Ezekiel 47:13-23; ; Ezekiel 48:1-7
Israel’s frontiers are established and, within this framework, each tribe receives its inheritance: a straight strip reaching from the Mediterranean to beyond Jordan (as far as the Euphrates, according to the divine promises finally fulfilled: Exodus 23:31; Joshua 1:4). If we compare this division of the land with the complicated pattern of the original boundaries made by Joshua and his messengers (see Joshua 18:1-28), we admire the simplicity of everything when it is God who establishes it! Each territory being evenly shared, there will be neither jealousy nor dispute (read Joshua 17:14). And as if to anticipate such things, the LORD Himself lays down that Joseph is to have two portions (v. 13; fulfilment of Genesis 48:5). Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had previously chosen their lot apart from the other tribes. Now they are to dwell in the midst of their brethren within the bounds the LORD has set for them (Ezekiel 48:4; Ezekiel 48:6; Ezekiel 48:27). Neither is there any separation between Judah and the ten tribes. Of these some dwell in the north, others in the south, on either side of "the holy oblation," henceforward realising v. 1 of Psalms 133:1-3 : "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’