Ezekiel 17:15

Authorized King James Version

But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיִּמְרָד
But he rebelled
to rebel
#2
בּ֗וֹ
H0
#3
לִשְׁלֹ֤חַ
against him in sending
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#4
מַלְאָכָיו֙
his ambassadors
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#5
מִצְרַ֔יִם
into Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#6
לָֽתֶת
that they might give
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
ל֥וֹ
H0
#8
סוּסִ֖ים
him horses
a horse (as leaping)
#9
וְעַם
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#10
רָ֑ב
and much
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#11
הֲיִצְלָ֤ח
Shall he prosper
to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)
#12
וְנִמְלָֽט׃
and be delivered
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#13
הָעֹשֵׂ֣ה
that doeth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
אֵ֔לֶּה
these or those
#15
וְהֵפֵ֥ר
such things or shall he break
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
#16
בְּרִ֖ית
the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#17
וְנִמְלָֽט׃
and be delivered
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Ezekiel.

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

Questions for Reflection

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