Ezekiel 23:46
For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them, and will give them to be removed and spoiled.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֛י
H3588
כִּ֛י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כֹּ֥ה
H3541
כֹּ֥ה
Strong's:
H3541
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
הַעֲלֵ֤ה
I will bring up
H5927
הַעֲלֵ֤ה
I will bring up
Strong's:
H5927
Word #:
6 of 12
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
H5921
עֲלֵיהֶם֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
7 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְנָתֹ֥ן
upon them and will give
H5414
וְנָתֹ֥ן
upon them and will give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
9 of 12
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶתְהֶ֖ן
H853
אֶתְהֶ֖ן
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Ezekiel 16:40They shall also bring up a company against thee, and they shall stone thee with stones, and thrust thee through with their swords.Jeremiah 24:9And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for their hurt, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.Jeremiah 15:4And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah king of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Nebuchadnezzar's sieges (597, 586 BC) resulted in mass deportation and systematic plunder. The Babylonian Chronicles and biblical accounts describe removal of people, wealth, and sacred objects to Babylon. Everything prophesied occurred exactly—specific fulfillment of covenant curses written 800 years earlier by Moses.
Questions for Reflection
- How do human decisions fulfill divine plans without compromising human responsibility?
- What is the relationship between human responsibility and divine sovereignty in judgment?
- How should understanding God's control of history affect our view of current events?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For thus saith the Lord GOD; I will bring up a company upon them announces the mechanism—military invasion. And will give them to be removed and spoiled describes deportation and plunder. Removed (za'avah) indicates terror and trembling; spoiled (baz) means plundered. Both terms were earlier used for Israel's judgment in Deuteronomy 28:25. Covenant curses are fulfilled precisely across centuries. The phrase 'I will bring up' emphasizes divine agency—though Babylon chooses to invade, God orchestrates it. Secondary causes don't diminish primary causation. Human will and divine sovereignty operate simultaneously—biblical compatibilism. Babylon is fully responsible for their actions while fully accomplishing God's purpose. Both truths stand without contradiction.