Ezekiel 47:19
“And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And this is the south side southward.”
Ezekiel 47:19 is a verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Old Testament. In this chapter, Ezekiel receives a vision of a future temple and the restoration of the land of Israel. The passage describes the division of the land among the twelve tribes of Israel in the millennial kingdom.
In verse 19, the focus is on the southern boundary of the land. The verse mentions two locations: Tamar and Kadesh. Tamar is believed to be a city or a landmark located near the southern border of Israel, although its exact location is uncertain. Kadesh refers to Kadesh-barnea, a well-known site in the wilderness of Paran, where the Israelites camped during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
The verse states that the southern boundary of the land will extend from Tamar to the waters of strife in Kadesh. The “waters of strife” is a reference to the Meribah incident in the wilderness, where the Israelites quarreled with Moses and doubted God’s provision of water (Exodus 17:1-7). God instructed Moses to strike a rock, and water gushed out to meet the needs of the people.
The river mentioned in Ezekiel 47:19 refers to a symbolic river that is described earlier in Ezekiel 47. This river flows out from the future temple and grows deeper and wider as it progresses. It brings life and healing to the land and its inhabitants. The river eventually reaches the great sea, which is likely a reference to the Mediterranean Sea.
The verse concludes by reiterating that this southern boundary is indeed the southern side of the land. It emphasizes the clarity and precision of the division of the land among the tribes of Israel.
Overall, Ezekiel 47:19 is a part of Ezekiel’s vision of the future division of the land of Israel, indicating the boundaries and locations of significance. It serves as a reminder of God’s promise to restore and bless His people, bringing them into a time of abundance and prosperity in the millennial kingdom.
