Ezekiel 23:16

Authorized King James Version

And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַתַּעְגְּבָ֥
she doted
to breathe after, i.e., to love (sensually)
#2
עֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
לְמַרְאֵ֣ה
And as soon as she saw
a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),
#4
עֵינֶ֑יהָ
them with her eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
וַתִּשְׁלַ֧ח
upon them and sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#6
מַלְאָכִ֛ים
messengers
a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)
#7
אֲלֵיהֶ֖ם
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
כַּשְׂדִּֽימָה׃
unto them into Chaldea
a kasdite, or descendant of kesed; by implication, a chaldaean (as if so descended); also an astrologer (as if proverbial of that people

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 revelation 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ezekiel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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