Ezekiel 47:21-23

Ezekiel 47:21-23 (ESV): “21 “So you shall divide this land among you according to the tribes of Israel. 22 You shall allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the sojourners who reside among you and have had children among you. They shall be to you as native-born children of Israel. With you they shall be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.”

The Abrahamic Covenant will find its ultimate fulfillment in the Millennial Kingdom. The land apportioned to native-born Jews will be shared with sojourners who have raised children in the land. Israel remains God’s chosen nation.

After Ezekiel received instructions concerning the sacrifices to be offered in the Millennial Temple, he was given further direction regarding the allotment of the land. The land apportioned to Israel will be in accordance with the Abrahamic Covenant, as described in Genesis 15:18–21—often referred to as “Greater Israel,” encompassing approximately 300,000 square miles. At Israel’s peak under Solomon’s reign, they occupied only about 10% of this territory. In the Millennial Kingdom, however, they will inhabit the entire land.

How do you view Israel today? Do you believe they are still God’s chosen nation? If not, have you studied the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12:1–3; 15:7–21)? The issue in our culture today—and one reason replacement theology is on the rise—largely centers on this question. Jesus is the fulfillment of the covenant (Gal. 3:7–17). As Paul goes on to say in Galatians 3:27–29, all who are in Christ are Abraham’s offspring and thus heirs according to the promise.

A careful study of this truth leads to the conclusion that there are still distinctions in the roles of Jews and Gentiles, Israel and the Church—just as there remain distinct roles between male and female in Christ. The Church has not replaced Israel for the land promise has not yet been fulfilled. As Ezekiel prophesies here, native-born Israelites and their sojourners will inherit the land in the Millennial Kingdom, fulfilling the land covenant given to Abraham.

Father, help us to come to the correct conclusion regarding Your plan for the modern-day people of Israel. We pray for clarity and conviction from Your Spirit regarding these things. In Jesus’ name, amen.