Ezekiel 17:18
Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape.
Original Language Analysis
לְהָפֵ֣ר
by breaking
H6565
לְהָפֵ֣ר
by breaking
Strong's:
H6565
Word #:
3 of 12
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
בְּרִ֑ית
the covenant
H1285
בְּרִ֑ית
the covenant
Strong's:
H1285
Word #:
4 of 12
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
נָתַ֥ן
when lo he had given
H5414
נָתַ֥ן
when lo he had given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
6 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
יָד֛וֹ
his hand
H3027
יָד֛וֹ
his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
7 of 12
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְכָל
H3605
וְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עָשָׂ֖ה
and hath done
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
and hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
Hand-clasping was standard in ancient treaty-making. Nebuchadnezzar's 'giving of the hand' formalized the vassal relationship. Contemporary Mesopotamian texts and reliefs depict such ceremonies. Oaths were sworn before both parties' gods—Babylonian deities and Yahweh—making violation sacrilege.
Questions for Reflection
- What does covenant solemnity teach about marriage vows, church membership, sacred commitments?
- How should certainty of 'not escaping' shape our choices before making commitments?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Comprehensive guilt: 'he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand.' 'Given his hand' refers to clasping hands to seal agreements (Ezra 10:19, 2 Kings 10:15). 'Lo' (Hebrew hinneh)—'behold!'—emphasizes shocking treachery. 'He shall not escape' reinforces judgment's certainty. Covenant-breaking brings inescapable consequences.