Ezekiel 47:21

The land within these borders was to be divided among the tribes of Israel.

In the past, before the exile, the nation was divided into two kingdoms. In the future, there would be one united kingdom. The twelve tribes would live together as one people.

This new arrangement would also include resident foreigners. If these foreigners had joined Israel as converts (people who had turned to worship the Lord), they were to receive a share of the land. They would receive an allotment just like native-born Israelites. They could also pass this land on to their children.

For Ezekiel, the land had deep meaning. It was a sign of God’s promise and blessing. Because of this, receiving a share of the land was a great privilege.

The final section of the book of Ezekiel describes the boundaries of the land and how it will be divided among the tribes.

In this section, theology (teaching about God) is shown through geography (the arrangement of the land). The way the land is organized has meaning. Matters such as space, access, and position in relation to the temple are very important.

Where a tribe lives, and how close it is to the temple, shows something about order and holiness among God’s people.