DBG - September 14 - Ezekiel 47-48

In this chapter we find the River of Life from the Temple and the boundaries of the Promised Land.

vs. 1-12 – A life-giving stream of water flows from the End Times Temple.  It begins as a small flow of water but grows into mighty river.  Its waters divide with some flowing into the Mediterranean Sea and some into the Dead Sea.  These waters bring life and healing to the Dead Sea.

vs. 13-20 – The boundaries of the Holy Land are near Damascus to the north, the Jordan River on the east, the Sihor (a.k.a., the Brook of Egypt, probably the Wadi al-Arish) to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea on the west.

vs. 21-23 – The Promised Land is redistributed to the Twelve Tribes. 

In this chapter is the division of the land in the Millennial Kingdom.

vs. 1-7 – The territory of the seven tribes north of Jerusalem.  These are, from north to south, Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Reuben, and Judah.  These sections are believed to be strips of land that run the full width of the Promised Land from west to east.

vs. 8-22 – The portion of the land devoted to the Temple, the priests, the Levites, and the Prince.  This was described in Ezekiel 45.

vs. 23-29 – The territory of the five tribes south of Jerusalem.  These are, from north to south, Benjamin, Simeon, Issachar, Zebulun, and Gad.

vs. 30-35 – The 12 gates of the Holy City are described.  There are 3 on each side, each named after one of the twelve tribes of Israel.  The name of the city is Jehovah-shammah, (“Jehovah is there”), noting the presence of God in the Temple and Christ on the throne.

One of the features of the Millennial Kingdom that has fascinated poets and preachers for ages is the River of Life.  It is a great reminder that all life, physical and spiritual, comes from God.  Only He can overturn death and the Curse and bring new life.

Our hymn today is “Jehovah-Shammah” written by William Cowper.  It is based in part on the descriptions of Ezekiel 48.

As birds their infant brood protect
And spread their wings to shelter them;
Thus saith the Lord to his elect,
"So shall I guard Jerusalem."

And what then is Jerusalem,
This darling object of his care?
Where is its worth in God's esteem?
Who built it?--who inhabits there?

Jehovah founded it in blood,
The blood of his incarnate Son;
There dwell the saints, once foes to God
The sinners whom he calls his own.

There, though besieged on every side,
Yet much beloved and guarded well;
From age to age they have defied
The utmost force of earth and hell.

Let earth repent, and hell despair,
This city hath a sure defense;
Her name is called "The Lord is there,"
And who has power to drive them thence.