Page 271 - NOTES ON EZEKIEL

CHAPTER XLVII. 265
of animal and vegetable life within and around; but
there is marked exception here, as verse 11 shews, even
if we accept the view that these unhealed waters are
reserved or destined for the production of salt. Lovely
is the picture of God’s bountiful provision in verse 12,
though here too we may note the supply of leaves
for medicine. It is an earthly scene.
It may be remarked here how singularly some of the
ancient versions (the Greek, Syriac, and Arabic) have
mistaken the plain and certain meaning of verse 8.
All three have blundered alike in making
mean Galilee, the Septuagint and the Arabic adding also
the error of translating as Arabia, the
Syriac as the north, or north-east instead of the plain
or valley of the Jordan. The Targum of Jonathan has
avoided these mistakes.
The rest of the chapter is occupied with the arrange­
ment of Israel according to their future place in the
land; and here Henderson cannot but return to 44 the
literal Canaan and the literal tribes,” as alone meeting
the demand of the unbiassed expositor. The counsels
of God stand. Joseph, whatever the dark history of
his sons meanwhile, must have his portion ; the title
of flesh failed, Reuben forfeited his birthright; but not
the original gift of grace. So the prophet begins the
distribution. 44 Thus saitli the Lord Jehovah, This
shall be the border, whereby ye shall inherit the land
according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Joseph shall
have two portions. And ye shall inherit it, one as well
as another : concerning the which I lifted up mine hand
to give it unto your fathers: and this land shall fall
unto you for inheritance. And this shall be the border