FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Ezekiel 48:7
KJVAnd by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Judah.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final vision describes the temple, worship, life-giving waters, and the land. Its interpretation should be distinguished from what the vision itself depicts.
- 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.
- 48:2 And by the border of Dan, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Asher.
- 48:3 And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.
- 48:4 And by the border of Naphtali, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Manasseh.
- 48:5 And by the border of Manasseh, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Ephraim.
- 48:6 And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Reuben.
- 48:7 And by the border of Reuben, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Judah.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Ezekiel son of Buzi, a priest and prophet among the exiles, is the named prophetic voice and traditional author. Biblical references: Ezekiel 1:1; Ezekiel 1:3. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Ezekiel 40:1–48:35): Ezekiel is shown a visionary sanctuary, ordered worship, and land arrangements, which he is to declare to the house of Israel. The priestly and tribal groups in the vision are not all physically accompanying him. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The house of Israel, with Ezekiel speaking especially among the Judean exiles in Babylonia. Some visions concern people in Jerusalem or other nations rather than people physically present with him. Biblical references: Ezekiel 3:11; Ezekiel 8:1; Ezekiel 24:21. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Portions for the Tribes. Read Ezekiel 48:1 through Ezekiel 48:7 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The final vision describes the temple, worship, life-giving waters, and the land. Its interpretation should be distinguished from what the vision itself depicts. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The book repeatedly dates visions by years of captivity. Events pictured in a vision, the time of receiving it, and the time of later fulfillment should be distinguished. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Ezekiel is among the exiles by the river Chebar. Visions carry him to other scenes, including Jerusalem; visionary location is not automatically ordinary physical travel. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Portions for the Tribes (Ezekiel 48:1 to Ezekiel 48:7). Start reading at Ezekiel 48:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The shepherd promise can be read alongside Jesus' teaching about the good shepherd. The connection should retain Ezekiel's concern for the scattered flock and the failure of Israel's shepherds. See Ezekiel 34:11, Ezekiel 34:23, John 10:11. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Take warnings about personal responsibility and corrupt leadership seriously. When interpreting symbolic acts or visions, begin with the explanations supplied within the book. interpretation
Cited: Ezekiel 48:1, Ezekiel 48:7, Ezekiel 34:11, Ezekiel 34:23, John 10:11
Who wrote it, and how we know
Related passages
- Judah Gen 29:35 Josh 15:1-63 Josh 19:9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Ezekiel 48
Ezekiel 1:1 Ezekiel 1:2 Ezekiel 1:3
The Portions for the Priests and Levites
Ezekiel 48:8–14FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The Common Portion
Ezekiel 48:15–20FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The Portion for the Prince
Ezekiel 48:21–22FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The Portions for the Remaining Tribes
Ezekiel 48:23–29FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
The City Gates and Dimensions
Ezekiel 48:30–35FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1:1 Ezekiel 1:2 Ezekiel 1:3
The vision and commission
Ezekiel 1:1–3:27FocusGlory, the scroll, and responsibility
Judgment on Jerusalem
Ezekiel 4:1–24:27FocusSigns, visions, and covenant unfaithfulness
Oracles against the nations
Ezekiel 25:1–32:32FocusThe surrounding powers judged
After the fall: responsibility and restoration
Ezekiel 33:1–39:29FocusShepherding, cleansing, and renewed life
FocusOrdered worship and the LORD's presence
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.