(REFLECTIONS ON EZEKIEL 47:13-23, EZEKIEL 48:1-29)

13 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “These are the boundaries of the land that you will divide among the twelve tribes of Israel as their inheritance, with two portions for Joseph. 14 You are to divide it equally among them. Because I swore with uplifted hand to give it to your ancestors, this land will become your inheritance.

Haven’t we seen this before? The division of the land as an inheritance for the Israelites is well documented (Ref. Book of Joshua 13-21). However, this was in the past, when the Israelites first entered into the promised land after leaving Egypt and wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.

However, we are reading about this again, hundreds of years after Israel first entered the promised land and first received their inheritance. After hundreds of years in the promised land, Israel defiled the land, dishonored God’s name, and were eventually exiled. However after the exile, Israel will be re-established, they will be brought back to life from dry bones through the breath of God.

This promise is God’s promise, that He swore with uplifted hand to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and although Israel was broken to pieces for their disobedience, they will once again made whole and be brought back to the promised land, because although they were unfaithful, God is faithful.

The temple will be rebuilt, the glory of God will return, and the river of life will flow from the temple out into the world (Ezekiel 40-48). Today’s Scripture reminds us of God’s promises to Israel, but also of His promises through Jesus Christ, His Son, to the church as well. He swore with uplifted hand that through Jesus Christ we would receive an inheritance as His sons and daughters.

We are reminded of Israel’s journey from not having land, to having land and defiling it, and being given hope for restoration, renewal, and revival. This reminds us that it isn’t the faithfulness of the people of God that will bring about God’s promises, but it is God’s faithfulness that He swore with uplifted hand.

Yes, Israel was broken in the process, but they were not destroyed. Brokenness is a result of their unfaithfulness, but not being destroyed, being brought back to the land of promise, and hope for the 12 tribes of Israel is a testament to God’s grace and mercy, and that His promises are forever.

If we look carefully at the division of land, we find that the 12 tribes of Israel are back, as one people, as Israel. No longer divided as the northern tribe of Israel, and the southern tribe of Judah, but all will be renewed and restored.

On our faith journey, we too may often times feel like a broken people. We know of our limitations and how we have failed God, for we too are an unfaithful people, but this too highlights God’s grace, mercy and His faithfulness. We are broken, but not destroyed, because just as God can give life back to dry bones, He can surely restore our brokenness, heal us, and make us whole again.

May the Lord’s promises and His faithfulness, that He swore with uplifted hand be our comfort and our hope today.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Ezekiel 47
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Ezekiel 48