Ezekiel 47:11
But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The Dead Sea region's salt deposits were commercially valuable (Ezra 4:14). Lot's wife becoming salt pillar symbolized judgment (Genesis 19:26). Sowing salt on conquered cities ensured perpetual desolation (Judges 9:45). Jeremiah contrasted the righteous (tree by water) with the wicked (shrub in salt land, Jeremiah 17:5-8). Jesus warned about salt losing savor (Matthew 5:13), representing compromised witness. The marshes refusing healing illustrate the hardened heart—Pharaoh repeatedly resisting God's signs (Exodus 7-11), Israel in wilderness refusing to enter promised land (Numbers 14), Jerusalem rejecting Messiah (Matthew 23:37). Not all exposed to gospel respond—the same sun hardens clay and melts wax. This verse prevents universalism while maintaining God's genuine offer of grace to all.
Questions for Reflection
- Are there 'marshy' areas of your life—stagnant, resisting God's transforming flow—that remain unhealed due to your resistance?
- How do you balance preaching universal gospel offer while recognizing that not all will respond positively?
- What does salt's preservation of judgment teach about eternal consequences for those who refuse God's healing grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
The 'miry places and marishes... shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt' presents sobering exception to universal healing. The Hebrew בִּצָּה (bitsah, 'miry places') and גְּבָאִים (geva'im, 'marshes') are swampy, stagnant areas resisting the river's flow. These represent those who reject God's grace—given healing opportunity yet remaining in corruption. Salt symbolizes judgment, sterility, and preservation of death (Genesis 19:26, Deuteronomy 29:23, Jeremiah 17:6). This verse teaches that God's grace, while freely offered, can be refused. Reformed theology emphasizes sovereign grace while acknowledging human responsibility—God's effectual call saves the elect, yet those who resist remain under judgment. The marshes' preservation provides salt (useful commodity), suggesting even judgment serves divine purposes. Not all are healed because not all submit to the healing waters.