Ezekiel 20:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to enquire of the LORD, and sat before me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י׀
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
בַּשָּׁנָ֣ה
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#3
הַשְּׁבִיעִ֗ית
And it came to pass in the seventh
seventh
#4
בַּֽחֲמִשִׁי֙
in the fifth
fifth; also a fifth
#5
בֶּעָשׂ֣וֹר
month the tenth
ten; by abbreviated form ten strings, and so a decachord
#6
לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ
day of the month
the new moon; by implication, a month
#7
בָּ֧אוּ
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#8
אֲנָשִׁ֛ים
that certain
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
#9
מִזִּקְנֵ֥י
of the elders
old
#10
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#11
לִדְרֹ֣שׁ
to enquire
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#12
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#13
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#14
וַיֵּשְׁב֖וּ
and sat
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#15
לְפָנָֽי׃
before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

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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