Ezekiel: For His GlorySample

As we reach the end of the book of Ezekiel, we picture an idyllic scene where the people can finally be at rest in their own land, with God dwelling among them. 

The boundaries of the new Promised Land are first outlined (47:13–23). There are similarities to the boundaries in the original land allotment (Num. 34:1–12). This is the same land that God promised Moses; they receive the covenant promise. Yet radically there is also an inheritance for the resident alien or sojourner (47:22–23). Those who acknowledge Yahweh as their God can enjoy a place among His people (cf. Exod. 12:48; Lev. 22:18). 

The next chapter details the specifics of the allocation of the land among the twelve tribes (48:1–29). The dimensions of the portions of inheritance are undefined; only the sacred portion is defined specifically (48:8–22; cf. 45:1–8). The allotment of land among the twelve tribes reflects the original division (47:13–14; cf. Josh. 14–21). The sons of Jacob’s wives are closest to the sacred zone (48:4–7, 23–26); the sons of Jacob’s concubines are more distant (48:1–3, 27–28). Israel has united again, all living peacefully in the Promised Land. 

This unity is reinforced by the gates being named after each of the twelve tribes (48:30–34). The square-shaped city is named not Jerusalem but ‘the Lord is there’ (48:35). 

So the book of Ezekiel ends on this wonderful note. A people in exile look forward to their own portion of the land. A people who felt abandoned by God are reassured that He will be right there among them. It is a word from God designed to inspire repentance, trust, and hope. 

Reflection

As Christians, we don’t look forward to a landed inheritance. Our rest is salvation in Christ by faith (Heb. 4:1–3). We will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5). We look forward to our final rest, the heavenly city with twelve gates named after the twelve tribes but with the foundations of the walls named after the twelve Apostles (Rev. 21:12–14). With great anticipation, we long for the day when God will dwell right there among us (Rev. 21:22–23). Come, Lord Jesus!