Ezekiel 38:15

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבָ֤אתָ
And thou shalt come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
מִמְּקֽוֹמְךָ֙
from thy place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#3
מִיַּרְכְּתֵ֣י
parts
properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess
#4
צָפ֔וֹן
out of the north
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
#5
אַתָּ֕ה
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#6
וְעַמִּ֥ים
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
רָֽב׃
and a mighty
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#8
אִתָּ֑ךְ
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#9
רֹכְבֵ֤י
with thee all of them riding
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
#10
סוּסִים֙
upon horses
a horse (as leaping)
#11
כֻּלָּ֔ם
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
קָהָ֥ל
company
assemblage (usually concretely)
#13
גָּד֖וֹל
a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#14
וְחַ֥יִל
army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#15
רָֽב׃
and a mighty
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Ezekiel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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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