Ezekiel 47:5
Afterward he measured a thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass over: for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Rivers held dual significance in Scripture: blessing and judgment. The Jordan River marked boundary into promised land (Joshua 3:13-17). David crossed Kidron fleeing Absalom (2 Samuel 15:23). Naaman's healing required Jordan immersion (2 Kings 5:10-14). Jesus' baptism in Jordan inaugurated public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17). Revelation's river of life flows from God's throne through New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1-2), representing eternal life abundant. Ancient irrigation made desert bloom (Isaiah 35:1-7, 41:18-19), foreshadowing Spirit's transforming power. The uncrossable river also recalls flood judgment (Genesis 7:17-24) and Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 14:21-29)—same water brings judgment or salvation depending on relationship with God. Swimming-depth water represents complete immersion in God's purposes—total commitment without reservation.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you experienced 'swimming depth' Christianity where self-reliance fails and total dependence on God becomes necessary?
- What fears prevent you from surrendering control and plunging into the deep waters of complete consecration?
- How does the river's uncrossable depth simultaneously represent God's overwhelming power and His perfect sustaining grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
The climax—'waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over'—represents complete immersion where self-sufficiency fails and total dependence on God's sustaining power becomes necessary. The Hebrew נַחַל (nachal, 'river') suggests torrential, powerful flow—no longer gentle stream but mighty flood. The phrase 'could not be passed over' (לֹא־יֵעָבֵר, lo-ye'aver) indicates human ability exhausted; swimming requires surrendering control, trusting buoyancy. This pictures fullness of the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), complete sanctification, utter dependence on God. Reformed theology emphasizes that ultimate Christian experience isn't shallow wading but drowning in God's grace—'dying to self' (Galatians 2:20) to 'live in the Spirit' (Galatians 5:25). The river's uncrossable depth paradoxically represents both overwhelming power and perfect security—God's grace is infinite yet sustaining.