יחזקאל, פרק מ״ז, פסוק י״ח

Defining the future borders of the Land of Israel places the Jordan River as the geographic spine separating the inner territory from the surrounding regions. Mapping this eastern boundary sparks a deep discussion about the future status of the land east of the Jordan River. The primary approach among commentators is that the eastern border does not include this eastern territory, much like the original boundaries outlined in the Book of Numbers. According to this view, the Jordan River serves as a strict dividing line separating regions like Hauran and Gilead, which remain outside the border, from Damascus and the Land of Israel, which lie within it [רש״י, מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Conversely, another perspective suggests that in this future vision, the territory east of the Jordan is indeed included within the borders of the land [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

The eastern boundary line continues its path southward from the north until it reaches the eastern sea [מצודת ציון]. The widely accepted view identifies this body of water as the Dead Sea, which anchors the southeastern corner of the land [רש״י, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. However, another opinion suggests it may refer to the Sea of Galilee, as both are prominent eastern seas [רד״ק]. The Israelites are commanded to actively measure and establish the length of this specific border [רד״ק, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ], officially finalizing the eastern edge of their territory [רש״י, מצודת דוד].

Alongside this exact geographic mapping, an alternative approach views the future eastern border not as a rigid line, but as a flexible and evolving space. According to this concept, while the width of the tribal territories will be strictly measured and permanently fixed, the length of their land extending eastward will have no defined limits. As a tribe grows in population, its people will be able to continuously push their boundaries further east, expanding their inheritance into an open frontier without any ultimate restriction [מלבי״ם].