Ezekiel 10:1

Authorized King James Version

Then I looked, and, behold, in the firmament that was above the head of the cherubims there appeared over them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נִרְאָ֖ה
Then I looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#2
וְהִנֵּ֤ה
lo!
#3
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#4
הָרָקִ֙יעַ֙
and behold in the firmament
properly, an expanse, i.e., the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky
#5
אֲשֶׁר֙
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
רֹ֣אשׁ
that was above the head
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#8
הַכְּרֻבִ֔ים
of the cherubims
a cherub or imaginary figure
#9
כְּאֶ֣בֶן
H68
stone
a stone
#10
סַפִּ֔יר
over them as it were a sapphire
a gem (perhaps used for scratching other substances), probably the sapphire
#11
כְּמַרְאֵ֖ה
as the appearance
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#12
דְּמ֣וּת
of the likeness
resemblance; concretely, model, shape; adverbially, like
#13
כִּסֵּ֑א
of a throne
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
#14
נִרְאָ֖ה
Then I looked
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#15
עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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