Ezekiel 17:22

Authorized King James Version

Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will also take of the highest branch of the high cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the top of his young twigs a tender one, and will plant it upon an high mountain and eminent:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כֹּ֤ה
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
#2
אָמַר֙
Thus saith
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
יְהוִ֔ה
GOD
god
#5
וְלָקַ֣חְתִּי
I will also take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#6
אָ֗נִי
i
#7
מִצַּמֶּ֧רֶת
of the highest branch
fleeciness, i.e., foliage
#8
הָאֶ֛רֶז
cedar
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#9
הָרָמָ֖ה
of the high
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
#10
וְנָתָ֑תִּי
and will set
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#11
מֵרֹ֤אשׁ
from the top
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#12
יֹֽנְקוֹתָיו֙
of his young twigs
a sprout
#13
רַ֣ךְ
a tender one
tender (literally or figuratively); by implication, weak
#14
אֶקְטֹ֔ף
it I will crop off
to strip off
#15
וְשָׁתַ֣לְתִּי
and will plant
to transplant
#16
אָ֔נִי
i
#17
עַ֥ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#18
הַר
mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#19
גָּבֹ֖הַ
it upon an high
elevated (or elated), powerful, arrogant
#20
וְתָלֽוּל׃
and eminent
to pile up, i.e., elevate

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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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