Ezekiel 28:16

Authorized King James Version

By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּרֹ֣ב
By the multitude
abundance (in any respect)
#2
רְכֻלָּתְךָ֗
of thy merchandise
trade (as peddled)
#3
מָל֧וּ
they have filled
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#4
מִתּ֖וֹךְ
from the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#5
חָמָ֖ס
of thee with violence
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
#6
וַֽתֶּחֱטָ֑א
and thou hast sinned
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#7
וָאֶחַלֶּלְךָ֩
therefore I will cast thee as profane
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#8
מֵהַ֨ר
out of the mountain
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
#9
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
of God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#10
וָֽאַבֶּדְךָ֙
H6
and I will destroy
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
#11
כְּר֣וּב
cherub
a cherub or imaginary figure
#12
הַסֹּכֵ֔ךְ
thee O covering
properly, to entwine as a screen; by implication, to fence in, cover over, (figuratively) protect
#13
מִתּ֖וֹךְ
from the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#14
אַבְנֵי
H68
of the stones
a stone
#15
אֵֽשׁ׃
of fire
fire (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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