We’ve finally arrived at Ezekiel’s last chapter, Ezekiel 48.

And it begins with an interesting report of the land (in the Millennium) that will be allotted to each of the Tribes of Israel. This Millennial “map” is much more organized than was the survey given us back in the Book of Joshua.

Each Tribe gets an inheritance running directly east to west, with little irregularity. Which is the most equitable way of parceling land when a Country’s natural resources run north to south! (Think Jordan River, Mediterranean Coast, etc.) God IS All … Wise, Omniscient!

“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. And by the border of Dan, from the EAST side unto the WEST side, a portion for Asher. And by the border of Asher, from the EAST side even unto the WEST side, a portion for Naphtali. And by the border of Naphtali, from the EAST side unto the WEST side, a portion for Manasseh. And by the border of Manasseh, from the EAST side unto the WEST side, a portion for Ephraim. And by the border of Ephraim, from the EAST side even unto the WEST side, a portion for Reuben. And by the border of Reuben, from the EAST side unto the WEST side, a portion for Judah.” Ezekiel 48:1-7

There are of course other Tribes involved, but they will not be named and their land ascribed until later in the chapter, verses 23 through 29.

The Tribes mentioned in verses 1-7 (Dan, Asher, Naphtali, Manasseh and Ephraim, Reuben and Judah) are north of the Temple and Holy Area for the priests … the remaining tribes are south of that “Holy Grant” of property. (In other words … God’s House is in the very geographical CENTER of all the people!)

The Tribes in total will be twelve, but Levi is not given any land, the Priests being nourished in another way. So representing the Tribe of Joseph are his two Grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Sounds like Joseph got a “double portion!” (Thus, with this slight “adjustment” … the number of Tribes still rests at twelve.)

One more thing today … the Tribes who sprang from Jacob’s two full-fledged Wives (Leah and Rachel) are given (it seems) priority over the children of the concubines (Bilhah and Zilpah). Notice how Joseph’s two Grandsons (representing Joseph, Son of Rachel) as well as Reuben and Judah (sons of Leah) are most near the Temple area! Wow! (Sonship has its privileges!)

The Lord willing, more tomorrow.

Ezekiel 48, really an amazing chapter, with its “ending” being phenomenal!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell