Journal Through the Bible: Week 86 Friday

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Ezekiel chapter 47

The LORD GOD returned Ezekiel to the door of the Temple where he saw water flow out from the threshold on the east side of the Temple that came out from the south side of the altar and flowed toward the north. The man with the measuring stick led Ezekiel through the water. He led Ezekiel further and further out until Ezekiel could no longer cross without swimming. Then the man returned Ezekiel to the shore and explained the vision to him.

Does God issue any commands?

• God commanded that the land be divided just as He stated. Even the strangers (foreigners) that live among them are to have land as an inheritance. (verses 21-23

Does God make any promises?

• The waters would flow out to the desert in the east and to the sea where the waters will be healed. Everything that the water touches shall live but the marshy places would be left as brackish salt water.
• The trees beside the river that Ezekiel saw will bear fruit every month and their leaves will not fade. The trees will be for food and the leaves for medicine.
• God promised that Israel would possess the land of Promise. Joseph will have 2 portions (as the birthright which Reuben lost).

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• Just as when Moses struck the rock and water flowed from it, this water represents Jesus, the Living Water. Jesus said Himself that He is the Living Water when talking with the woman at the well in John chapter 4.
• I believe that the man speaking to Ezekiel is Jesus.
• The vision of Ezekiel in the water is similar to the lessons that Jesus taught Nicodemus about being born of the water and the spirit in John 3:5 and what He taught His disciples, especially Peter, on the night that He washed their feet before observing the Passover with them prior to His crucifixion. It is a picture of salvation.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• The time being described is a time of health and life. This must be the Millennial Kingdom rule of Jesus in Israel that is being described. Isaiah also described such a time when men will live to be of great old ages once again before death takes them. (Physical death is not abolished in that 1,000 years but it is greatly delayed! Death is finally abolished at the end of time.)