Ezekiel 47-48 - A River Flows Through It

Posted on 09/01/2025

Ezekiel points to a river the nation of Israel had interacted with before as a way of encouraging them in a dark hour.

Ezekiel 47-48
Pastor Gene Pensiero
Series: Cry Me A River (Ezekiel)

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Journey with us through the book of Ezekiel as we explore one of the Bible's most fascinating and recurring symbols: the river. In this video, we dive deep into Ezekiel chapters 47 and 48, where we discover a vision of a literal, physical river flowing from the Millennial Temple. This river, however, is part of a larger, biblical pattern that spans from Genesis to Revelation and into eternity.

In this teaching on Ezekiel, we will study the history and symbolism of this extraordinary river. We'll trace its origins back to the Garden of Eden and the Rock in the wilderness, and then forward to its future manifestation in the Millennial Kingdom and the eternal New Jerusalem. We'll examine how this river, which flows from the observable, manifested presence of God, brings life and healing wherever it goes. We will also consider how it stands in contrast to the contaminated rivers of our world, like the Chicago River, and even in contrast to man-made traditions like the use of “holy water.”

We will read Ezekiel 47:1-12 and look at the progression of the river, which starts as a trickle and grows into a torrent. We will see how this life-giving water flows into the Dead Sea, healing its waters and making it a place of abundant life and fish. As the vision in Ezekiel concludes, we will also look at the boundaries of the land, the tribal portions, and the name of the city, “The Lord is There,” or Jehovah Shammah.

This Bible study is not just for scholars; it is for every believer. We will also explore the one dispensation where this river is not physical, but supernatural: the Church Age. We will learn how we, as the Temple of the Holy Spirit, have rivers of living water flowing from within us. We will discuss the beautiful, yet at times uncomfortable, reality of being fully surrendered to the Holy Spirit's power in our lives, just as Ezekiel was in the river.

If you are looking for a verse-by-verse study of the Bible, or if you are interested in Christian teaching that is deeply rooted in God’s word, we hope you will join us. This study is part of our ongoing series on Ezekiel, taught in the style of Calvary Chapel. It is our desire to humbly present God’s word so that you might grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.