Ezekiel 47:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Among these, Joseph's tribe is divided into two: Ephraim and Manasseh, who asked Joshua the son of Nun, ‘Why have you given me only a single lot when I am numerous?’ But Joshua replied, ‘If you are indeed numerous, go up to the forest and clear a place for yourself in the land of Perizziah and Raphael, if the mountain of Ephraim is causing you difficulty (Hab. 17:13-14).’ Furthermore, Joshua said to the house of Ephraim and Manasseh, ‘You are many, and your strength is considerable: you will not be allotted just one portion, but you shall ascend the mountains, clear a space for yourself, and dwell further, when you have defeated the Canaanites, of whom you claim they have iron chariots and are very strong.’ This clarification is necessary because the Scripture refers to Joseph receiving a double portion, namely, Ephraim and Manasseh. In contrast, the other tribes receive their land proportionately, not based on the whims of the divider, but according to the lot assigned by the Lord. Therefore, Joshua himself, the one who allocated the land, did not reserve a distinct territory for himself, so it wouldn't seem he favored himself with the best, but instead received from the leaders of all tribes the territory of Phamnathsareth on Mount Ephraim.

Their flourishing contributes to well-being; for when we reflect on the immense goodness of a life aligned with God, we benefit from it and achieve divine health. Following this, the Prophet receives knowledge about the boundaries of Israel. To the north, it is noted, lies Imath, which is the extent of Damascus. Imath is known as Epiphany, while some refer to it as Emessa; two cities of this name are acknowledged in sacred Scripture, where it states, "To Imath the great." From the east, the boundary is defined by the Jordan, and to the south, it stretches to the waters of the forerunner, as interpreted by the Syrian translator, Mari Moth. The sea will serve as the boundary to the west. God ordained that this land be allocated not solely to the descendants of Israel but also to the foreigners residing among them, who, as the Scripture states, have sired children among you. And in every tribe, the strangers living among them shall receive an inheritance alongside the tribe itself, in accordance with what the prophet has written.