Ezekiel 37:20

Authorized King James Version

And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהָי֨וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
הָעֵצִ֜ים
And the sticks
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#3
אֲֽשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
תִּכְתֹּ֧ב
whereon thou writest
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#5
עֲלֵיהֶ֛ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
בְּיָדְךָ֖
shall be in thine 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
#7
לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם׃
before their eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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