Chapter Summary

River of the new sanctuary. Borders of the land.

Discussion Questions for Ezekiel, Chapter 47

1. In what way does this chapter resemble the scene in the Garden of Eden? What are some areas of your life that need restoration?
2. Where is the source of the river in chapter 47? Why is this significant?
3. In chapter 43 God’s voice is described as “rushing waters” whereas here, the water forms a river. What is the difference you feel between sitting in front of crashing waves compared to that of sitting in a spot by a peacefully flowing river? What characteristics of God are displayed in each?
4. Jerusalem, (and most of Israel for that matter) is not known for being a place of having much fresh water. (Check out Jerusalem and Israel on Google maps and see how much water you see … there is not much!). Yet in Ezekiel's vision this stream of water fills the whole countryside. What conclusions can we make about the quantity of water? Think about a time when you used a lot of water to clean something. How did the quantity of water help?
5. Compare the scene of this chapter to that of Jesus’ words in John 10:10. What similarities do you see? How has Jesus figuratively fulfilled the vision of Ezekiel?
6. Compare this chapter with Zechariah 14:6-9, what differences and similarities are there? Can you think of any other passages in the Bible that describe a scene similar to this?
7. How is the change brought about by the gospel similar to the change brought about by the waters coming out of the temple? Explain how the gospel has changed you.
8. What is the significance that the water starts off ankle deep, then knee deep, then waist deep and finally so deep that one cannot walk across it? Name a time in your life where God started something small and then it grew into something big.
9. Verses 21-23 state that the foreigners also had rights to receive an inheritance among the land of the Israelites. What does this reveal about God? How is the Christian to apply this principle today?
10. What is the significance of having set boundaries? Have you ever tried to explain away sin saying that it was a "gray area?" When?

Key Words/Phrase

River of sanctuary, v. 1; borders, v. 13.

Characters

God, Ezekiel.

Strong Verse(s)