Ezekiel 48:6
Adjoining the territory of Ephraim, from the east side to the west, Reuben, one portion.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse subtly highlights a restoration for Reuben, a tribe whose inheritance was historically diminished due to sin. Despite Reuben's past failures and loss of preeminence, in this new, divine ordering, he is given a significant and secure border territory, showing God's enduring grace to forgive and re-establish His people.
Ezekiel is describing the future division of the land of Israel, assigning specific territories to each tribe in a divinely ordered arrangement. This section begins with a portion for Dan and then moves south, detailing where Reuben's territory will be located, situated alongside Ephraim's portion. This precise placement within the promised land marks a significant restoration for Reuben, whose ancestral inheritance had been geographically different and whose tribe had faced shame for past failures.
Reuben was the firstborn, but his actions cost him dearly. How does this vision in Ezekiel speak to his tribe's future?
A Shadow of What Was Lost
Reuben held the esteemed position of the firstborn son. However, his actions – specifically his sin with Bilhah (Genesis 35:22) and his later instability – led to a loss of preeminence.
Restoration in the Vision
Ezekiel's vision, however, paints a different picture. Here, Reuben is not forgotten, but given a specific, contiguous portion alongside Ephraim and Judah. This signifies a restoration and a secure place within God's redeemed people, reflecting that God's grace can restore what was lost due to sin.
Land was everything to ancient Israel. What does a specific plot of land mean for a tribe, especially one that had stumbled?
More Than Just Real Estate
In the Old Testament, land wasn't merely property; it was a divine gift, a tangible sign of God's presence, covenant faithfulness, and provision. To have a 'portion' of land meant security, identity, and belonging within God's people.
A New Beginning on Holy Ground
Understand the original words
terumah · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the division or distribution of land as an inheritance, often signifying a divine assignment or a sacred share of the Promised Land. In a broader biblical sense, it relates to the portion God provides for His people.
Ezekiel's vision of restored tribal land grants is symbolic. It reassigns territory to Reuben, a tribe whose ancestral lands east of the Jordan were lost in the Assyrian conquest and whose identity faded during the Babylonian exile, signifying a future restoration and remembrance by God.
c. 1050 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Following their Exodus from Egypt, the Israelites under Joshua conquer Canaan and divide the land among the twelve tribes. Reuben receives its ancestral territory east of the Jordan River.
c. 931 BC
Division of the United Monarchy
After the death of Solomon, the united kingdom splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel (ten tribes) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (two tribes). Reuben's territory falls within the northern kingdom.
c. 722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, exiling its population and effectively ending the distinct existence of its tribes. Reuben is among the "lost tribes."
c. 597 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
As the Babylonian Empire rises, King Jehoiachin of Judah and many of its elite are deported to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Judahite exile.
This passage describes Jacob's prophecy for Reuben, noting his loss of preeminence due to his sinful actions, which mirrors the later assignment of a portion in Ezekiel's vision, suggesting a restoration or remembrance.
Numbers 1:5As the firstborn, Reuben was initially listed first among the tribes in the census, highlighting his status. Ezekiel's placement of Reuben's portion next to Ephraim and Judah in the new division implies a reordering and perhaps a renewed significance for the tribe.
Joshua 13:15-23This passage details the original inheritance of the tribe of Reuben east of the Jordan River. Ezekiel's description of Reuben's portion in the new, divinely ordered land signifies a shift and a new assignment within God's eternal plan.
Revelation 21:12The mention of the twelve gates and twelve tribes in the New Jerusalem echoes Ezekiel's detailed tribal divisions, suggesting that the restored and eternal city will encompass all of God's people, including those from tribes like Reuben.
pooleEzekiel 48:6: "And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Reuben."
No text from Poole on this verse.
gillEzekiel 48:6: "And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Reuben."
And by the border of Ephraim, from the east side unto the west side, a portion for Reuben. Who, through his sin, lost his birthright; but now, his sin being forgiven and forgotten, has a portion assigned him upon the border of Ephraim, and next to the tribe of Judah; when in Moses and Joshua's time it lay on the other side Jordan: this points to such persons that shall have their lot…
This verse subtly highlights a restoration for Reuben, a tribe whose inheritance was historically diminished due to sin. Despite Reuben's past failures and loss of preeminence, in this new, divine ordering, he is given a significant and secure border territory, showing God's enduring grace to forgive and re-establish His people.
Ezekiel is describing the future division of the land of Israel, assigning specific territories to each tribe in a divinely ordered arrangement. This section begins with a portion for Dan and then moves south, detailing where Reuben's territory will be located, situated alongside Ephraim's portion. This precise placement within the promised land marks a significant restoration for Reuben, whose ancestral inheritance had been geographically different and whose tribe had faced shame for past failures.
Ezekiel is describing the future division of the land of Israel, assigning specific territories to each tribe in a divinely ordered arrangement. This section begins with a portion for Dan and then moves south, detailing where Reuben's territory will be located, situated alongside Ephraim's portion. This precise placement within the promised land marks a significant restoration for Reuben, whose ancestral inheritance had been geographically different and whose tribe had faced shame for past failures.
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c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Destruction of the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the remaining population of Judah. The Southern Kingdom ceases to exist.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Conquest of Babylon
The Persian Empire, led by Cyrus the Great, conquers Babylon. This ushers in an era where exiled peoples, including the Judahites, are permitted to return to their homelands.
c. 586 BC - c. 539 BC— this verse
Exile and Loss of Tribal Identity
During the Babylonian exile, the distinct tribal identities, including that of Reuben, are largely lost. The focus shifts to a shared identity as Judahites, centered around the memory of Jerusalem and the Law.
"Adjoining the territory of Ephraim, from the east side to the west, Reuben, one portion." — This verse subtly highlights a restoration for Reuben, a tribe whose inheritance was historically diminished due to sin. Despite Reuben's past failures and loss of preeminence, in this new, divine or…
