Ezekiel 16:13

Authorized King James Version

Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתַּעְדִּ֞י

H5710

Thus wast thou decked

to advance, i.e., pass on or continue; causatively, to remove; specifically, to bedeck (i.e., bring an ornament upon)

זָהָ֣ב

H2091

with gold

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

וָכֶ֗סֶף

H3701

and silver

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

וּמַלְבּוּשֵׁךְ֙

H4403

and thy raiment

a garment, or (collectively) clothing

שֵׁ֤שׁי

H8336

was of fine linen

bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble

וָמֶ֙שִׁי֙

H4897

and silk

silk (as drawn from the cocoon)

וְרִקְמָ֔ה

H7553

and broidered work

variegation of color; specifically, embroidery

סֹ֧לֶת

H5560

fine flour

flour (as chipped off)

וּדְבַ֛שׁ

H1706

and honey

honey (from its stickiness); by analogy, syrup

#10

וָשֶׁ֖מֶן

H8081

and oil

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

#11

אָכָ֑לְתְּי

H398

thou didst eat

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#12

וַתִּ֙יפִי֙

H3302

beautiful

properly, to be bright, i.e., (by implication) beautiful

#13

מְאֹ֔ד

H3966

and thou wast exceeding

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#14

מְאֹ֔ד

H3966

and thou wast exceeding

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

#15

וַֽתִּצְלְחִ֖י

H6743

and thou didst prosper

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

#16

לִמְלוּכָֽה׃

H4410

into a kingdom

something ruled, i.e., a realm

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 kingdom relates to eschatology and the ultimate purpose of God's redemptive plan 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 kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
What practical applications emerge from understanding kingdom of God as presented in this verse, particularly in light of providing hope in times of political and social upheaval?

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