Ezekiel 26:5

Authorized King James Version

It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD: and it shall become a spoil to the nations.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִשְׁטַ֨ח
It shall be a place for the spreading
a spreading-place
#2
חֲרָמִ֤ים
of nets
physical (as shutting in) a net (either literally or figuratively); usually a doomed object; abstractly extermination
#3
תִּֽהְיֶה֙
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#4
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
הַיָּ֔ם
of the sea
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
#6
כִּ֚י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
אֲנִ֣י
i
#8
דִבַּ֔רְתִּי
for I have spoken
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#9
נְאֻ֖ם
it saith
an oracle
#10
אֲדֹנָ֣י
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#11
יְהוִ֑ה
GOD
god
#12
וְהָיְתָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#13
לְבַ֖ז
and it shall become a spoil
plunder
#14
לַגּוֹיִֽם׃
to the nations
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

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 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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