Ezekiel 30:7

Authorized King James Version

And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נְשַׁמּ֑וֹת
And they shall be desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#2
בְּתוֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#3
אֲרָצ֣וֹת
of the countries
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
נְשַׁמּ֑וֹת
And they shall be desolate
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)
#5
עָרִ֥ים
and her cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#6
בְּתוֹךְ
in the midst
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
#7
עָרִ֥ים
and her cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
נַחֲרָב֖וֹת
that are wasted
to parch (through drought) i.e., (by analogy,) to desolate, destroy, kill
#9
תִּֽהְיֶֽינָה׃
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

Analysis

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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