Water shall flow from the temple, gradually deepening as it flows: a shallow rivulet only covering your ankles, a brook flowing knee-deep, a growing stream up to your waist, a mighty river too deep to ford (Ezekiel 47:1-5). What does it mean? “Mortal, have you seen this?” (47:6). (Throughout the book God has addressed Ezekiel as ben adam (בֶן־אָדָם), translated as “mortal” by the NRSV. This could be translated literally as “son of man,” yet it could equally be translated as “son of earth” or “child of earth,” or “son of Adam” or “child of Adam” – and doing so probably lets us hear more clearly that the vision addresses not only Ezekiel, but all of us.)

This river will support many trees (47:7), providing a constant supply of fruit and leaves with healing properties (47:12). This river will be so full of life it will turn the Dead Sea into fresh water (47:8), yet even then it will still be possible to gather salt from the marshes (47:11). This river will support many kinds of fish (47:9), creating a thriving fishing economy (47:10). What does it all mean? “Child of earth, have you seen this?”

We children of earth are invited to see this imagery, and recognize that it points toward a great abundance of refreshment and restoration. What does it mean? It means there will be enough food for everyone. It means the things that have been dead will be full of life once again. It means the trees will be strong, fruitful, and beautiful. It means healing for the sick, and forgiveness and a new start for those who have failed. It means families full of joy, instead of misery. It means the power of God will flow forth, turning our parched souls into fertile ground that yields a rich harvest. “Child of Adam, have you seen this?”

From the depths of the Exile Ezekiel had indeed seen it: and so he concluded with this ringing affirmation: “The name of the city from that time on shall be, The Lord is there” (48:35). Along with Ezekiel, the rest of us mortals are also invited to see that the presence of the Lord will pour out like an ever-broadening river, transforming all the barrenness into loveliness and paradise once more.

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May it be so, O Lord! Let the river run, this river of grace, full and wide and deep, to restore us frail children of dust and fill us with your life, abundant and overflowing. You alone can do it, O God: and so we trust in you.

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