Ezekiel 47:22
And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.
Ezekiel 47:22 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Ezekiel in the Bible emphasizes the inclusivity and fairness of God's plan for the distribution of land among His people. The practice of dividing land by lot was a common way of ensuring that each family received a fair and just portion of the inheritance. The verse also highlights the importance of welcoming and including strangers who choose to live among the Israelites. These strangers were to be treated as equals, receiving an inheritance just like those born in the country. This act of inclusion demonstrates God's desire for unity and harmony among His people, regardless of their background or origins. It is a reminder of the value of hospitality and acceptance towards others, echoing the broader theme of love and compassion found throughout the Bible. By allowing strangers to share in the inheritance with the tribes of Israel, God promotes a sense of belonging and community among His people, reinforcing the importance of unity and mutual respect.
Theological Overview
One theological interpretation of this verse from the book of Ezekiel emphasizes the inclusivity and equality that God promotes among his people. The idea of dividing the land by lot for an inheritance reflects the fairness and impartiality of God's distribution of blessings. This is further emphasized by the inclusion of strangers who sojourn among the Israelites, highlighting God's acceptance and provision for those from different backgrounds. The concept of strangers becoming as born in the country among the Israelites symbolizes the unity and oneness that God desires among his chosen people. By granting inheritance to the strangers, God demonstrates his desire for all people to be included in his promises and blessings, regardless of their heritage or origin. This verse serves as a reminder of God's inclusive love and his desire for unity and equality among all his children.
Ezekiel 47:22 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it shall come to pass, that ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you and to the strangers that sojourn among you, who shall beget children among you; and they shall be unto you as the home-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.
World English Bible
It shall happen, that you shall divide it by lot for an inheritance to you and to the aliens who live among you, who shall father children among you; and they shall be to you as the native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.
Douay-Rheims
And you shall divide it by lot for an inheritance to you, and to the strangers that shall come over to you, that shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as men of the same country born among the children of Israel: they shall divide the possession with you in the midst of the tribes of Israel.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And you shall deuide it by lot for an inheritance vnto you, and to the strangers that dwell among you, which shall beget children among you, and they shall be vnto you, as borne in the countrey among the children of Israel, they shall part inheritance with you in the middes of the tribes of Israel.