Ezekiel 21:20

Authorized King James Version

Appoint a way, that the sword may come to Rabbath of the Ammonites, and to Judah in Jerusalem the defenced.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
דֶּ֣רֶךְ
a way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#2
תָּשִׂ֔ים
Appoint
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
#3
לָב֣וֹא
may come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
חֶ֔רֶב
that the sword
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
#5
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
רַבַּ֣ת
to Rabbath
rabbah, the name of two places in palestine, east and west
#7
בְּנֵֽי
of the Ammonites
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#8
עַמּ֑וֹן
ammon, a son of lot; also his posterity and their country
#9
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
יְהוּדָ֥ה
and to Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#11
בִירוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#12
בְּצוּרָֽה׃
the defenced
to gather grapes; also to be isolated (i.e., inaccessible by height or fortification)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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