Definition: And the south side southward, from Tamar [even] to the waters of strife [in] Kadesh, the river to the great sea. And [this is] the south side southward.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezekiel 47:19. It's a pretty poetic and important passage about God’s plan for Israel in the future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God is going to restore the land of Judah (and later, all of Israel) with a massive, powerful river – the Jordan River – flowing into the Mediterranean Sea. Let's unpack that a little more: “And the south side southward…” : This refers to the southern part of the land that was traditionally held as belonging to Israel. It’s a specific area that God intends to heal and restore. “…from Tamar [even] to the waters of strife in Kadesh…” : “Tamar” is a specific region in Judah, historically considered to be the heartland of Israel. "Even" emphasizes that this restoration isn't just happening in one place; it’s going to cover the whole south side. “Waters of strife in Kadesh” refers to an area near the ancient city of Kadesh (now part of the Negev desert). This area was a strategic location for the Israelites and was considered a source of conflict and division. “…the river to the great sea.” : This is the key part! The Jordan River, which flows through Israel, will become a mighty river that eventually flows into the Mediterranean Sea. It’s a massive, life-giving waterway, symbolizing God's blessing and abundance for the land. What does this verse mean in a bigger picture? Restoration: It speaks of a complete restoration – reclaiming a lost land and bringing it back to its former glory. Divine Purpose: It shows that God has a specific plan for Israel, even after centuries of division and conflict. He’s actively working to heal the land and bring about a time of abundance and peace. Hope for the Future: It's a message of hope – it tells us that God is working towards a future where the land will be whole again. In short, Ezekiel 47:19 describes God’s grand plan to restore the land of Judah by bringing back the Jordan River and making it flow into the Mediterranean Sea, signifying a time of renewal and blessing. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some historical context about the area described? Talk about what this verse might mean for modern-day Israel?