Ezekiel 47:11

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Die moerasse en kuile daarvan -- hulle sal nie gesond word nie: vir sout is hulle bestem.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Ezekiel says that while much of the land will be healed, the marshy and muddy areas will remain unchanged and given over to salt. The speaker is the prophet Ezekiel, and the key message is about the limits of healing and the persistence of hardship.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a garden, and most of it is becoming beautiful and green. But there are some areas that are very muddy and full of water. Even though the rest is getting better, these parts stay the same and become salty. It's like those parts can't get better, even when everything else does.

Historical Background

Ezekiel, a prophet, wrote this around 593-571 BCE. He was speaking to the Israelites in exile in Babylon, predicting a future return and the restoration of their homeland. The imagery of salt and mud reflects the harsh realities of the land they hoped to reclaim.

Living It Out Today

In a modern context, this verse can apply to someone facing a challenging situation where most things are getting better, but some aspects of life remain difficult or unchanged. It's a reminder that some parts of life may always be challenging, even when other parts are improving.

Topics

• healing
• hope
• restoration
• salvation
• challenges
• perseverance

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 29:23
• Psalm 107:34
• Matthew 5:13
• Mark 9:49
• Luke 14:34

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the salt symbolize in Ezekiel 47:11?

The salt symbolizes barrenness and the persistence of hardship. In ancient times, salted land was often unusable for agriculture, reflecting areas of life that remain challenging despite overall improvement.

Who is speaking in Ezekiel 47:11?

The speaker is the prophet Ezekiel, who is describing the future restoration of the land to the Israelites who were in exile.

Why are the marshy areas not healed?

The text suggests that these areas are not healed because they are naturally unsuitable for healing. This reflects the idea that some aspects of life, despite overall improvement, may remain unchanged or challenging.

How can this verse be used in modern life?

This verse can remind people that while many aspects of life can improve, there will always be challenges that persist. It encourages a realistic view of life's difficulties while maintaining hope for improvement in other areas.