Ezekiel 47:15
And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;
Original Language Analysis
וְזֶ֖ה
H2088
גְּב֣וּל
And this shall be the border
H1366
גְּב֣וּל
And this shall be the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
לִפְאַ֨ת
side
H6285
לִפְאַ֨ת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
צָפ֜וֹנָה
toward the north
H6828
צָפ֜וֹנָה
toward the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הַיָּ֧ם
sea
H3220
הַיָּ֧ם
sea
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
7 of 12
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
הַגָּד֛וֹל
from the great
H1419
הַגָּד֛וֹל
from the great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
8 of 12
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
הַדֶּ֥רֶךְ
the way
H1870
הַדֶּ֥רֶךְ
the way
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
9 of 12
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
Cross References
Numbers 34:8From mount Hor ye shall point out your border unto the entrance of Hamath; and the goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad:Ezekiel 48:1Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.
Historical Context
Historical Israel never permanently controlled all promised territory. David/Solomon briefly reached northern limits (2 Samuel 8, 1 Kings 8:65), but lost it. Ezekiel's vision prescribes boundaries exceeding most of Israel's history, showing millennial kingdom surpasses previous glory. This encourages faith: though current possession seems incomplete, God will fulfill every promise (Joshua 21:45, 23:14).
Questions for Reflection
- Why have Israel's historical borders never matched God's promised extent?
- What does expansive millennial boundaries teach about God's promise fulfillment?
- How should believers respond when God's promises seem delayed?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad—Northern boundary: מִן־הַיָּם הַגָּדוֹל (min-hayyām haggādôl, 'from the great sea'—Mediterranean), דֶּרֶךְ חֶתְלֹן (derekh ḥetlōn, 'the way of Hethlon'), לְבוֹא צְדָדָה (lĕbôʾ ṣĕdādāh, 'toward Zedad').
These geographical markers define Israel's northern extent—more extensive than actual historical control (David/Solomon reached roughly this far—2 Samuel 8:3-6, 1 Kings 8:65). Ezekiel's boundaries approach the full Abrahamic promise ('from the river of Egypt to...the river Euphrates'—Genesis 15:18). This expansive territory demonstrates millennial kingdom's glory: Israel possessing promised inheritance fully, not partially. God's promises, delayed but certain, will be completely fulfilled.