What is the meaning of Ezekiel 47:10? Fishermen will stand by the shore “Fishermen will stand by the shore” pictures real people lining what was once the lifeless Dead Sea. In Ezekiel’s vision, the river flowing from the new temple (Ezekiel 47:1–9) heals the waters, turning the shoreline into a bustling place of work and community. Similar scenes of restored land and active labor appear in Isaiah 35:1–2 and Amos 9:13–15, underscoring God’s promise of physical renewal, not merely symbolism. As Jesus later called actual fishermen beside Galilee (Matthew 4:18–19), this verse anticipates a future setting where everyday vocations flourish under God’s blessing. from En-gedi to En-eglaim En-gedi sits midway down the west side of the Dead Sea (1 Samuel 24:1), while En-eglaim likely marks the northern end (cf. 2 Chronicles 20:2). Mentioning both points sketches the entire shoreline—“from one end to the other.” This geographical sweep highlights total transformation: every stretch formerly plagued by salt will teem with life. Jeremiah 31:38–40 offers a similar “boundary-to-boundary” promise for Jerusalem’s future, showing God’s intent to redeem complete regions, not isolated spots. they will spread their nets Spreading nets signals confident expectation of a catch. The act conveys: • Preparation—workers bring gear because they know the waters are productive. • Stability—regular fishing replaces the area’s prior barrenness. Luke 5:1–7 shows how obedience and faith meet divine abundance; here, the conditions themselves invite labor. The verse affirms that God’s blessings invite human participation rather than passive observation. to catch fish of many kinds “Fish of many kinds” portrays biodiversity where none existed. Ezekiel 47:9 already declared, “there will be very many fish.” This detail says the new ecosystem will rival any thriving sea, reflecting Genesis 1:20–21 where God filled the waters with varied life. Revelation 7:9 pictures “a great multitude…from every nation,” and the diversity of fish hints at the global scope of God’s redemptive plan—physical variety paralleling the spiritual gathering of people. like the fish of the Great Sea The “Great Sea” is the Mediterranean (Numbers 34:6). Comparing the rejuvenated Dead Sea to the Mediterranean emphasizes: • Quantity—the catch will be massive, not anecdotal. • Quality—the same richness found in Israel’s western waters will now appear in the east. Zechariah 14:8 speaks of “living waters” flowing both east and west from Jerusalem, confirming a worldwide reach of life-giving power originating in God’s presence. summary Ezekiel 47:10 promises a literal, future transformation of the Dead Sea area. As healing waters flow from the temple, the once-dead shoreline becomes a thriving fishery stretching from En-gedi to En-eglaim. Fishermen confidently spread their nets, gathering a rich, varied catch comparable to the Mediterranean’s bounty. The verse showcases God’s ability to turn utter desolation into abundance, fulfilling His covenant promises and previewing the universal life and prosperity that will mark His coming kingdom. |
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