Visions of the Kingdom

Visions of the Kingdom: Week 51

Ezekiel 48:1-35: The Division of the Land

Ever since Joseph received a double inheritance by having each of his sons receive a portion, there have been 13 tribes - but always listed as 12 in various ways. E.g., Dan is left out of the 144,000 in Revelation. For this division, there are 7 tribes in the North, 5 in the South, and Levi in the center with the temple.

48:30 "these are the gates" - There are 12 gates to the city, one for Joseph rather than Ephraim and Mannasseh.

The Lord is There

48:35 "the name of the city will be יְהוָ֥ה שָֽׁמָּה" - the LORD is present. From chapter 40 on, the name of the city was not mentioned. Jerusalem will have a new name.
Wiersbe explains:
“This is one of seven compound names of Jehovah found in the Old Testament.”
· Jehovah Jireh—’the LORD will provide’ (Genesis 22:13–14).
· Jehovah Rapha—’the LORD who heals’ (Exodus 15:26).
· Jehovah Shalom—’the LORD our peace’ (Judges 6:24).
· Jehovah Tsidkenu—’the LORD our righteousness’ (Jeremiah 23:6).
· Jehovah Shammah—’the LORD is present’ (Ezekiel 48:35).
· Jehovah Nissi—’the LORD our banner’ (Exodus 17:8–15).
· Jehovah Ra’ah—’the LORD our shepherd’ (Psalm 23:1).