Ezekiel 47:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I am numerous; let the Lord bless me." Jesus responded, "If you are numerous, go up into the forest area and clear a spot for yourself in the land of the Perizzites and Rephaim, if the mountains of Ephraim distress you." Furthermore, Jesus addressed the house of Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are many, and your might is strong; you shall not settle for a single portion, but you will ascend the hill country, clear your own space, and be able to dwell further, once you have defeated the Canaanite, whom you claim possesses iron chariots and is exceedingly mighty." I felt it necessary to mention this because Scripture speaks of Joseph receiving a double portion, representing both Ephraim and Manasseh. In contrast, each of the other tribes is allotted a land parcel in accordance with their size, not through the whim of the divider but in accordance with the lot determined by the Lord's authority. Hence, Jesus himself, the one who apportioned the land, did not reserve a special area for himself, as it might seem he selected the best for his own benefit; instead, he received the territory of Phamnathsareth on Mount Ephraim from the elders of all the tribes.

Following this, the Prophet receives insight regarding Israel’s borders. From the north, the path leads to Imath, which extends to the threshold of Damascus. Imath is also referred to as Epiphany, and others call it Emessa; two cities of this name are mentioned in the sacred texts, noting “to Imath the great.” From the east, the boundary is the Jordan River, and from the south, it stretches to the waters named after the precursor, as translated by the Syrian translator: Mari Moth. To the west, the sea serves as the boundary. God ordained that this land should be apportioned not only to those of Israel’s lineage but also to the foreigners residing among them, who, as noted, have borne children within your borders. Each tribe shall ensure that the sojourners dwelling among them, as voiced by the prophet, will receive their portion along with the tribe.