Ezekiel 47:16
Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazar-hatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran.
Original Language Analysis
בֵּר֙וֹתָה֙
Berothah
H1268
בֵּר֙וֹתָה֙
Berothah
Strong's:
H1268
Word #:
2 of 16
berothah or berothai, a place north of palestine
אֲשֶׁר֙
H834
אֲשֶׁר֙
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בֵּין
H996
בֵּין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
5 of 16
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
גְּב֥וּל
and the border
H1366
גְּב֥וּל
and 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
וּבֵ֖ין
H996
וּבֵ֖ין
Strong's:
H996
Word #:
8 of 16
between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or
גְּב֥וּל
and the border
H1366
גְּב֥וּל
and the border
Strong's:
H1366
Word #:
9 of 16
properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
Cross References
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.Numbers 13:21So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.2 Samuel 8:8And from Betah, and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, king David took exceeding much brass.Zechariah 9:2And Hamath also shall border thereby; Tyrus, and Zidon, though it be very wise.Genesis 14:15And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
Historical Context
These locations (northern Syria/Lebanon region) marked Israel's maximum historical extent under David/Solomon. Hamath (modern Hama, Syria) was northern limit (Numbers 34:8, 1 Kings 8:65). Damascus (still a major city) was Aramean capital, often hostile. Ezekiel's precise boundaries show God's intimate knowledge of terrain and His authority to assign territories. Detailed fulfillment of geographical prophecy authenticates spiritual promises.
Questions for Reflection
- What does precise geographical detail teach about God's specific knowledge?
- How do physical boundary promises relate to spiritual promise precision?
- Why is Damascus (Syria) significant as Israel's northern neighbor?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazarhatticon, which is by the coast of Hauran—Specific cities marking boundaries: חֲמָת (Ḥămāt, Hamath), בֵּרוֹתָה (Bêrôtāh, Berothah), סִבְרַיִם (Sibrāyim, Sibraim), גְּבוּל דַּמֶּשֶׂק (gĕbûl Dammeśeq, 'border of Damascus'), חֲמָת (Ḥămāt, Hamath again), חָצֵר הַתִּיכוֹן (Ḥāṣēr hattîkhôn, Hazar-hatticon), חַוְרָן (Ḥawrān, Hauran).
This precision demonstrates God's specific knowledge of geography and sovereignty over exact territories. Not vague promises but detailed boundaries. Damascus (capital of Syria/Aram) marks the northeastern limit—Israel's traditional rival would border but not threaten. Millennial peace enables exact boundary observance without war. Specific geographical promises demonstrate that spiritual promises are equally precise and certain.