Ezekiel 12:20

Authorized King James Version

And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֶעָרִ֤ים
And the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#2
הַנּֽוֹשָׁבוֹת֙
that are inhabited
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#3
תֶּחֱרַ֔בְנָה
shall be laid waste
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
#4
וְהָאָ֖רֶץ
and the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#5
שְׁמָמָ֣ה
shall be desolate
devastation; figuratively, astonishment
#6
תִֽהְיֶ֑ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֖ם
and ye shall know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#8
כִּֽי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#9
אֲנִ֥י
i
#10
יְהוָֽה׃
that I am the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Ezekiel. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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