And the border from the sea shall be Hazarenan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side.

EZEKIEL 47:17KJV
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Ezekiel 47:17 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 47:17 mean?

Ezekiel 47:17 describes the northern border of the land as seen in Ezekiel’s vision, marking it from the sea to Hazarenan, and including the borders of Damascus and Hamath. This verse is part of a detailed description of the boundaries for the land assigned to Israel in the prophet’s vision of restoration.

In this passage, God is speaking to Ezekiel, giving him a vision of the future boundaries of Israel after their return from exile. The verse lists specific places—Hazarenan, Damascus, and Hamath—to define the northernmost edge, showing the extent of the land in concrete terms. This boundary-setting is part of a larger section where God lays out the restored land’s borders for the people.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 47:17

  • "border" (גְּבוּל, gevul): This word appears several times in the verse and refers to a defined boundary or limit. Its repetition stresses the importance of clear, set borders in God’s plan for the land.
  • "sea" (יָם, yam): This usually refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which forms the western edge of the land. Mentioning the sea as a starting point anchors the border in a well-known geographic feature.
  • "north" (צָפוֹן, tsafon): Used both as "north" and "northward," this word marks the direction and emphasizes the northernmost extent of the territory. The double use highlights the focus on the farthest reach in that direction.

Why Ezekiel 47:17 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the land promised in Ezekiel’s vision is not vague or symbolic but is described with real, identifiable places, showing God’s intent to restore Israel to a specific territory.
  • By naming neighboring regions like Damascus and Hamath, the verse shows the relationship between Israel and surrounding nations, which is important for understanding the historical and prophetic context.
  • Ezekiel 47:17 fits into a larger section where God is reestablishing order and structure for His people after exile, emphasizing restoration, boundaries, and identity.

Where else these words appear

“Hamath” Hebrew H2574 · used in 35 verses

  • Numbers 13:21 So they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath.
  • 2 Kings 19:13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?
  • Isaiah 36:19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arphad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim? and have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?

“Damascus” Hebrew H1834 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 14:15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
  • 2 Kings 16:10 And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.
  • Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.

“side” Hebrew H6285 · used in 59 verses

  • Exodus 25:26 And thou shalt make for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that are on the four feet thereof.
  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Ezekiel 48:1 Now these are the names of the tribes. From the north end to the coast of the way of Hethlon, as one goeth to Hamath, Hazarenan, the border of Damascus northward, to the coast of Hamath; for these are his sides east and west; a portion for Dan.

“north” Hebrew H6828 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
  • 1 Chronicles 26:14 And the lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, they cast lots; and his lot came out northward.
  • Ezekiel 20:47 And say to the forest of the south, Hear the word of the LORD; Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will kindle a fire in thee, and it shall devour every green tree in thee, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned therein.