Ezekiel 24:10

Authorized King James Version

Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burned.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַרְבֵּ֤ה
Heap
to increase (in whatever respect)
#2
הָעֵצִים֙
on wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#3
הַדְלֵ֣ק
kindle
to flame (literally or figuratively)
#4
הָאֵ֔שׁ
the fire
fire (literally or figuratively)
#5
הָתֵ֖ם
consume
to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
#6
הַבָּשָׂ֑ר
the flesh
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
#7
וְהַרְקַח֙
and spice
to perfume
#8
הַמֶּרְקָחָ֔ה
it well
abstractly, a seasoning (with spicery); concretely, an unguentkettle (for preparing spiced oil)
#9
וְהָעֲצָמ֖וֹת
and let the bones
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
#10
יֵחָֽרוּ׃
be burned
to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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