COMPARING

Jacob’s Prophetic

Blessings of his Twelve Sons

with

Moses’ Prophetic

Blessings of the Twelve

Tribes of Israel

with

Ezekiel’s Prophetic

Blessings of the Twelve

Tribes

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A Meditation on Genesis 49

THE PROPHETIC BLESSINGS OF JACOB’S SONS & A PROPHETIC HISTORY OF THE WORLD AND ISRAEL

The table below shows that the order of Jacob’s son’s blessings is not identical with their order of birth. The meaning of the names outlines the sad history of violence and corruption in Israel and the world and its consequences. Then we get the future blessings and glory in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Son of Man.

# Birth Order Mother Blessing Order Meaning of Name

Adam to Abraham Blessing Order

(The works of the flesh)

1 Rueben Leah Rueben “see a son”

2 Simeon Leah Simeon “heard”

3 Levi Leah Levi “attached”

Abraham to Solomon

( The promise of God) (Future Glory of Christ)

4 Judah Leah Judah “Praise”

Rehoboam to Zedekiah

(Affiliation and assimilation by the nations)

(PRESENT AGE)

5 Dan Bilhah Zebulun ‘dwelling” “habitation”

6 Naphtali Bilhah Issachar ‘hire” “ wages”

7 Gad Zilpah Dan “he that judges”

Future Restoration by Christ

Starts with the prayer of vs. 18

8 Asher Zilpah Gad “a band” “a troop”

9 Issachar Leah Asher “happy”

10 Zebulon Leah Naphtali ‘that struggles or fights”

Millennial Glory and Reign of Christ

11 Joseph Rachel Joseph “He will add”

12 Benjamin Rachel Benjamin “Son of the right hand”

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In blessing his sons, Jacob first addressed the four sons of Leah. Then the sons of the maids follow and Zebulun is put before

Issachar and Naphtali is mentioned last. Finally Joseph and Benjamin, the two sons of Rachel, the wife whom Jacob loved

more than Leah, and for whom he served his father-in-law Laban an extra seven years.

The order of Jacob's sons in Genesis 49 in contrast to the order of their birth is according to that which is prophetic and

spiritual giving a picture of the history of Israel until the last days but also a brief outline of man's history as a whole,

because the world’s history is really centred around Israel.

Reuben forfeited his birth right as the first born and his position was given to Judah, the fourth son of Leah. Simeon

and Levi were passed over because of their violence against the inhabitants of Shechem. The wealth linked with the

firstborn’s blessing, who was entitled to a double portion of the inheritance, went to Joseph, the first son of Rachel, the

loved one of Jacob and then was passed to Ephraim and Manasseh, Joseph's sons, whom Jacob had blessed

previously (Gen. 48). Thus Ephraim and Manasseh obtained a place of their own among the tribes of Israel (Deut. 33:17).

Judah and Joseph are given a prominent place in the blessings of Jacob, Judah receiving the position of a ruler and Joseph

the wealth laid up for the firstborn.

REUBEN, SIMEON AND LEVI (VS. 3-7)

In the first three sons we see a picture of natural man failing from the beginning. Reuben was guided by his lusts, while

Simeon and Levi used means of violence. These two evils of inner corruption and outward violence have been the two

principal evils since the fall of man. Time and again, they can be found in both the history of mankind and that of Israel. The

sin of Adam and Eve was lust, the sin of Cain was violence, and they had to be driven out of God's presence. The judgment

of the flood was caused by the subsequent corruption and violence that filled the earth. After the flood there was no

improvement. Man wanted to make a name for himself and started worshipping idols; with Nimrod, a mighty hunter

before the Lord seen leading the way.

JUDAH (vs.8-12)

Then, with the calling of Abraham, God made a new start and separated a nation (Israel) from the other nations in order

that it should serve and belong to Him alone. However, Israel's history too, was one of sad failure both in the wilderness as

well as in the Promised Land. Corruption and violence again characterized them as seen in the last chapters of the Book of

Judges and the first chapters of First Samuel. But then God brought relief through King David, whose birth is mentioned in

the Book of Ruth the 8th

book of the Bible – the number 8 meaning ‘a new beginning’.

This period in Israel's history is reflected in Jacob's prophecy concerning Judah “praise”, the royal tribe, where nothing

but praise is heard. It was a Golden Age for Israel, when the nations around them were subdued by Abraham (Gen. 14) and

later by Solomon.

The words of Jacob about Shiloh "he who brings rest" refers in the first place to Solomon, the king of peace but it reaches

far beyond him. This is indicated by the words that the sceptre would not depart from Judah until the arrival of Shiloh, to

whom the obedience of the peoples would be.

All the nations wait for the day when Christ alone will reign in righteousness.

Judah was to have a prominent role until the coming of Christ but when our Lord Jesus was rejected, the time of universal

peace and prosperity about which Jacob spoke, was postponed until Christ's second coming. Then He will reign as the

Prince of Peace and His dominion will be to the ends of the earth.

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ZEBULUN, ISSACHAR AND DAN (VS. 13-17) (PRESENT AGE)

After the prosperous times of David and Solomon and also after the rejection of the Messiah, Israel is assimilated with and

brought into subjugation to the nations, ending in complete apostasy. This is shown in type in Zebulun, Issachar and Dan.

The prophecy has a twofold application, historical and future. Israel came gradually under the influence of the surrounding

nations, which resulted in their subjugation to these nations (e.g., Egypt, Assyria and Babylonia) and in serving their

idols/gods.

Zebulun “habitation or dwelling” in connection with "the sea of peoples and nations" (Isa. 17:12-13; Rev. 17:15).

Zebulun was fully orientated towards the nations and to Sidon especially, from which the worship of Baal originated which

was brought to Israel by King Ahab (1 Kings. 16:31-33).

Issachar "hire" or "wages" then submitted to forced labour and became a slave.

Dan "judge" the power of the serpent (Satan) was fully embodied, so that Israel was brought down and rendered

powerless. Scripture often connects the tribe of Dan with idolatry (Judges. 18; 1 Kings. 12:29-30). Israel left the one true

God and finally rejected the Messiah when He came to them in the form of a Servant. This marked the end of the history of

Israel and also the first man in his responsibility and only the salvation of the LORD could bring relief as seen in the prayer

of verse 18. This salvation was manifested and is seen by faith in the cross and in the resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jacob's short prayer is the turning point of the chapter!

After Christ's rejection, the above process of decline and apostasy repeated itself and Israel was dispersed among the

nations, having become more and more dependent on them and have been until today.

In the future application of these verses Dan is a type of the antichrist who will reign over "judge" Israel with the support of

the head of the revived Roman Empire and of Satan himself (Rev. 13:1-18). Idolatry will then reach an all-time high and the

faithful remnant of Israel will wait anxiously for the intervention of God's salvation in Christ Jesus.

Dan marks the absolute low point of Israel’s history and from there on Israel's history takes a turn for the better.

GAD, ASHER AND NAPHTALI (vs. 19-21) (TRIBULATION)

In answer to the prayer of verse 18 God reveals His salvation.

Gad, Asher and Naphtali show the results of God's salvation in the end time.

Gad "troop" is seen being endangered by hostile troops, but in the end he is victorious with their Messiah and drives the

enemy out of the land (Mic. 4:14-5:8).

Asher "happy" enjoys an abundance of food and shares it with others.

Naphtali "my wrestling" rejoices in the freedom of the victor and sings the song of salvation.

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JOSEPH AND BENJAMIN (vs. 22-27) (MILLENNIUM)

Finally, Joseph and Benjamin give a twofold picture of the glory of Christ in the millennium.

Joseph "He will add" is a special type of the Messiah who was rejected by His brothers; but exalted by God to sit at His

right hand, thereby becoming the Saviour of the world. Pharaoh a type of God the Father is pleased with Him and He

receives the richest blessings.

Benjamin "son of the right hand" is more typical of the earthly administration in Christ's reign of righteousness.

At His appearing and the dawn of the Kingdom, Christ will destroy all His enemies and reign until the last enemy, namely

death, has been abolished at the end of the Kingdom (1 Cor. 15:24), and the millennium will give place to the eternal state.

SUMMARY

The first three sons of Jacob show natural man's corruption.

Reuben "see, a son" behaved as an unworthy son, and Simeon "heard" and Levi "attached") were brothers in evil.

Then three sons, Judah, Joseph and Benjamin, who are special types of Christ, show us how He intervenes first with Judah and finally with Joseph and Benjamin.

Then Zebulun, Issachar and Dan mark Israel's decline and ultimate apostasy as well as the apostasy of the last days.

Then after Jacob’s prayer –

Gad, Asher and Naphtali give an upward course of blessing with Israel being restored and all will see the salvation of the Lord.

Genesis 49 is a prophetic history, of which several parts have already been fulfilled in the course of Israel's existence, while other parts await their fulfilment in the end time.

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A Meditation on Deuteronomy 33

THE PROPHETIC BLESSING OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL BY MOSES (vs.1-29)

In contrast to the millennial blessings prophesied by Jacob to his sons in Genesis 49 which relate more widely to the whole earth the blessings prophesied by Moses to the tribes in Deuteronomy 33 relate more specifically to Israel. Each tribe is given specific blessings but these specific blessings no doubt will be shared by all Israel.

# Birth Order

Blessing

Order

Genesis 49

Blessing

Order

Deut. 33

Meaning of Name

1. Rueben Rueben Reuben “see a son”

2. Simeon Simeon ----------- “heard”

3. Levi Levi Judah “Praise”

4. Judah Judah Levi “attached”

5. Dan Zebulun Benjamin “Son of the right hand”

6. Naphtali Issachar Joseph “He will add”

7. Gad Dan Zebulon “dwelling” “habitation”

8. Asher Gad Issachar ‘hire” “ wages”

9. Issachar Asher Gad “a band” “a troop”

10. Zebulon Naphtali Dan “he that judges”

11. Joseph Joseph Naphtali “that struggles or fights”

12. Benjamin Benjamin Asher “happy”

Deuteronomy is a book largely focused on admonition but Chapter 33 beautifully closes God's message for Israel by

pronouncing blessing that is high above all the demands of law. This blessing is prophetic of the millennial blessing of

future Israel.

It is introduced with the Lord coming from Sinai and leaving behind the covenant of law. Then comes the dawning of

Israel from Seir and His shining forth from Paran. Paran means "their beautifying" and is a contrast indeed to Sinai

reminding us that in the millennium "the beauty of the Lord God" will be put on Israel (Ps. 90:17).

The coming "with ten thousands of His saints" (vs. 2) refers to the Lord's coming in majestic glory to establish His

millennial kingdom. "From His right hand came a fiery law for them." The Hebrew word translated "law" is not the usual

word, but is translated as "mandate". For the first covenant (that of law) will give place to the New Covenant, under

which God says, "I will put my law in their minds, and will write it on their hearts" (Jer.31:31-33).

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"Yes, He loves His people" (v.3) has always been true but it will be realized by Israel in that day as it never has been

before. "

All His saints are in thy hand" speaks of Him who holds them in His hand of power. They will then sit down at the feet of

the Lord Jesus, ceasing from their own works. Every one at that time will gladly receive His words. What a change from

the previously rebellious nation!

Verse 4, 5 recalls the giving of the law by Moses, the law being a heritage in which Israel should have rejoiced but here

Moses is said to be "King in Jeshurun" (Jeshurun is a symbolic name for Israel signifying ‘righteous’) typifying Christ, who

will have the place of King in the coming day, when all Israel will be gathered in a unity they have never before displayed.

REUBEN (v.6)

Reuben was the beginning of Jacob's strength (Gen.49:3) the strength of the flesh. Such strength must be brought down

to nothing, yet grace would preserve his life and it is stated that he would not die. Yet his men would be few. (JND) This

emphasizes the remnant blessing for most of Israel is not saved and blessed. Rom. 9:27

JUDAH (v.7)

Though Reuben (the firstborn) has been referred to first, the order of birth is then not followed. The Messiah was to

come from Judah and God would hear Judah's voice, as indeed He hears every prayer of His beloved Son, and will bring

Him to His people at that time when they are reduced to utter helplessness. “His hands will be sufficient for him” can only

be said of Christ, the works of whose hands are absolute perfection. God also would be His help against His enemies,

defeating them in the day of His glory.

LEVI (vs.8-11)

Simeon is left out of this list entirely, possibly because of Simeon's taking the lead in corrupting Israel in committing

fornication with the Midianites (Num.25:14). They were, in a sense, lost in the land but in the future day of which Ezekiel

prophesies, when the twelve tribes will be restored and the land will be re-divided, the tribe of Simeon has its portion.

Ezek. 48: 24-35. They are also mentioned in Rev. 7: 7, when a remnant of them will be sealed for blessing.

Levi was given the place of priesthood to draw specially near to God. Levi's Urim and Thummim are said to be "with

your holy One” meaning "perfections and lights". This is seen in the reflections of the precious stones in the ephod. (v.8)

The Urim and Thummim were used by the priests when inquiring of God. In the Future millennial day when needs of

discernment arise Israel will gladly commit this entirely to God's Holy One, the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone is all-wise and

discerning.

The things of God were paramount to Levi. Because of this he says of his father and mother, "I have not seen them" (v.9).

He recognized no natural relationship that could compare with his relationship to God. This reminds us of the words of

the Lord Jesus at a time when He was told His mother and His brethren sought for Him. He answered, "Who is My

mother, or My brethren?" (Mk.3:33). "And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, Here are

My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother" (Mk.3:34-35).

Every natural relationship must give way to a true spiritual relationship. This is emphasized in the words, "they have

observed thy word and kept thy covenant."

So the Levites were to teach Israel (v.10) and they would also lead Israel in worship, offering incense to God and burnt

offerings as stated in their prayer, "Bless his substance, Lord, and accept the work of his hands," while on the negative

side, God's judgment is asked against those who rise against him or who hate him.

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BENJAMIN (v.12)

Benjamin, whose name means "Son of my right hand" a place of nearness and communion with God and beloved of

the Lord is seen dwelling between God's shoulders. It is another characteristic of Israel which will be beautifully seen in

the coming day of her glory as Benjamin is a type of the Lord Jesus.

JOSEPH (vs.13-17)

Much more is said of Joseph, however, for Benjamin did not go through the deep suffering and pressure that Joseph did.

This section speaks of the abundance of fruitful prosperity that Israel will yet enjoy in the age to come.

Psalm 4:1 tell us, "In pressure Thou hast enlarged me" (JND), a truth beautifully true of Joseph, and indicative of the

great blessing that Israel will yet receive as a result of their deep pressure of years, culminating in the Great Tribulation.

God will show how He is able to bring about the greatest blessing from the greatest suffering.

The Lord will bless the land with precious things of heaven (v.13), for even the heavenly city, the new Jerusalem, the

metropolis of God's creation, will have its twelve gates inscribed with the name of the tribes of Israel (Rev.21:12).

From that heavenly city the grace of God will pour its abundant blessing on the earthly people of God. The dew from

heaven, typical of the Spirit of God, will moisturize the nation, to prosper the growth of fruit for God. "The deep lying

beneath" seems to infer that depths of evil will be changed into depths of goodness, so that nothing will be against them,

but everything ministering to the spiritual energy of bearing fruit.

As well as moisture, the sunshine must be added that there may be precious fruit (v.14). The sun is typical of the Lord

Jesus, "the Sun of righteousness" spoken of in Malachi 4:2 as arising on Israel with healing in His wings.

"The precious produce of the months" connects with Revelation 22:2, though that verse refers to the Lord Jesus as the

Tree of life yielding twelve fruits, one each month. He Himself, the Tree of life, will be in heaven, in the midst of the

Assembly, the Church of God. The twelve fruits are for Israel, while the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the

Gentile nations. Wonderful prosperity!

Verse 15 adds another lovely feature of the fruitfulness of Israel, "With the best things of the ancient mountains, with

the precious things of the everlasting hills." Ancient mountains speak of authority established from time immemorial.

Israel will then recognize that the Lord Jesus is indeed "the Lord, the King of Israel," "the Redeemer, the Lord of hosts,"

who says, "I am the First and I am the Last; beside Me there is no God" (Isa.44:6).

When they accept His authority, which has been from eternity past, their submission will be a vital part of the fruit they

bear for God amongst the nations.

Israel will also be blessed with the precious things of the earth and its fullness (v.16). Their land, their earthly possession,

will bear fruit abundantly because of "the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush” referring to Exodus 3:2, where Moses saw

the bush burning but not being consumed. The burning bush pictures Israel going through the fires of tribulation, but

being preserved through it.

All this blessing comes "on the head of Joseph, on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers."

Joseph, separated from his brothers, is a type of the Lord Jesus, who, through His solitary sufferings and death, is the

great Recipient of all blessing from God. Yet, as Joseph shared with his brothers the blessing that came to him in Egypt, so

the Lord Jesus will share with Israel all these blessings that are said to be the portion of Joseph.

"His majesty is as the firstling of his ox". (JND)

He is seen here as having strength to subdue every enemy, with horns like those of the wild ox. Thus He pushes all

enemies before Him. This is Christ in His people Israel victorious over the entire world. The two sons of Joseph, Ephraim

and Manasseh, fathered the tribes that had this honor of representing Joseph, and indeed representing all Israel (v.17).

The One who endured the piercing of the cross (the horns of the unicorns) is now seen in His power. (Rev. 1:7)

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ZEBULON AND ISSACHAR (vs.18-19)

These two tribes are considered together with Zebulon going out and Issachar in his tents. Both are told to rejoice (v.18).

The nation Israel will be privileged to enjoy both of these in the day of her glory.

In going out they shall call the peoples to the mountain, no doubt the mountain of the house of the Lord (v.19). And

there the character of nearness to the Lord will have its place, with sacrifices of righteousness, sacrifices that will call to

remembrance the one great sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on Calvary. Sharing in this blessing will be precious, just as today it

is precious to share with saints of God the enjoyment of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus.

More than this, they shall partake of the abundance of the seas and of the treasures hidden in the sand. This speaks of

the Gentile nations also contributing to the blessing of Israel.

"The abundance of the seas" is a significant expression, for the population of the seas is tremendously great. The sand of

the seashore (Gen. 22:17) also speaks of Gentiles, so that "treasures hidden in the sand" tell us that though the Gentiles

have been previously strangers to the covenants of God, yet God has endowed them with hidden treasures that will

eventually be brought into the open by the manifestation of the Lord Jesus, who will turn many Gentiles to Himself. Israel

will share in the joy of this also. This is beautifully pictured in John 21:11, 12.

GAD (vs.20-21)

Gad means "a troop" and indicates a warrior character, which will be most evident in Israel when God restores them to

their inheritance.

God "enlarges Gad" (v.20) for Gad represents Israel in the conflict of gaining their inheritance, as a lion "dwells," not

running away, but tearing the arm raised against him, and "the crown of his head," evidently the enemy's crown. In the

future the king of the north shall enter "into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall

escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon," Dan. 11: 40, 41; these will be

left for Israel to punish: see Isa. 11: 14.

"He provided the first part for himself" (v.21) being typical of Christ, who is always the Representative of His people, and

must be carefully distinguished from all others. He has the lawgiver's portion reserved for Him. This is not the law in the

sense in which Moses gave it, but that of the New Covenant in His writing His laws upon Israel's heart (Jer.31:31-33).

Thus "He came with the heads of the people; He administered the justice of the Lord, and His judgments with Israel."

His administration will include others as heads of the people, but in contrast to all other administrations, His will be

according to the perfect justice of the Lord. How wonderful a day indeed!

DAN (v.22)

Dan means "judge" and thus is closely connected with Gad, and being "a lion's whelp" indicates power against enemies.

Bashan means “soft rich soil” and this reference to Dan leaping from Bashan may have reference to the prosperity and

richness of the land in that millennial day.

NAPHTALI (v.23)

The prosperity of Naphtali represents also the prosperity of Israel, "satisfied with favor and full of the blessing of the

Lord." This perhaps speaks more of the spiritual blessings.

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ASHER (vs.24-25)

Asher, meaning "happy" appropriately concludes the blessing of the tribes.

"Asher is most blessed of sons: let him be favoured by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil" (v.24).

Again, all Israel is represented in the lasting joy of which Asher speaks. "They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow

and sighing shall flee away" (Isa.35:10).

Dipping his foot in oil speaks of the Holy Spirit influencing Israel’s walk from this time onward.

"Your sandals shall be iron and bronze (or copper)."

Iron speaks of strength and copper holiness. There will be no weakening of a consistent walk before God in holiness

throughout the millennium. Their days will be "as the days of a tree" (Isa.65:22), continuing for the thousand years of the

millennial age, and "as your days, so shall your strength be" (v.25). Their strength will not fail even after 1000 years!

A SUMMARY OF ALL (vs.26-29)

After dealing with each of the tribes and the blessings for Israel that they represent, Moses gives a lovely summary. How

appropriate that he emphasizes the greatness of the Lord Himself in this last message for Israel!

"There is none like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds" (v.26).

Jeshurun means "the righteous one" Israel will be designated as "the righteous one" in that day, because her faith in

Christ their King then will be counted as righteousness.

From the height of heaven this great God will work in the hearts of the people to produce a marvellous change, and they

will realize that "the eternal God" is their refuge, and underneath them the everlasting arms (v.27).

How wonderful a revelation to their hearts that the Lord Jesus whom they crucified is the eternal God! His arms of

eternal strength will uphold them.

In that day the enemy will not be able to stand as God will thrust him out, with the solemn sentence, "Destroy them".

Then only will Israel at last dwell in safety, with a fountain of never failing blessing, "alone" or secluded from any danger

of pollution (v.28), in a land of grain and new wine, the best of food and unhindered joy.

The heavens will also drop dew, not a downpour of rain, but sufficient moisture gently provided.

How happy will Israel be, depending on Him who is the shield of their help and the sword of their majesty, -- the shield

for defensive warfare and the sword for the offensive. Then Israel will be the head and not the tail. (Deut. 28:13)

EZEKIEL CHAPTERS 45-48

(45:1-6) THE HOLY PORTION OF THE LAND

Zooming out from just the temple, God directs Ezekiel's attention to the land surrounding it. Once the Jews are

permanently and completely regathered into the land of Israel after the Tribulation, the land is going to be divided

among the tribes.

One portion of the land is going to be set aside - a holy portion. The length given is 25,000 and 25,000 great cubits

8.3 miles square (1.75 feet= 1 cubit) Ez. 40:5 JND

This holy portion of the land is set apart for the temple, for the priests, the Levites, and the city.

(45:7-12) PRINCES WILL PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS

On either side of the holy portion land is set aside for the prince. God mentions that in the past, the leaders of Israel had

greedily taken land from the people and that with this new allocation this will never happen again. God uses this

occasion to tell the leaders of Ezekiel's day to stop their corrupt practices. The leaders of Ezekiel's day had been guilty of

violence, destruction, and expropriations.

Ezekiel tells them to begin exercising justice, righteousness, and fairness. The "just balances" refer to the balance scales

that were used to measure weight. It was easy to tip the balances in your favor by using dishonest weights. In the same

way, the ephah and homer (dry measure), bath (liquid measure), and shekels (weight) were to be accurate as well.

(45:13-17) THE OFFERING FOR THE PRINCE

Once God has established that the measurements He tells Ezekiel what the offerings will be in the Millennium. The

people will give the offerings to the prince, and he will make the offerings that will purify the people.

(45:18-20) CLEANING THE SANCTUARY

Even in the Millennium, the sanctuary will need cleansing because of those who go astray or are naïve - people still sin in

the Millennium. These two groups include those who commit error, as well as those who are "empty-headed" (the word

for "naive" is "peth-EE" which means "simple," coming from a root words that means "spacious, wide open").

(45:21-24) THE PASSOVER

The Passover will be celebrated in the Millennium - a continual celebration of the Lamb of God Who caused the

judgment for sin to pass over those who believe.

(45:25) FEAST OF TABERNACLES

The Feast of Tabernacles (Booths, Ingathering) will also be observed in the Millennium. Zechariah gives some details

about what will happen then:

Zech. 14:16-19 (JND)

“And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together, gold,

and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. And so shall be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the

ass, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents, as this plague. And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all

the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to

keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to

worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not,

that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast

of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast

of tabernacles.”

And Isaiah gives more…

Is. 2:2-4

“And it shall come to pass in the end of days, that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the

mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow unto it. And many peoples shall go and say,

Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and

we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and Jehovah’s word from Jerusalem. And he shall judge

among the nations, and shall reprove many peoples; and they shall forge their swords into ploughshares, and their spears

into pruning-knives: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

(46:1-3) THE SABBATH IN THE MILLENNIUM

There will be the Sabbath day in the Millennium - six days of work, one day of rest. Accordingly, the gate to the inner

court will be open on the Sabbath, but closed the other six days.

(46:4-15) OFFERINGS

These verses describe various offerings in detail: the burnt offering, grain offering, new moon, etc.

(46:16-18) THE YEAR OF LIBERTY

Here we are reminded that the prince is a man, having sons, and operating under a system of laws that keeps him from

the same wrong-doing that the princes in Ezekiel's day were guilty of.

Just like previously under the law, in the Millennium, a portion of the land may only be given temporarily. It reverts back

in the year of Jubilee, which happens every 50 years (Lev 25:10-13).

(46:19-24) THE BOILING AND BAKING PLACE

In these verses, Ezekiel is shown some kitchens in the corners of the court where the offerings were boiled or baked.

(47:1-12) WATER FLOWS FROM THE TEMPLE

Zech. 14:8 (JND)

“And it shall come to pass in that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea,

and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.”

Joel 3:18 (JND)

“And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and

all the water-courses of Judah shall flow with waters; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of Jehovah, and shall

water the valley of Shittim.”

In Ezekiel we are shown that it starts as a trickle, and turns into a massive river. Everywhere the water flows, it

brings life. The trees that grow will produce fruit for food, and leaves for healing.

(47:13-23) BOUNDARIES OF ISRAEL

The rest of chapter 47 describes boundaries of the land that will be divided among the tribes. This only describes the

land over to the Jordan River but the total possession of the land will extend to the Euphrates River (Deut. 1:7; 11:24;

Josh. 1:4).

(48:1-7) THE TRIBES' INHERITANCE

God begins to describe in detail the inheritance that each tribe will receive, starting from the north and going

southward.

(48:8-22) THE HOLY PORTION

In the middle of the description, God describes the holy portion of the land, where the temple is, as well as the land of

the priests, Levites, prince, and Jerusalem.

(48:23-29) The Tribes' Inheritance (cont’d)

Continuing southward, God finishes the details of each tribe's inheritance.

(48:30-34) THE GATES OF THE CITY

Lastly, God describes the 12 exit gates of Jerusalem.

(48:35) THE LORD IS THERE

The name of Jerusalem is going to be changed.

"Jerusalem" is a prophetic name - "Vision of Peace."

But in that day it will have a new name: "Yahweh-Shammah," which means "the Lord is there."

HOLY OBLATION

(Ezekiel 45:1-8; 48:8-10) 69 square miles

25,000 Cubits, 8.3 miles

10,000 Cubits 3.3 miles

5,000 Cubits 1.6 miles

25,000 Cubits 8.3 miles

PR

IN

CE

PR

IN

CE

EZ. 45:1, 5, 6 JND

Ezekiel 45:1, 5, 6 JND Ez. 45:7,8

Ez. 45:7,8

Ez. 45:6

LEVITES

Ministers of the House Ez. 45:5

10,000 Cubits 3.3 miles

TEMPLE

Suburbs 1 square

mile)

PRIESTS

The Holy Portion of the Land Ez. 45:2-4

500 Reeds 1 mile

SANCTUARY

JERUSALEM

4500 CU 1.5 mi

12 gates

Suburbs 250 CU

River of living waters (Ez. 47:1-5; Zech. 14:8)

To the Dead Sea (Zech. 14:8)

To the Mediterranean

Sea (Zech. 14:8)

2.2square miles

The Lord is There - Jehovah Shammah

EZ. 48:35