What is the meaning of Ezekiel 48:28?

The southern border of Gad

– By naming Gad’s “southern border,” the Lord specifies a literal territorial assignment for this tribe in the restored land (compare Ezekiel 48:27; Joshua 13:24-28).

– The detail underscores God’s faithfulness to keep covenant promises right down to geographic lines (Genesis 17:8).

– These boundaries ensure each tribe receives its portion without overlap, reflecting divine order (Ezekiel 48:29).

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From Tamar

– “Tamar” anchors the border’s starting point in the far south (Ezekiel 47:19).

– The same landmark is used for Judah’s border, showing harmony among tribal allotments (Ezekiel 48:1-2).

– God’s repetition of known sites roots this vision in recognizable terrain, assuring that the future distribution is as real as the historic one recorded in Joshua.

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Waters of Meribath-kadesh

– Moving westward, the line passes “the waters of Meribath-kadesh” (Deuteronomy 32:51).

– Meribath-kadesh—scene of Moses striking the rock (Numbers 20:13)—evokes God’s provision and Israel’s testing.

– By fixing a border here, the Lord ties the tribe’s inheritance to a place where He displayed both holiness and grace, reminding the future occupants of their history.

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Along the Brook of Egypt

– The “Brook of Egypt” (Genesis 15:18; 1 Kings 8:65) forms the southwestern edge.

– This wadi, often dry except in rainy seasons, marks the traditional limit of the land promised to Abraham.

– Its inclusion signals the fullest extent of Israel’s covenant territory being honored at last (Exodus 23:31).

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Out to the Great Sea

– The boundary finally reaches “the Great Sea,” the Mediterranean (Ezekiel 47:10).

– By ending at this vast body of water, Gad’s border gains a natural, unmistakable terminus.

– The phrase echoes earlier allotments (Numbers 34:6) and foreshadows the prosperity and security the Lord intends when the tribes dwell all the way to the coast.

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summary

Ezekiel 48:28 maps the exact south-western perimeter of Gad’s future inheritance. Starting at Tamar, skirting historic Meribath-kadesh, tracing the Brook of Egypt, and stretching to the Mediterranean, the verse demonstrates God’s meticulous care for His people’s land. Each landmark recalls past faithfulness and points to a coming day when Israel will finally enjoy the full, literal boundaries promised by the Lord.