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Ezekiel 47

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‹ Chapter 46 Ezekiel — All Chapters Chapter 48 ›

1 Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. 3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. 4 Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water. 5 Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot. 6 “Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived, I saw a great number of trees along both banks of the river. 8 And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. 9 Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because it flows there and makes the waters fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish. 10 Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. 11 But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing." 13 This is what the Lord GOD says: “These are the boundaries by which you are to divide the land as an inheritance among the twelve tribes of Israel; Joseph shall receive two portions. 14 You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with an uplifted hand to give it to your forefathers, this land will fall to you as an inheritance. 15 This shall be the boundary of the land: On the north side it will extend from the Great Sea by way of Hethlon through Lebo-hamath to Zedad, 16 Berothah, and Sibraim (which is on the border between Damascus and Hamath), as far as Hazer-hatticon, which is on the border of Hauran. 17 So the border will run from the Sea to Hazar-enan, along the northern border of Damascus, with the territory of Hamath to the north. This will be the northern boundary. 18 On the east side the border will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary. 19 On the south side it will run from Tamar to the waters of Meribath-kadesh, and along the Brook of Egypt to the Great Sea. This will be the southern boundary. 20 And on the west side, the Great Sea will be the boundary up to a point opposite Lebo-hamath. This will be the western boundary. 21 You are to divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. 22 You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners who dwell among you and who have children. You are to treat them as native-born Israelites; along with you, they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe a foreigner dwells, you are to assign his inheritance there,” declares the Lord GOD.

‹ Chapter 46 Ezekiel — All Chapters Chapter 48 ›

Study Notes — Ezekiel 47

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Ezekiel 47 begins with a description of a river flowing from the temple, which symbolizes God's presence and provision. The river flows eastward, bringing life and fertility to the desert, and its banks are lined with trees that bear fruit every month. The chapter then describes the boundaries of the restored Israel, with the river serving as a natural border. The tribes of Israel are allotted portions of land, and the chapter concludes with a description of the gates of the city, which are named after the tribes. Key verses, such as Ezekiel 47:1 and Ezekiel 47:12, highlight the life-giving properties of the river and the abundance of the restored land.

Context for the Chapter

Ezekiel 47 is part of a larger vision of the restored Israel, which begins in Ezekiel 40. The chapter is situated in the context of the prophet Ezekiel's ministry to the exiles in Babylon, who were seeking to understand God's plan for their future. The vision of the restored Israel serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to bless and prosper His people, as seen in Ezekiel 36:22-32. The chapter also looks forward to the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, as described in Revelation 21:1-22:5.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Ezekiel 47, we are reminded of God's desire to bless and prosper His people. We are called to trust in His presence and provision, even in the midst of uncertainty and hardship. As we seek to apply the principles of this chapter to our lives, we must remember to prioritize our relationship with God, seeking to abide in His presence and to bear fruit that is pleasing to Him, as Jesus teaches in John 15:1-17.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ezekiel 47 describes a vision of a restored Israel, with a river flowing from the temple, symbolizing God's presence and provision. The chapter emphasizes the theme of restoration and renewal, highlighting God's plan to rejuvenate and redeem His people. As seen in Ezekiel 47:1-12, the river brings life and fertility to the desert, and the trees that line its banks represent the people of God, who are nourished and sustained by His presence.

Voices from the Church

“The river of God's grace is ever-flowing, and its banks are lined with trees of righteousness, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The vision of the restored Israel is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to bless and prosper His people, even in the midst of adversity.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The River's Source (Ezekiel 47:1-5) — The river flows from the temple, emphasizing the idea that God's presence is the source of all life and blessing.
  2. The River's Effects (Ezekiel 47:6-11) — The river brings life and fertility to the desert, symbolizing the transformative power of God's presence.
  3. The Trees' Significance (Ezekiel 47:12) — The trees that line the river's banks represent the people of God, who are nourished and sustained by His presence.
  4. The Boundaries of the Restored Israel (Ezekiel 47:13-20) — The chapter describes the boundaries of the restored Israel, with the river serving as a natural border.
  5. The Gates of the City (Ezekiel 47:21-23) — The gates of the city, named after the tribes of Israel, represent the access and fellowship that God's people have with Him.

Core Doctrines

Providence
Ezekiel 47 teaches us about God's providence, highlighting His plan to bless and prosper His people, even in the midst of adversity. As seen in Ezekiel 47:1-12, God's presence is the source of all life and blessing.
Sanctification
The chapter emphasizes the idea of sanctification, as the people of God are nourished and sustained by His presence. This is evident in Ezekiel 47:12, where the trees bear fruit every month, symbolizing the perpetual nature of God's provision.
Restoration
Ezekiel 47 looks forward to the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, as described in Revelation 21:1-22:5. The chapter serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to bless and prosper His people.
Covenant
The chapter is situated in the context of the covenant between God and His people, emphasizing the idea of God's faithfulness and His desire to bless and prosper His people. As seen in Ezekiel 47:13-20, the boundaries of the restored Israel are described, highlighting God's plan to redeem and restore His people.

Lessons from Ezekiel 47

  1. God's Presence is the Source of All Life — The river flowing from the temple serves as a reminder that God's presence is the source of all life and blessing. As seen in Ezekiel 47:1, the river's source is directly tied to the presence of God.
  2. God's Plan to Restore and Redeem — The chapter teaches us about God's plan to restore and redeem His people, even in the midst of hardship and adversity. This is evident in Ezekiel 47:13-20, where the boundaries of the restored Israel are described.
  3. The Importance of Trusting in God's Providence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's providence, even when we do not understand His ways. As seen in Ezekiel 47:1-12, God's presence is the source of all life and blessing, and we must trust in His plan to restore and redeem His people.
  4. The Ultimate Restoration of All Things in Christ — The chapter looks forward to the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, as described in Revelation 21:1-22:5. This gives us hope and encouragement in our own lives, as we seek to trust in God's presence and provision.
  5. The Significance of the Trees and the Gates — The trees that line the river's banks and the gates of the city serve as reminders of the access and fellowship that God's people have with Him. As seen in Ezekiel 47:12 and Ezekiel 47:21-23, these symbols emphasize the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking to abide in His presence.

Themes from Ezekiel 47

  1. Restoration and Renewal — The chapter emphasizes the theme of restoration and renewal, highlighting God's plan to rejuvenate and redeem His people. As seen in Ezekiel 47:1-12, the river brings life and fertility to the desert, symbolizing the transformative power of God's presence.
  2. God's Presence and Provision — The river flowing from the temple serves as a reminder of God's presence and provision, emphasizing the idea that He is the source of all life and blessing. This is evident in Ezekiel 47:1, where the river's source is directly tied to the presence of God.
  3. Sanctification and Holiness — The chapter emphasizes the idea of sanctification, as the people of God are nourished and sustained by His presence. This is evident in Ezekiel 47:12, where the trees bear fruit every month, symbolizing the perpetual nature of God's provision.
  4. Covenant and Faithfulness — The chapter is situated in the context of the covenant between God and His people, emphasizing the idea of God's faithfulness and His desire to bless and prosper His people. As seen in Ezekiel 47:13-20, the boundaries of the restored Israel are described, highlighting God's plan to redeem and restore His people.
  5. Hope and Encouragement — The chapter serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to bless and prosper His people, giving us hope and encouragement in our own lives. As seen in Ezekiel 47:1-12, the river brings life and fertility to the desert, symbolizing the transformative power of God's presence.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the river flowing from the temple symbolize, and how does it relate to God's presence and provision?
  2. How do the trees that line the river's banks represent the people of God, and what does this say about our relationship with Him?
  3. What does the chapter teach us about God's plan to restore and redeem His people, and how does this relate to our own experiences of hardship and adversity?
  4. How does the vision of the restored Israel serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness, and what implications does this have for our own trust in Him?
  5. What does the chapter say about the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, and how does this give us hope and encouragement in our own lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The River's Source (Ezekiel 47:1-5)

47:1 The river flows from the temple, emphasizing the idea that God's presence is the source of all life and blessing.
47:2 The river flows eastward, bringing life and fertility to the desert.

2. The River's Effects (Ezekiel 47:6-11)

47:6 The river brings life and fertility to the desert, symbolizing the transformative power of God's presence.
47:7 The river's banks are lined with trees that bear fruit every month, representing the people of God who are nourished and sustained by His presence.

3. The Trees' Significance (Ezekiel 47:12)

47:12 The trees that line the river's banks represent the people of God, who are nourished and sustained by His presence.

4. The Boundaries of the Restored Israel (Ezekiel 47:13-20)

47:13 The chapter describes the boundaries of the restored Israel, with the river serving as a natural border.
47:14 The tribes of Israel are allotted portions of land, emphasizing the idea of God's covenant with His people.

5. The Gates of the City (Ezekiel 47:21-23)

47:21 The gates of the city, named after the tribes of Israel, represent the access and fellowship that God's people have with Him.
47:22 The chapter concludes with a description of the gates of the city, emphasizing the idea of God's presence and provision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the river flowing from the temple symbolize?

The river symbolizes God's presence and provision, emphasizing the idea that He is the source of all life and blessing. As seen in Ezekiel 47:1, the river's source is directly tied to the presence of God.

What do the trees that line the river's banks represent?

The trees represent the people of God, who are nourished and sustained by His presence. As seen in Ezekiel 47:12, the trees bear fruit every month, symbolizing the perpetual nature of God's provision.

What does the chapter teach us about God's plan to restore and redeem His people?

The chapter emphasizes God's plan to restore and redeem His people, even in the midst of hardship and adversity. As seen in Ezekiel 47:13-20, the boundaries of the restored Israel are described, highlighting God's plan to redeem and restore His people.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Ezekiel 47:1 → Psalm 46:4 The river flowing from the temple is reminiscent of the river in Psalm 46:4, which symbolizes God's presence and provision.
2 Ezekiel 47:12 → Revelation 22:2 The trees that line the river's banks are similar to the trees in Revelation 22:2, which bear fruit every month and have leaves for healing.
3 Ezekiel 47:13 → Genesis 12:7 The boundaries of the restored Israel are reminiscent of the promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12:7, which emphasizes God's covenant with His people.
4 Ezekiel 47:21 → Isaiah 60:18 The gates of the city, named after the tribes of Israel, are similar to the gates in Isaiah 60:18, which represent the access and fellowship that God's people have with Him.
5 Ezekiel 47:1 → John 7:38 The river flowing from the temple is reminiscent of the living water that Jesus promises in John 7:38, which symbolizes the presence and provision of God.
6 Ezekiel 47:12 → Matthew 13:23 The trees that line the river's banks are similar to the trees in Matthew 13:23, which represent the people of God who are nourished and sustained by His presence.
7 Ezekiel 47:13 → Joshua 13:1-7 The boundaries of the restored Israel are reminiscent of the conquest of Canaan in Joshua 13:1-7, which emphasizes God's covenant with His people.
8 Ezekiel 47:21 → Revelation 21:25 The gates of the city, named after the tribes of Israel, are similar to the gates in Revelation 21:25, which represent the access and fellowship that God's people have with Him.
9 Ezekiel 47:1 → Ezekiel 43:1-5 The river flowing from the temple is reminiscent of the vision of the restored temple in Ezekiel 43:1-5, which emphasizes God's presence and provision.
10 Ezekiel 47:12 → Psalm 1:3 The trees that line the river's banks are similar to the trees in Psalm 1:3, which represent the people of God who are nourished and sustained by His presence.

Sermons on Ezekiel 47

SermonDescription
Leonard Ravenhill Strengthen Me Just Once by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about the distractions and temptations of the world, comparing them to different varieties of ice cream and donuts. He then refers to
Alan Redpath Inexhaustible Resources in Christ by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of faith and acknowledges their own stubbornness. They believe that we are living in the end times and that Satan is
Alan Redpath Christian Growth - Part 6 by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob from the Bible. Jacob had lived his life independently of God, making mistakes and facing the consequences. Eventually, Go
Alan Redpath Resources for Christian Living by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of experiencing a deep and ongoing relationship with God. He warns against becoming complacent or shallow in one's faith and u
Alan Redpath The Holy Spirit & Power for the Ministry by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the miracle of a Spirit-filled life. He refers to the crowd's questions on the day of Pentecost, asking what the events mea
Alan Redpath Power for Ministry Pt 2 by Alan Redpath In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a spirit-filled life and the evidence that should be present in the life of a person filled with the spirit of God.
David Wilkerson The River Is Rising by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful testimony of a young man who was on the verge of taking his own life but was saved by a still small voice telling him to go to the ma
Leonard Ravenhill Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that it is not a decision, but a mental flip that occurs when the
Chuck Smith Constantly Failing the Purposes of God by Chuck Smith This sermon emphasizes the importance of being passionate for righteousness and God, drawing parallels between the failures of the children of Israel in worshiping false gods and t
David Wilkerson The River of Life by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had about a river of life. The preacher emphasizes that this vision is a prophecy for the Church of the lat

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ezekiel 47

In this chapter, we see a vision of the restored Israel, with a river flowing from the temple, symbolizing God's presence and provision. The river brings life and fertility to the desert, and its banks are lined with trees that bear fruit every month. The chapter teaches us about God's plan to restore and redeem His people, even in the midst of hardship and adversity. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The gospel is a river that makes glad the city of God,' and 'the trees that line its banks are the saints, who are nourished and sustained by the presence of God.' The chapter looks forward to the ultimate restoration of all things in Christ, as described in Revelation 21:1-22:5, and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His desire to bless and prosper His people. As Henry writes, 'The Lord will make his people a river of living water, and they shall be a tree of life, bearing fruit every month.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The River's Source

The river flows from the temple, emphasizing the idea that God's presence is the source of all life and blessing. As seen in Ezekiel 47:1, the river's source is directly tied to the presence of God.

The River's Effects

The river brings life and fertility to the desert, symbolizing the transformative power of God's presence. This is evident in Ezekiel 47:7-11, where the river's effects on the surrounding landscape are described.

The Trees' Significance

The trees that line the river's banks represent the people of God, who are nourished and sustained by His presence. As Ezekiel 47:12 states, the trees bear fruit every month, symbolizing the perpetual nature of God's provision.

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