Ezekiel 47:13
Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions.
Original Language Analysis
כֹּ֤ה
H3541
כֹּ֤ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
גְבוּל֙
shall be the border
H1366
גְבוּל֙
shall be the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תִּתְנַחֲל֣וּ
whereby ye shall inherit
H5157
תִּתְנַחֲל֣וּ
whereby ye shall inherit
Strong's:
H5157
Word #:
8 of 16
to inherit (as a (figurative) mode of descent), or (generally) to occupy; causatively, to bequeath, or (generally) distribute, instate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עָשָׂ֖ר
H6240
עָשָׂ֖ר
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
12 of 16
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
שִׁבְטֵ֣י
tribes
H7626
שִׁבְטֵ֣י
tribes
Strong's:
H7626
Word #:
13 of 16
a scion, i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, ruling, walking, etc.) or (figuratively) a clan
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
14 of 16
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Jeremiah 3:18In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers.Genesis 48:5And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine.Jeremiah 31:1At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.1 Chronicles 5:1Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel, (for he was the firstborn; but, forasmuch as he defiled his father's bed, his birthright was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of Israel: and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.
Historical Context
Original tribal allotments (Joshua 13-21) gave Joseph's sons (Ephraim, Manasseh) territories, while Levi received cities. Ezekiel's vision prescribes different boundaries—more symmetrical than historical allotments—suggesting idealized future distribution. Whether literal millennium or symbolic, the vision demonstrates God's faithfulness to land promises. Modern Israel's existence (since 1948) reflects ongoing fulfillment, though complete realization awaits Messiah's return.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Joseph receive double portion even in millennial land distribution?
- How do Ezekiel's boundaries differ from Joshua's original allotments?
- What is the relationship between modern Israel and prophetic land promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Thus saith the Lord GOD; This shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall have two portions—Land division: גְּבוּל (gĕbûl, 'border/boundary') for שְׁנֵי עָשָׂר שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (shĕnê ʿāśār shivṭê yiśrāʾēl, 'twelve tribes of Israel'). יוֹסֵף חֲבָלִים (yôsēph ḥăbālîm, 'Joseph [receives] two portions').
Joseph's double portion (through Ephraim and Manasseh—Genesis 48:5) maintains twelve tribal divisions despite Levi receiving no land (Numbers 18:20, 23-24). This fulfills Jacob's blessing (Genesis 48:22) and rewards Joseph's faithfulness. The vision's detailed boundaries (47:13-48:29) demonstrate God's sovereignty over land distribution and covenant faithfulness to patriarchal promises (Genesis 12:7, 15:18-21). Israel's restoration includes territorial restoration—fulfilled partially in post-exilic return, completely in millennial kingdom.