Ezekiel 3:22

Authorized King James Version

And the hand of the LORD was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתְּהִ֥י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עָלַ֛י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

יַד

H3027

And the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וַיֹּ֣אמֶר

H559

was there upon me and he said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֵלַ֗י

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

ק֥וּם

H6965

unto me Arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

צֵא֙

H3318

go forth

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

הַבִּקְעָ֔ה

H1237

into the plain

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

#12

וְשָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#13

אֲדַבֵּ֥ר

H1696

and I will there talk

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#14

אוֹתָֽךְ׃

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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