Ezekiel 47:11

“But the miry places thereof and the marishes thereof shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt.”

Context:The book of Ezekiel contains prophecies given to the prophet Ezekiel during the time of the Babylonian exile. In Ezekiel 40-48, the prophet receives a vision of a future temple and the restoration of Israel.

Symbolism of water:In the preceding verses (Ezekiel 47:1-10), Ezekiel describes a vision of a river flowing from the temple. This river starts as a small stream and gradually grows deeper and wider as it flows toward the Dead Sea. The water represents life and restoration.

Miry places and marishes:The verse mentions that the miry places and marishes (marshes or swamps) will not be healed but will be given to salt. These areas represent places that are unsuitable for sustaining life, lacking fertility and freshness.

Symbolism of healing:Throughout the book of Ezekiel, there is a theme of healing and restoration. The verse suggests that the healing power of the river will not extend to these miry places and marishes. This could symbolize certain areas or aspects of life that are resistant to restoration, possibly due to their inherent nature or the choices made by the people dwelling in those places.

Given to salt:The phrase “they shall be given to salt” implies that these places will be left desolate or uninhabitable. Salt often represents preservation and judgment in the Bible. In this context, it signifies the judgment of God upon these areas, indicating that they will not be rejuvenated or transformed like the other parts touched by the healing waters.

Spiritual application:From a spiritual perspective, this verse reminds us that God’s healing and restoration may not reach every aspect of our lives or every circumstance we encounter. There might be areas that, due to their nature or the choices we make, remain untouched by His transforming power. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of certain choices and the importance of aligning our lives with God’s will.