יחזקאל, פרק מ״ז, פסוק י״ט

Tracing the southern border of the Land of Israel reveals a blend of ancient historical landmarks and a vision of future territorial expansion. To firmly establish the direction of this boundary, the description relies on double terms for the south, emphasizing the precise orientation of the border [מצודת ציון].

The boundary begins at Tamar, a site that sparks debate among scholars. One approach identifies this starting point as Jericho, famous in ancient times as the City of Palm Trees [רש״י, רד״ק]. However, others argue that Jericho is situated too far north to serve as a southern boundary. Instead, they identify the location as Hazazon-tamar, also known as En-gedi, which lies in the southern territory of Judah [מצודת דוד]. Taking a broader, future-oriented perspective, another view places Hazazon-tamar deep within the Negev desert, just before Mount Seir. This interpretation suggests that the future borders will expand significantly southward to include the lands of Edom, Ammon, and Moab, fulfilling ancient promises made to Abraham [מלבי״ם].

From there, the border sweeps toward the waters of Meriboth-kadesh, an area identified with the Wilderness of Zin [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. This location is rich with history, as it is the site of ancient Kadesh-barnea, where the Israelites famously quarreled with Moses and Aaron over a lack of water during their wanderings in the desert [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In the context of the future, this historic site will serve as a marker for the newly expanded southern frontier, reaching well beyond the neighboring territories [מלבי״ם].

The boundary then follows a water channel leading directly to the Great Sea. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the Brook of Egypt, a riverbed whose waters empty into the Mediterranean at the southwestern corner of the land [רש״י, רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Although an ancient Aramaic translation tradition interprets the term for this brook as an inheritance or estate, scholars firmly reject that reading. They view it as a misunderstanding by mistaken readers, clarifying that the description here strictly denotes a physical water channel forming the border [רש״י, רד״ק].

Finally, the boundary description closes with a definitive declaration affirming this exact route as the southern border [מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Ultimately, it paints a picture of a land destined to stretch outward, embracing the vast southern expanses in its future growth [מלבי״ם].