shows Ezekiel a fertile river that flows from the temple to the Dead Sea. Yahweh demarcates the four borders of the land.
II. Photo
The temple’s river is fertile: “All kinds of trees for food will grow up on both banks of the stream. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail; they will yield new fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the Temple.” (v. 12)
III. Select Verses
2: Then he led me out by way of the northern gate and led me around to the outside of the outer gate that faces in the direction of the east; and I found that water was gushing from [under] the south wall.
5: When he measured yet another thousand, it was a stream I could not cross; for the water had swollen into a stream that could not be crossed except by swimming.
8-9, 12: “This water,” he told me, “runs out to the eastern region, and flows into the Arabah; and when it comes into the sea, into the sea of foul waters, the water will become wholesome. Every living creature that swarms will be able to live wherever this stream goes; the fish will be very abundant once these waters have reached there. It will be wholesome, and everything will live wherever this stream goes… All kinds of trees for food will grow up on both banks of the stream. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail; they will yield new fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the Temple. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
13-14: Thus said the Lord GOD: These shall be the boundaries of the land that you shall allot to the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall receive two portions, and you shall share the rest equally. As I swore to give it to your fathers, so shall this land fall to you as your heritage.
23: You shall give the stranger an allotment within the tribe where he resides — declares the Lord GOD.
IV. Outline
1-11. The temple’s river
1-6. Ezekiel is shown the raging waters flowing from the Southern temple wall
7-11. The temple’s waters will be fresh and fruitful, even in the Dead Sea
13-23. Dividing the land
13-14. Twelve portions for the twelve tribes
15-20. The four boundaries
21-23. Sojourners should be given land where they reside
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Photo copied from
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ja2ZuEn6eK0/TGKUIGGfrzI/AAAAAAAAAIE/YQvEl70nk2Q/s1600/Eden+River.jpg
