Topical Bible: Water: Vision of, by Ezekiel

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The vision of water in the Book of Ezekiel is a profound and symbolic revelation given to the prophet Ezekiel, illustrating the life-giving and transformative power of God's presence. This vision is recorded in Ezekiel 47:1-12 and is a part of the larger vision of the restored temple and land, which spans from chapters 40 to 48.

Context and Setting

Ezekiel, a prophet during the Babylonian exile, receives a series of visions concerning the future restoration of Israel. In the 25th year of the exile, Ezekiel is transported in a vision to the land of Israel, where he is shown a new temple. This vision serves as a message of hope and restoration for the exiled Israelites, promising a future where God's presence will dwell among His people once more.

The Vision of the Water

In Ezekiel 47:1-12, the prophet is led by a heavenly guide to the entrance of the temple, where he sees water flowing from beneath the threshold toward the east. The water begins as a trickle but gradually deepens as it flows further from the temple. Ezekiel is led through the water at various intervals, measuring its depth: first ankle-deep, then knee-deep, waist-deep, and finally a river that could not be crossed on foot.

The water flows into the Arabah and ultimately into the Dead Sea, transforming the salty waters into fresh, life-sustaining waters. This miraculous transformation results in an abundance of fish and the flourishing of trees along the riverbanks. The trees bear fruit every month, and their leaves are described as having healing properties.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The vision of water in Ezekiel is rich with symbolic meaning. The water flowing from the temple represents the life-giving presence of God, emanating from His dwelling place and bringing renewal and healing to the land. The increasing depth of the water signifies the progressive and overwhelming nature of God's blessings and the transformative power of His Spirit.

The transformation of the Dead Sea, a body of water known for its high salinity and lifelessness, into a thriving ecosystem symbolizes the restoration and renewal that God brings to His creation. The abundance of fish and the fruitful trees along the riverbanks further emphasize the theme of life and prosperity that comes from God's presence.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the vision of water in Ezekiel foreshadows the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth. It points to the future hope of spiritual renewal and the ultimate restoration of all things under God's sovereign rule. This vision resonates with other biblical themes, such as the river of life in Revelation 22:1-2, which also depicts a river flowing from the throne of God, bringing healing and life to the nations.

Ezekiel's vision serves as a powerful reminder of God's promise to restore and bless His people, offering hope and encouragement to believers throughout the ages. It underscores the transformative power of God's presence and the abundant life that flows from a relationship with Him.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 47:1-5
Afterward he brought me again to the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward: for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ezekiel's vision (Preached Before the Queen at Windsor, June 16 ...
The Water of Life and Other Sermons. <. ... SERMON IX. EZEKIEL'S VISION (Preached
before the Queen at Windsor, June 16, 1864.). EZEKIEL i.1, 26. ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon ix ezekiels vision preached.htm

The Water of Life and Other Sermons
... Title Page. SERMON I. THE WATER OF LIFE (Preached at Westminster Abbey). ... SERMON IX.
EZEKIEL'S VISION (Preached before the Queen at Windsor, June 16, 1864.). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/

Although the Jew, Then, May Offer no Defence for Himself in the ...
... and its physical structure divided, in order that Ezekiel might be ... power, such as
a faculty of vision which can ... He that sent me to baptize with water, the same ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlviii although the jew.htm

Ezekiel
... difficult to see how the command to eat bread and drink water "with trembling ... Ezekiel's
imaginative power perhaps reaches its climax in his vision of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezekiel.htm

The Fourth vision "On Earth"
... its Structure exactly corresponds with the preceding Vision "in heaven ... Ezekiel
20:35-38.) "There will I plead with you ... of his mouth after the woman, water as a ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision on earth.htm

The River of Life
... deep; another thousand"about a mile in all"and the water was unfordable ... has grown
for these nineteen centuries corresponds with Ezekiel's vision"which is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the river of life.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... the earth; the seventh consists of the third Vision "in heaven ... that "the Egyptians
could not drink of the water of the ... Ezekiel 32:7, 8. Joel 2:10, 30, 31; iii.15 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church ...
... It is because your life has been, and will be, saved through water. ... Chap. XIII.
"Now, in the third vision, you saw her still younger, and ... [81] [Ezekiel 1:28.]. ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/vision third concerning the building.htm

Entire Sanctification in Prophecy.
... But the record of the glorious vision is still preserved ... In the thirty-sixth chapter
of Ezekiel we have some ... sins: "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter v entire sanctification in.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... We now give the first vision, E^1, vi.1- vii ... When God describes, through Ezekiel,
the famine during the siege ... and drink water by measure." (Read Ezekiel 4:10, 16 ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm