Ezekiel 39:9

Authorized King James Version

And they that dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves, and the spears, and they shall burn them with fire seven years:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽיָצְא֞וּ

H3318

shall go forth

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

יֹשְׁבֵ֣י׀

H3427

And they that dwell

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

in the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּבִעֲר֥וּ

H1197

and shall set

to be(-come) brutish

וְ֠הִשִּׂיקוּ

H5400

and burn

to catch fire

בְּנֶ֨שֶׁק

H5402

the weapons

military equipment, i.e., (collectively) arms (offensive or defensive), or (concretely) an arsenal

וּמָגֵ֤ן

H4043

both the shields

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

וְצִנָּה֙

H6793

and the bucklers

a (large) shield (as if guarding by prickliness)

#10

בְּקֶ֣שֶׁת

H7198

the bows

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

#11

וּבְחִצִּ֔ים

H2671

and the arrows

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

#12

וּבְמַקֵּ֥ל

H4731

a shoot, i.e., stick (with leaves on, or for walking, striking, guiding, divining)

#13

יָ֖ד

H3027

and the handstaves

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

#14

וּבְרֹ֑מַח

H7420

and the spears

a lance (as thrown); especially the iron point

#15

וּבִעֲר֥וּ

H1197

and shall set

to be(-come) brutish

#16

בָהֶ֛ם

#17

אֵ֖שׁ

H784

on fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#18

שֶׁ֥בַע

H7651

seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

#19

שָׁנִֽים׃

H8141

years

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Ezekiel chapter 39 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?

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