Ezekiel 47:20

The West side also shall be the great Sea from the border, till a man come ouer against Hamath: this is the West side. Ezekiel 47:20 (KJV)

Ezekiel 47:20 is part of the prophetic vision of the future temple and the restored land of Israel that the prophet received from God. In this vision God delineates the boundaries and the division of the land among the twelve tribes after the people return from exile and the temple is rebuilt.

The verse specifically describes the western side of the promised territory. It states that the great sea—understood as the Mediterranean Sea—forms the western border, extending from the border until it reaches the place identified as Hamath. One rendering adds that the border runs “even unto the place where the north country is, which is Hamath: the north side shall be the coast of the great sea.” Historically, Hamath is recognized as a city or region in ancient Syria, situated to the northeast of present‑day Lebanon. Though the text places Hamath in the context of the western border, the reference also serves as a northern landmark, indicating that the northern limit of the land reaches that point.

The primary purpose of this detailed description is to portray the future allocation of territory to each tribe, emphasizing that God will restore the land to His people in its fullness. The vision underscores God’s covenant promises of restoration, prosperity, and abundance for Israel. By defining the sea as the western edge and Hamath as a key point, the passage conveys both geographical certainty and theological assurance that God’s providence will bring renewal and blessing to His chosen people.

Overall, Ezekiel 47:20 highlights the western boundary of the restored Israel as the Mediterranean Sea while also marking Hamath as a significant reference point. This serves as a concrete illustration of the broader hope, renewal, and faithfulness that the prophetic vision communicates to the exiled community.