Ezequiel 47
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Ezequiel 47:1-2
47:1 "water was flowing" For desert people water was a sign of God's blessing and presence (i.e. Joel 3:18). The eschatological sense is present in Zech. 13:1 and 14:8. It is used by John in Rev. 22:1,17. The covenant promises of Deuteronomy 27-30 have become a reality! This is imagery (cf. Ps. 46:4; 65:9) and not meant to be taken literally. It conveys original creation Eden (see Special Topic: Eden) covenant promises Special Topic: Waters
Ezequiel 47:3-12
47:3 "the man" This is the interpreting angel of Ezek. 40:3. This measuring angel is also mentioned by John in Revelation 21. Special Topic: Apocalyptic Literature 47:7 "many trees on the one side and the other" This is imagery for fertility (cf. Ezek. 47:12). This imagery is also used by John in Revelation 22. 47:8 Many commentators have asserted that this verse refers to a miraculous change of saltwater to fresh water, but it seems to me that it refers to the abundance of waters that fill up the Arabah depression and overflow it.
Ezequiel 47:13-14
47:13 This is the beginning of the reallocation of the land (i.e. Joshua 12-23). 47:14 "each one equally" In Joshua the land was divided according to the size of the individual tribes. ▣ "for I swore to give it to your forefathers" This reflects the promises to the Patriarchs beginning in Genesis 12 and 15. Special Topic: Covenant Promises to the Patriarchs
Ezequiel 47:15-17
47:15-20 The southern boundaries are close to Joshua' boundaries (cf. Num. 34:1-12) and the kingdoms of David and Solomon, but the northern part is expanded northward and eastward as far as Hamath and including most of Syria.
Ezequiel 47:21-23
47:22 "aliens" This is the one section of the book that seems to be inclusive instead of exclusive. This is similar to Isa. 56:3-8 and follows the pattern of Lev. 24:22 and Num. 15:29.